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The Baltimore-raised singer-songwriter channels Paramore, As Cities Burn, and more on his catchy new release. As Jordan Coley recalls, he’s been playing music his whole life. Coley has been hooked ever since since since he was exposed from a young age when his parents got him piano lessons at 7 years old. Driven by a budding love for music and performance, he would pick up and practise other instruments along the way. Diving headfirst into his newfound love, he started performing at church when he was 15 and would start playing in bands a year later. Motivated by a simple yet strong passion for music and performance, Coley can also work and hone his skills as a music director at a multi-campus church in the Baltimore Area. Musically, Coley draws influence from real life and everything around him but also freely admits he’s been influenced stylistically by the music he grew up with; bands like The Receiving End of Sirens, Paramore, and Circa Survive, as well as more recent groups like Makari and Royal Coda. In 2017, Jordan released his first EP, "Slow Down," dedicated to the memory of his late mother, who passed away from cancer, showing remarkable resilience and the ability to channel personal loss and grief into something beautiful. “No Need for Grace” is Coley’s latest offering, an energetic, catchy track that both new and dedicated listeners are sure to love. It’s a track that feels both nostalgic and contemporary, blending nostalgic vibes reminiscent of the early 2000s emo subculture with Coley’s personal touch. “No Need For Grace” is a gutsy song about placing someone on a pedestal they no longer deserve. Although initially infatuated (“You're so marvellous / Aren't you glad they're looking up to you?”), Coley realizes that the object of his affection may not be all he thought she was. It’s Coley at his best, free and energized on the vocals and lyrics that ultimately tell a powerful story. Jordan Coley’s “No Need for Grace” is a deliciously nostalgic yet modern offering to the angsty teen within all of us. Whenever you’re ready to have a blast from the past that you can enjoy long into the future, stream “No Need for Grace,” available now. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Jordan Coley. We loved “No Need for Grace;" it had all the right feelings of nostalgia, but you also definitely added your twist there, which was super cool to see. We have to ask, what was the inspiration behind this track? Love that you heard all that in the song! I can talk both musically and lyrically on this; not sure how you meant it! Lyrically, the idea for No Need for Grace came from a series of comments I was getting from a certain group of folks on my social media. These were comments on sensitive social subjects from professing Christians, well in years, experience, and wisdom. Just so you know my background, I'm a Christian and currently serve as a music minister. Despite sharing that common thread with those commenters, I noticed a profound lack of grace in all of them. I found that pretty ironic, considering the faith's foundation is based on God's outrageous grace. I had a bit of a sad realization that with all those years and experience came something very different from the gentle humility I’d expected. Instead, I saw a theme of solid self-assuredness in who they thought God was, pride, and a general lack of empathy. I wrote the song as a commentary, exploring how silly our selfish pride (mine included!) can make us look when we stop and think about how we view ourselves as righteous. It grew way bigger than some comments on a social media post, but I hope we can all see a little of ourselves in it and take ownership of how we can get out of hand patting ourselves on the back. As Cities Burn, one of my all-time favorite bands played a big role in challenging me to write this way. Musically, nostalgia was a big factor! I took inspiration from bands like Pierce the Veil and Edison Glass, but also some slightly more recent favorites of mine like Makari and Harbour, to name a few! What inspires you to create music in general? As for what inspires me to create, I think I was just made to create. I get inspired by life events, from other artists, good stories, and art in general. Inspiration really is everywhere if you've got your eyes and ears tuned to it! What do you want your fans to feel when they listen to your music? When people listen to my music, my goal is for them to see themselves in the things I create. Empathy and understanding are the dream. The more we understand each other and stand in one another's shoes, the more we learn just how little really divides us. What was your favorite band growing up? This is a tough question to pin down! If you asked high school Jordan the same question every year, my answers would've been different. Looking back, I think I'll pick the group that had the biggest influence on me musically growing up: The Receiving End of Sirens! What’s next for Jordan Coley? Do you have any big plans for the rest of 2023, and can we expect to hear new music soon? There's SO much coming next, and I couldn't be more excited. No Need for Grace is just the beginning of a bunch of other new music on the way that I'm so proud of. I'm currently in the studio polishing an album. No release date is locked in just yet because I want to make sure I'm putting out the best things I possibly can, but it'll definitely be later this year! I've got plans to finally get back to playing shows again and looking to play in some new places this year starting this summer now that we seem to be (mostly) on the other side of our new normal after COVID. Could not be more excited about this season! Instagram Twitter

