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OJ Mountain has never been one of those artists you can easily put in a box; the Philadelphia-based rapper and saxophonist simply refuse to be mundane. A classic OJ Mountain experience will incorporate flavors of abstract hip-hop, indie rock, jazz, and funk to captivate his audience. Matching jumpsuits for him and his band don’t hurt, but OJ’s infectious energy and vocals are definitely at the center of live show experiences that can only be described as unique. OJ a Mountain ain’t new to performing. Having already brought his talents to venues such as Milkboy, Kung-Fu-Necktie, and even the historic Middle East Restaurant and Club in Boston, fans and new listeners can also catch him rocking Philly’s DIY music scene, where he is a frequent contributor and performer. “Sweaters” is a continuation of the OJ Mountain experience. Alongside snappy and upbeat instrumentals, OJ’s crisp, precise flow and vocals turn the life story of a sweater into something of the greatest urgency, as only OJ can. By the time OJ raps, “My mood wasn’t the tamest one / A forgotten and aimless son,” each slight to the sweater almost feels like someone’s done wrong to you or your friend. By the time OJ raps the end of the hook for the last time (“Oh worn, oh I’ve been worn away (way) / Yea!”), you realize that somewhere along the line, you found yourself invested in the story OJ is telling. That’s a common theme for his music: the energy he puts into his songs and performance ultimately leads to a connection with listeners, something increasingly rarer these days. As the winter months roll on, it's bound to get cold outside. Why not find somewhere cozy and warm your senses simultaneously by giving “Sweaters” a listen? Welcome to BuzzMusic OJ! You incorporate a lot of different elements into your performances and music. How are you able to make so many different vibes work in your music? How would you describe your music to your fans and future listeners? As far as the performances and music go, I don’t exactly try to make anything specific work together or go for any tangible vibe. If anything results in one cohesive sound, it’s merely a coincidence. What I listen for when I create changes over time, but all I care about is that it’s authentic to me. Nothing else matters to me. I’m not claiming I’m genre-less either; that would be equally pretentious. I definitely make stuff in an abstract hip hop jazz rap kind of vein. I try not to focus on those titles when I create the music itself, as labels stifle creativity most of the time for me. Philly is an amazing city with tons of rich history, music, and otherwise. What do you enjoy most about being able to perform there? Philly is a really compelling city to be an artist in. It’s small enough so that you don’t feel overwhelmed by it but big enough to have lots of opportunities and different kinds of scenes and not be cliquey. Most people here seem genuinely passionate about going out to shows and discovering new artists. It’s not just music either - artists of all stripes come together here in a unique way, and most musicians (the good ones) also do other art projects on the side. If it’s not for financial or personal reasons, the creatives tend to leave Philly to do so because it’s not New York or LA, and I think that’s bullshit. What was your inspiration behind 'Sweaters'? What did you envision when you were creating it? I got the inspiration for the song after I had broken up with my girlfriend but was still seeing her romantically from time to time. One day I saw her wearing a baggy sweatshirt that I knew wasn’t mine, and it made me feel some way. I wanted to write a song about it, and I thought it might be cool to write one from the perspective of the sweatshirt itself. Much like how I felt worn out and used up at that moment, I imagined that if the sweatshirt had feelings too, it might have felt similar to me, as whatever guy she got it from basically gave it away to her, not wanting it any longer. I felt like I had a lot in common with the sweatshirt. The song tells the story of the sweatshirt being purchased in the store, being worn a lot, all the way to finally