The Houston-based rapper channels his journey and the will to push through the hard times on his dark yet striking new release. Lowkea, a.k.a. Keaton Jones, is a rising rapper from Houston, Texas, who has found his passion in making music. Born and raised in Katy, Texas, Lowkea began his music career by remixing popular songs before branching out and making his music. He heavily draws from his life experiences when making his music; his past struggles with addiction are evident in his songs. Although he’s known for dark-themed productions, a feeling of grit and inner strength underlines his releases; this man has fought his demons but prevailed. On October 26th, 2020, Lowkea overdosed in his apartment, but this event did not stop him from pursuing his passion for music. Over the past two years, he has been clean from pills and instead went hard in the studio, releasing his debut album, "Leader of the Fall." The album gives listeners a glimpse into the flood of emotions someone goes through before and after becoming addicted to drugs, but it also shines a light on the calm after the storm, which is where Lowkea feels he is now. “Dear God” is a standout single for an already substantial project. Over rousing instrumentals, Lowkea casually drops lines like “My whole life I been running, but I barely passed a mile / This insane to me” and “The fact that I know what I'm doing wrong /I choose to un-do it” with a reverent honesty that implies he's seen the light in the darkness and harnessed it. Lowkea's music is not your average happy-go-lucky pop music but is genuine, raw, and relatable. Lowkea’s “Dear God” is a testament to the struggles and trials of life but finding a way to take the small wins and keep moving forward. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream “Dear God,” available now on all major streaming platforms. We liked that you don’t shy away from the struggles and instead shine a light on them. We have to ask, how does it feel being two years sober from pills and being able to harness your energy and put it into music? Thank you, thank you, that means a lot. I can honestly say I’ve never felt freer in life than I do now. Being addicted to anything, whether pills, alcohol… anything, you become a slave to whatever it is you’re chasing. So becoming sober is like getting a second chance to live again. How do you do it? How can you stay so consistent, having gone through what you’ve gone through? Any advice for anyone going through similar struggles? Surround yourself with positive influences and people who want to see your better side. I’m sure anybody facing addiction knows their environment plays a big part in their success rate when trying to escape. I am grateful to have such a robust support system around me. My advice is to look around you… Look where your friends are headed or already ended up… life has so much more to offer than a quick high. You recently released your new album, “Leader of the Fall.” What was your favorite part about seeing that project come to life? Man, I think I cried once or twice… finally achieving a finished project and receiving nothing but love on it has continued to fan the fire in my soul. My favorite part about watching it come to what it is is how it affected everybody differently. Every person I asked to be a part of that album delivered the way I had hoped in my mind, so shoutout to the feature list. Y’all killed it. What message do you want fans to take from your music? What do you want them to feel when they listen to a Lowkea song? It’s never too late to start over. Doesn’t matter how old you are… what part of town you grew up in… the cards you're dealt; it’s never too late to restart. Don’t be afraid to feel how you feel. It’s okay to be angry or upset… depressed or lonely… these are all normal feelings humans go through. So you are not alone. I hope people feel the emotion and the energy I bring to the tracks. I’ve always had the urge to inspire others… and I feel like music is my strong suit for inspiration. What’s next for Lowkea? Any big plans for 2023? Wow, that’s a loaded question, haha. Hmm… well, for starters, we will be releasing a much broader variety of Lowkea merch, introducing a vast list of music in connection with the clothing. It’s time to start wearing what we’ve been repping in the music on more than just our sleeves. Instagram Twitter

The Australian songstress shines just as brightly on her follow-up to the powerful “Hades Has a Daughter.” Chelsea Silva is a rising indie-pop artist from Sydney, Australia. Utterly true to herself and her artistic vision, Chelsea Silva is known for seamlessly blending the beauty and horror of life, drawing from personal experiences, and expressing her truth. Defined by an artistic honesty that is both rare and inspiring, Chelsea Silva's music is like a breath of fresh air. We can't wait to see what's in store for her. Working with well-respected producers Paul Aidan and David Skeet, who were instrumental in the production of her debut single "Hades Has A Daughter," Chelsea continues to push the boundaries of her art with her follow-up "Frontline." This dynamic partnership will continue to collaborate on future releases, making it clear that Chelsea is not one to shy away from experimentation and evolution in her music and that good music will be coming for a long time. The latest product of Chelsea's creative muse, "Frontline," is a powerful guitar-driven ballad that delves into the complexities of mental illness and the ongoing battle for freedom and control over one's body and mind. It embodies everything we've come to expect from Chelsea Silva. Lyrics like "If the words I say were written on my skin / Would I be kinder or be silent for a long time" capture Silva's inner turmoil. Yet, lines like "Be careful of the underground / What we don't know is dangerous" may be melancholy on the surface, but it is a defiance and strength that is hidden in the darkness. Chelsea is all about nuance, and balanced by Chelsea's rich and dynamic vocal style, "Frontline" perfectly captures feelings of melancholy delicately balanced by resolve and inner strength. Chelsea Silva's "Frontline" is a powerful follow-up to her explosive debut "Hades has a Daughter." With her powerful voice and raw, honest lyrics, Chelsea is an artist you want to watch out for in the future. Welcome back to BuzzMusic, Chelsea. After “Hades has a Daughter,” I guess it’s no surprise we loved “Frontline” too! We have to ask, what was the inspiration this time behind “Frontline?" Thank you so much for having me back! I am so glad you loved it; thank you! It truly warms my heart. The inspiration behind "Frontline" was during a very low point in my life when my depression and anxiety were too much to handle. I am thankfully ten times better now, but that moment made me reflect on how mental health can drastically impact one's physical, mental, and emotional abilities. This song was a form of therapy for me, to let out my vulnerable emotions and show my audience what it feels like to have these types of mental illnesses. It's also a way for others to know that they are not alone in their inner war against themselves and the world around them. So it’s been a little bit since “Hades Has A Daughter.” What has Chelsea Silva been up to since we last heard from you? Any cool new projects you’re working on for the future? It has! Two months already! It seems like a lifetime ago. I went on a much-needed family holiday from my home in Sydney to the Gold Coast in Australia! It was so warm and relaxing. It's my home away from home! I had a very fabulous time. I have also been cooking up some new songs for the new year! All will be revealed on my social media very, very soon. What do you want your fans to feel when they listen to your music? What kind of message do you want your music to give to them? I want my fans to feel like they are not alone and to have someone say, "I know how that feels." I want them to feel strong and empowered, knowing that there is bravery in going through mental health issues. It is a hard, life-long, everyday battle that we constantly have to deal with, but it's my way of saying that it will be okay and you can get through it, much like I have. What is the most important thing to you when you make music? I guess in a related way, what does music mean to you? The most important thing I think about is the following questions when I make music. Will it help people? Is it impactful? Do you think someone needs to hear this message? Does releasing this song feel more like a therapy session or a declaration to the world? What message are you trying to make? I have a new song if I can answer all these questions truthfully and create the music and lyrics to represent the answers best. What’s next for Chelsea Silva? Can we expect more releases this year, and do you have any big goals for 2023? A few new songs are in the works! One thing is for sure you guys have not heard the last of me. My big goal is to release songs that I am utterly and undeniably proud of. If I can do that, I will complete my New Year's resolution. Thank you, Buzz Music, for having me again! It has been so much fun and such a pleasure. If you want to hear more of my songs in 2023, check out my Instagram and Facebook on @chelseasilvamusic. I can't wait for you all to hear "Frontline," coming out on all streaming platforms on the 31st of January, 2023! Instagram Facebook

An up-and-coming artist determined to make 2023 his breakthrough year, Yelleaux refuses to let anything get in the way of his goals. Although he was raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Yelleaux is currently based in Atlanta, Georgia, moving to what many consider the hip-hop capital of the south. Having started his own label Trap Boss Records, last year, Yelleaux aims to not only create independence for himself but also dreams of mentoring and providing opportunities for the youth, proving that it’s deeper than money for him. Yelleaux’s path to where he is now has been anything but easy. Despite his father being absent, Yelleaux’s strong faith in God and an unshakeable drive to succeed saw him channel his energies productively through music. His energy shines through everything he touches; his music is akin to a colorful melting pot of different musical styles that meld together to create something unique. Currently working on his debut EP entitled "My Story," set to be released in the spring of 2023, you can tell Yelleaux pours everything he has into his music. With an energetic and catchy debut in the form of “Rich Bastard,” we can't wait to see how far he can go. To put it simply, “Rich Bastard” is a bop. Over hard-hitting instrumentals that feature belligerent drums and atmospheric synths, Yelleaux raps circle around his competition for two and a half minutes straight. It’s Yealleaux at his artistic best: he’s vibrant, his lyrics are catchy, and his energy is infectious. Each line is delivered in a straight-up straight-talking way that you must love. One thing is clear; if Yealleaux can keep this momentum, the sky is the limit. It’s been blizzarding lately, and the cold is sure to follow. If you need straight heat, tap in and stream “Rich Bastard,” available on all major streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic Yelleaux! We loved “Rich Bastard;" everything from the instrumentals to your energy to your flow came together perfectly. We must ask, what was the motivation behind making a song like “Rich Bastard?" What was the creative process behind making it? I wanted to flip the narrative about a black man growing up without a father present. I found my way and didn't give up despite what those wished upon me. So you mentioned you’re originally from New Orleans, but now you live in Atlanta, Georgia. What are the most significant differences between the different music scenes, and how have both cities contributed to who you are as an artist? The culture of hip-hop is very similar and the overall love of music. Atlanta has more opportunities for Black Entrepreneurs. I have a good mix of both cities to balance me out as an artist. Your debut EP, “My Story,” is coming out in the Spring. What would it mean to be able to bring this project to your fans, and what has been your favorite part about seeing that project come to life? I get a chance to tell my story. I am vulnerable, and I share very personal things with my fans. I want my fans to feel connected to me and proud of what I have accomplished when all odds were against me! What do you want your fans to feel when they listen to your music? Realness. Pain. Hope. Motivation. I want my fans to feel connected with me. 1000% What’s next for Yelleaux? Do you have other goals for the year after you drop “My Story?" I have some business ventures that I plan on exploring this year. And I want to focus on dropping content and doing some shows this summer! I am looking forward to my vlog dropping on my youtube channel! Be sure to check it out and subscribe!!! Yelleaux is just getting started.....I have a lot of ground to cover! Sit tight! Instagram

The Swedish artist and songwriter focuses on the prize in her new release, featuring Jahju16 and Lorentz. Halon is no stranger to the arts. A former ballet dancer turned singer and songwriter, she has always held the poetic and musical truth in the highest regard. Influenced by her time as a nighttime dancer and her travels while modeling, Halon writes and makes music that belies a magical realism that reflects her artistic truth. Known for dark, nebulous soundscapes that somehow perfectly accentuate her fragile, vulnerable, yet distinctive vocals, Halon is one to watch for the future. Having been on the road constantly, Halon says lyrics became a way for her to break the loneliness. Songwriting became integral as she tried to make herself home in new, exciting, unfamiliar places. This may explain the dark, eerie soundscapes Halon is known for. However, if eerie soundscapes are a metaphor for the unfamiliar, Halon’s vocals represent that something interesting is always to be found, even in the unknown. Of her latest release, “Music to Get Rich To,” Halon says, "It’s a song where the divine world makes small glimpses in the material one.” Its music is distinctly Halon, blending ethereal instrumentals that place you in the night stars with lyrics delivered with an effortless elegance that disguises the intense ambition and drive underneath. When Halon gracefully sings, “There must be more to life that we can see” and “This is music to get rich to,” it's clear that she is also aiming for the stars. Jahju16 and Lorentz (the two featured artists on the track) are cherries on top, as they add an unexpected blend of dancehall and hip hop that somehow meld perfectly with Halon’s melodies to create a one-of-a-kind experience. Halon’s “Music to Get Rich To” is an ethereal new release that, above all else, reflects Halon’s artistic truth and ambition. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and listen to Halon’s “Music to Get Rich To,” now available on all major streaming platforms. We loved “Music to Get Rich To.” We thought the contrast between the ethereal instrumentals and lyrics was super interesting (and flawlessly executed). We have to ask, what was the inspiration behind this piece? I’m so happy to hear that. Working with contrast is what art and music are about to me. My time in Tokyo inspired the essence of this one. I walked the streets nurturing this dream. So Jahju16 and Lorentz were featured on the track, and all of you killed it. How did you know you wanted Jahju16 and Lorentz on this track, and what was it like working for them? I could hear them on the track the second I made the chorus; it was like," where are my boys at?” Working with Jahju is smooth; Lorentz, on the other hand, is somewhat of a diva, had to beg him for months. What kind of message do you want fans to take from your music? What do you want listeners to feel when they play a Halon song? I want them to feel immortal. As far as I know, we all could be. So you’re currently based in Stockholm, Sweden. What’s your favorite thing about the music scene there, and how do you think it’s influenced who you are as an artist? My favorite thing about the Swedish music scene is that we produce a lot of pop princesses, and I hope to become one myself. What’s next for Halon? Do you have any big plans for 2023? Hopefully, a lot of fun shows! And, of course, my album releasing. I’ll let you know for sure. Instagram

The charismatic up-and-comer builds on a strong 2022 and pushes things with his new release. By any measurement, TT17 had a great year in 2022. Building off his 3rd album, ‘Wake Me Up In Calabasas,’ which was released at the beginning of the year, TT17 would amass over one hundred thousand streams across all streaming platforms. Not one to sit and be complacent, TT17 would release “Blue Bands” in early October, quickly amassing over fifty thousand streams in under two months, taking advantage of his drive and ingenuity in the booth to build more buzz. TT17 is unique in that he never shies away from doing something different. This means you can’t put him in a box. One moment he’s cocky, confident, and brash on the thumping aforementioned “Blue Bands,” and the next, he’s thoughtful, introspective, and a little vulnerable on “7 Years”. He’s not afraid to try something new or switch up his sound, which works for him. Whether he’s rapping fast or slow, an underlying current, hidden energy, runs through any TT17 production. The latest result of TT17’s creative process is a title tribute to the late Juice WRLD TT17 named “Heartbreak Hotel.” Over booming bass and instrumentals that somehow feel fast yet sad simultaneously, TT17 again shows something different yet welcome as he sings of fast cars, depression, and the cycle of heartbreak. Although the song begins with TT17 checking into the hotel, by the time the beat fades out, TT17 has made it out, warning the new guest but proving that nothing will keep him down. Sometimes you must go through a bit of heartbreak to learn and grow. Whenever you’re ready to face your feelings, tap in and stream “Heartbreak Hotel,” out on February 14th. Welcome to BuzzMusic TT17! We loved “Heartbreak Hotel,” it was a different vibe from many of the other stuff you put out before, but you killed it! We have to ask, what was the creative process behind this song? What inspired you to make it? Thank you, guys, so much! I appreciate that! I went with a different vibe on this song, and I really like the style of it. The creative process for the actual song was honestly a blur. I remember it was a Sunday morning, and I wrote it in like 30 minutes. I had recently been through a breakup, and those first two weeks after were just a blur to me, and I was confused about how I felt. That’s why most of the first verse is just lines that don’t really make sense because I was just confused writing it. Once I got to the chorus, however, I had the lines “Say you wanna leave? I said no, stay. Welcome to the Heartbreak Hotel.” After writing those, I knew I had something. I created the narrative that I had “checked myself into the Heartbreak Hotel.” The chorus is about my journey inside it, the second verse is about my way out of there, and the last chorus and ending of the song are saying how the girl is now in the Heartbreak Hotel. The main inspiration for this song was the breakup I went through, but the song isn’t about the girl. It’s just a storytime on what my mind was going through in November of 2022 and the confusion I had with myself. I wish her nothing but the best. What does TT17 mean? Is there a story behind the name? That’s actually the first time any article or interview has actually asked me that, surprisingly. TT17 has been my nickname since 4th grade. So, ‘TT’ stands for ‘Travis Thompson’ (my name, obviously), but nobody will ever guess what the 17 stands for. Most people thought it was for my age at the time I started becoming more known. I was 17 years old when I dropped ‘7 Years’, so most people thought it was just my age. It was actually my class number in 4th grade. I don’t know why, but ‘TT17’ just stuck with me, and everyone would call me that. When I started YouTube and music in 8th grade, my channel name was ‘TheGreatTT17’, but when I rebranded myself sophomore year, I changed and shortened it to ‘TT17.' So you mentioned that “Heartbreak Hotel” was a tribute in many ways to Juice WRLD. What other artists do you look up to, and how have they influenced your approach to music? "Heartbreak Hotel" was definitely a tribute to Juice WRLD. I tried to make it in his style but still put my own twist on it. I was referencing his song "Feel Alone," where he says, “She helped me move my things from the Heartbreak Hotel.” I thought this was a cool line, but honestly, I had no plans of ever dropping the song. My Mom, however, told me to take it to the studio, and my producer and engineer, Gillbee, helped me create what is, in my opinion, my best song to date. I would say I have looked up to different artists at different times of my career so far. When I first started music officially in 2019, I was heavily influenced by NF and Logic. During 2020 and 2021, it was mostly NF and Juice WRLD. In 2022 and now in 2023, I would say the artists I look up to most and take note of their sound would be Juice WRLD, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, and Lil Baby. But I always put my own spin on a song to make TT17 songs unique, and one of them. What do you want your fans to feel when they listen to your music? I just want my fans to be able to relate to me in my music. I don’t ever try to target a certain audience. I just write how I feel. Also, it’s more that I want to have at least a couple of songs for every audience out there. Whether it’s people who like to brag about fame and money, heartbroken people, or people who are going through a depressive time of their life, I always want to have people be able to relate to me in ways that they can’t with other artists. What’s next for TT17? Do you have any big plans for 2023? 2023 is going to be huge for me. The music video for ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ got verified on VEVO, which is a huge accomplishment. I have already contacted a fantastic videographer, and we are planning my next music video shoot. After that, I think it might be time for my 4th album. It might be time for me to be welcomed into this industry. Instagram Twitter

The LA-based singer-songwriter is back with another signature easy-on-the-ears sound. Born in California and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan, Tyler Allred decided to uproot his life and pursue his dreams and passion, finding himself back in California as he relocated to Los Angeles. A keen songwriter with a penchant for relaxing, soothing melodies that seem to sap your stress away, Allred’s tendency for honest lyricism combined with nostalgic and comforting soundscapes make his music feels like a conversation with a friend. His latest release, “Do or Die,” is a welcome addition to an impressive catalog. Over a familiarly delicate acoustic guitar and complementing drums, Allred once again delivers on his signature warm, dreamlike sound and instantly transports the listener to what can only be described as the audial equivalent of a warm, welcoming, softly crackling fire. The song opens with a melding of the aforementioned acoustic guitar and drums. There’s some to be said about how Allred can channel such tranquillity in his music. By the time Allred’s vocals come in at the 20-second mark with an “Oh my lord / What a sight,” Allred’s instrumentals have already put the listener in a relaxed headspace. With his dreamy vocals working perfectly with the instrumentals, Allred has crafted a signature sound that is both calming and relaxing to the soul. Tyler Allred’s “Do or Die” is a welcome, tranquil piece that is easy on the ears and seems to sap away stress and worry. Whenever you feel like you need to jam some good tunes and mellow out, tap in and stream Tyler Allred’s “Do or Die,” available now. We loved your last release, “Easy,” so I guess it’s not that much of a surprise that we loved “Do Or Die” as well! We have to ask, what was the inspiration behind “Do or Die?" Thanks, you’re far too kind. I wrote “Do Or Die” about a year ago when I was in my hometown of Battle Creek, Mi, for an entire month. It came out of nowhere during drastic life changes for me. At the time, I had no idea what it meant, which is pretty much the norm with my songwriting. Now when I listen to this song, I feel like it’s about the fine line between empathy and apathy as a survival mechanism. I feel like in life, you’re often witnessing terrible tragedy and forced to move forward, kind of. Whether that’s struggles with mental health, addiction, loss, atrocities shown by the media, etc. Living in a large city like Los Angeles, you will see incredibly sad situations daily, with homelessness at the forefront of my perspective. The trouble is finding a balance between doing what you can help and still working on time with a smile or whatever your day requires. Also, it’s just the recognition of death coming for us all and doing what you truly want with the time you’re given. So between “Easy” and “Do or Die,” it's becoming clearer that you’ve gotten a signature sound nailed. Each release we hear from you is so mellow and peaceful. It really feels like anytime we put one of your songs on. We can feel the stress leaving our bodies. What inspires you to make the kind of music that you do? Wait until I drop my death metal album; let's see how chill you feel then. Seriously though, I have no idea; that's just what happens when I usually write music. I definitely have dabbled in other genres, but I always gravitate back to some chill Tyler and guitar stuff. I feel like with songwriting, if I think about the song too much, the less I like it. Any song I write that gives me the feeling I'm looking for just sort of happens very quickly, and I feel like I'm finding it more than creating it. I usually scrap if I'm second-guessing or revising lyrics too much. Between when you released “Easy” and now that you’ve released “Do or Die,” how do you think you’ve grown as an artist? To be honest, between the two songs, I took my longest hiatus from writing, recording, or performing. It was a little over a year with none of that. In my return to making music, one of the biggest factors is truly not caring about the outcome, I.E., if it gets heard, what people think, etc. At this point, I’m just trying to make tracks I don’t hate listening to. What kind of message or feeling do you want fans to get from your music? Whatever message or feeling they take from it is cool with me. I like writing the song, putting it out there, and seeing what happens. That said, I would like people to know they’re worth it, and no matter how bad things are now, find a little bit of hope and run with that. What’s next for Tyler Allred? Do you have any big goals for 2023? I’m recording a new E.P. at Sunset Sound in Hollywood currently might even keep grooving into L.P. territory. I've been working with a super rad engineer/producer I met at a show I played a while back. Some of my all-time favorites were recorded at the studio, so the experience has been super cool. Big shout out to Alex. Other than that, I’ve been skateboarding a lot. Expect more music, for sure. Instagram Twitter

Some artists blend different styles of music in ways that defy expectations. Do you normally fuse metal with hip-hop? Blues and electronic? Gerry Mancuso is all about turning things on their heads, drawing and fusing musical styles that encompass rock, blues, metal, electronic, shred, and hip-hop to make a sound that is both unique and unmistakably his. It takes skill to blend genres that can seem contradictory and even opposite to each other, but all indicators imply that Mancuso is more than up to the challenge. Having performed at the world-famous Apollo Theater in New York for three years, Gerry Mancuso is no stranger to bright lights and the stage either. Having honed his craft for years, Mancuso’s work and musical drive have earned him respect for his peers, having worked with the world-renowned keyboardist Derek Sherinian (of Dream Theater/Planet X) and vocalist Gene Anderson (of the legendary Parliament and Funkadelic), among others. Although undoubtedly extremely talented, Mancuso’s stellar body of work belies someone who is not afraid to do the work. "Rebirth" is one of the latest results of Mancuso’s talent and drive. An epic, seven-minute musical adventure of grand proportions, whereas a lesser musician would struggle to keep your attention, Mancuso takes you on an enthralling musical journey instead. In typical Mancuso style, it’s full of contradictions; winding yet straightforward, slow yet fast, and free but at other times subdued. As we’ve come to expect, Mancuso fuses all of these elements to do a cohesive project in the way he can. One thing is for sure; he’s definitely one to keep an eye on for the future. Gerry Mancuso’s “Rebirth” is an epic musical journey of grand proportions. If you're in need of some banging new rock tunes, tap in and stream “Rebirth,” available now on all major streaming platforms. We loved “Rebirth." It honestly felt like we were being taken on an epic musical journey. We have to ask, what was the inspiration behind "Rebirth?" "Rebirth" was written after a four-month-long hiatus I took from playing guitar due to a severe back injury. I couldn’t walk, sit, or stand for months due to this painful, debilitating condition. Once I fully recovered, I couldn’t wait to put together a track that encompassed the pain I went through, combined with the gratitude of fully healing. The song was written with relative ease; I would imagine that due to the pent-up frustration of not being able to play for so long, "Rebirth" was born. So you’re no stranger to the stage, having toured and played at numerous venues across America, so we wanted to ask: do any performances you’ve done stand out as your favorite? If so, why? My favorite venue had to be the Apollo Theater due to its sheer magnitude. 1700 people watching you play is no walk in the park, especially with how ruthless that crowd can be. What is the Gerry Mancuso origin story? How did you get started in music, and was it always something you knew you wanted to do? I started playing Alto Sax at eight years old. I thought it was the coolest instrument ever. I was fascinated with how seductive it sounded. It wasn’t until the age of 15 that I picked up the electric guitar. At that point, I quit playing sax and fell in love with the guitar. I imagine learning how to read music and how rhythm/melody worked at a young age gave me a leg up to learn how to play guitar. As a teenager, I always knew this was my calling, and I haven’t put it down since. So you’ve obviously collaborated with some big names out there, but we were curious if you had a favorite collaboration, and if so, what was it? My favorite collaboration was working with Derek Sherinian. I listened to Dream Theater as a kid and never would’ve imagined having the opportunity to work with their mastermind keyboardist. It was an honor to learn from his manager that he dug my tunes and wanted to work with me on a project. The song is entitled “Final Frontiers” from the Prophesy record. Go give it a listen! What’s next for Gerry Mancuso? Do you have any major goals for 2023? I’m working on my next studio album and hoping to release it by the 4th quarter of 2023. Facebook

The Boston-based songstress doesn’t shy away from tough lessons in her newest release. Caillie Hughes has always been in love with music. Growing up in a musical household with a piano-tuner father and dancer mother can do that to you. Surrounded by musical influences and introduced to instruments at the tender age of four, Hughes fell in love with the creative process of making music and has honed her skills ever since. Having also graced stages such as the Hawthorne Hotel and The Wild Rover, Hughes is committed to her craft and strives to provide the best possible experience for her listeners and fans. With a strong foundation in classical vocal training and determination to perfect her sound, Hughes continues to evolve musically through her ongoing studies of jazz and other contemporary vocal techniques. Her voice has a certain warmness, combined with velvety vocal tones and extensive range, adding an alluring mystique and balance to her music. In short, Caillie Hughe’s music is modern yet refined, blending modern pop instrumentation with organic acoustic textures, creating a sound unique to her that is sure to resonate with listeners. Hughes' latest single, "Temporary," perfectly showcases Hughes's musical identity. Over instrumentals that expertly blend hip-hop and pop elements, Hughes’s graceful yet powerful vocals shine through defiantly. When Hughes sings lyrics like “Now I’m where you once were: broken,” you feel it. Written in part by Hughes herself (with Dan Searl), “Temporary” is a powerful heartbreak anthem about realizing the truth of a broken love, sure to resonate with listeners worldwide. Caillie Hughes’s “Temporary” is a powerful, perfectly executed reminder that love can be harsh. If you're looking for a fresh new voice in the music industry, look no further than Caillie Hughes. With her relatable storytelling and powerful vocals, she's sure to capture your ears and provide positive energy for the soul. Don't miss out on her latest single, "Temporary," and catch her live at her next performance in the Boston area. We loved “Temporary.” Seeing how effortlessly you blended hip-hop and pop elements was incredibly cool. Your vocals tied the whole thing together in the best way possible. We have to ask, what was the inspiration behind “Temporary?" Did you draw from personal experiences? Yeah, I tend to write songs about life as it happens, from life lessons to growth, loss, falling in love, and heartbreak. I like to advocate for causes and mental health. The song “Temporary” reflects on a relationship that was great until it wasn’t. It was about realizing the truth of a once pure and whole love while watching that connection slowly fade into something else. So you mentioned you’re currently based in Boston. What’s your favorite thing about Boston as a city, and how has living there influenced you as an artist? You know what? Boston is constantly evolving. There’s a very rich arts community that is a culmination of different cultures, influences, and expressions manifesting into a city that is a smaller pond than New York and L.A. So you mentioned you grew up in a very musically inclined household and mentioned how you were introduced to music super young by your parents. How important have they been to the person and musician you are today? My dad is a pianist and has composed and arranged his works. It’s funny because my mom was a professional dancer and cheerleader for the New England Patriots, and my parents attended the original 1969 Woodstock. What do you want fans and listeners to feel when they listen to your music? Do you want to express any message to your fans through your music? I make the music that I feel in my soul is where I am at. And if people like it, stream it, and come to the shows, great, but to me, my artistic expression is honestly something I can’t even define at this time. Humility is a message for sure; it ties together with growth. Having the humility to write a song about a somewhat short-lived relationship. I think these days, the human touch is something to be valued. What's next for Caillie Hughes? Do you have any big plans for 2023? My songwriting is like a gardening process. Somedays, I feel like cutting out the weeds; other days, I feel like planting roses. This year I expect a lot of great singles. I need to sit with my songs because you have two kinds of musical artists these days. The artist who drop their first album for the hype simply for marketing purposes and the artist who drops a legitimate first album. Instagram Facebook

If nothing else, JShell’s “In My Head” underscores his passion for music. Over the 15 tracks you’ll find in “In My Head,” JShell sings and jams as a man possessed. The album's overall quality, energy, and feel are at a level only those who genuinely love and have mastered their craft can reach. It’s an immersive project filled with catch choruses, freewheeling guitar solos, and reverberating drums. Fans of classic rock will love this project, although there’s a little something in it for everybody. From the get-go, JShell throws down the gauntlet on the opening track, “Crawl.” Daring you to get on his level, JShell immediately sets an ecstatic tone for “In My Head,” belting out lyrics like “You think I'm too intense / That’s because you got no common sense” before suggesting “Why don't you just make amends / and crawl out of the room.” Loud, boisterous, and simply fun, “Crawl” sets a high bar for the rest of the album. JShell easily achieves this, but it’s interesting how he does it in multiple ways. “Big Apple Boogie” and “Big Apple Boogie Reprise” see JShell breaking it down. Although both tracks are sparse in lyrics, they see guitars, drums, and even trumpets take on their own lives, working in perfect chaotic harmony to build towards some impossible goal and conclusion only JShell can see. “Haunted,” a standout on what is already a strong album, sees things turn spooky with a sample of Bach’s iconic “Toccata and Fuge in D minor” before breaking into song and irresistibly catchy lyrics like “And then I make my way back home / for a thousand miles / all I wanted was a smile” that will have you singing along before you know it. JShell doesn’t do it all alone; he enlists names like Steve Hackett of Genesis (on “You Do You”) and Katie Jacoby of The Who’s Orchestra (on “Meant to Be” and “That’s the Key”), among others. Still, the project is firmly driven by JShell’s genius, even as he works in perfect harmony with his peers. By the time the album begins to wind to a close, the titular “In My Head” feels like the beginning of what is a perfect send-off. In all of its marvelous chaos, lyrics like “And in my head, I'm already living my dream / and in my head Im undead and trying not to scream” herald the beginning of the end before lines like “I know my life is meant to be” restore some order and harmony. His work done, JShell knows he’s given it his all as he winds it down on “My Last Request” with lyrics like “ no matter if you're happy or sad / I gave it everything that I had” before rocking you out on last time the marvelously chaotic “Big Apple Boogie Reprise.” JShell’s “In My Head” is a wonderfully chaotic tribute to good old-fashioned classic rock that feels nostalgic and fresh. It’s more than music; it feels like the reflection of the soul of an artist who has poured his heart out into every track and has given it everything he’s got. Welcome to BuzzMusic JShell! We have to say we loved “You Do You.” It felt nostalgic in all the right ways, and you and Steve absolutely killed it. We have to ask, what was the inspiration behind “You Do You,” and how did you know you wanted Steve on this track in particular? Thank you, and yes, I agree; Steve killed it. The song is one of a few tracks on the album about a relationship ending and the participants going their separate ways, which I'm guessing most people have experience with. Most of the album is high-energy rock, so I was looking to do a melancholy thing to balance it out that would incorporate sounds reminiscent of '70s prog rock, especially those of my favorite band Genesis. I had given Steve - who I have come to know as one of the nicest and most gracious people I have ever met - a choice of a few tracks to do his thing, and he chose You Do You, which led me to embrace the prog-rock sounds on the track. So your audio-visual album “In My Head” drops on February 14th (was that intentional?). How does it feel seeing this project come to life, and what was your favorite part about making it come to life? It was not intentional, but I did want to release it in the early months of the year when people, in theory, have more time to pay attention after the holidays. Seeing this project come to life feels like I built a house. It's incredibly gratifying as it's the most work I have ever done on anything, and it took a lot of time. In addition to having made it to the end of a journey where I had to put one foot in front of the other and believe it would get done, my favorite part about making In My Head is a combination of having people very close to me be a part of the project and believing that I did my father, who passed away in 2015, proud. So you’re based in New York, which has a rich musical history. How has the city influenced your growth and identity as an artist? I cannot emphasize enough the effect living in New York has had on my growth and identity as an artist. For example, I have two instrumentals on the album, "Big Apple Boogie" and "Big Apple Boogie (Reprise)." With these tracks, I wanted to convey the energy I feel while walking around New York City. Also, when you live in New York City, there is sensory overload everywhere you go, so you have to stay sharp, and as a result, my mind is constantly working. This was extremely helpful as walking to and from the studio from where I live. I would continuously get musical and lyrical ideas, including the album title! What kind of message or feeling do you want fans to take away from your music? Simply put, I want fans to know that the music I am putting out is never dull. It's high energy with a lot going on, and I'm hoping fans can appreciate that there isn't a single note or beat wasted. Everything you hear is designed to give you a kick in your step. What’s next for JShell? Having your album rollout is vast. Are there any other goals you want to achieve in 2023? I want what everyone wants: fortune and glory! But the main goal is I want the album to do well enough, so it makes sense to do another. Instagram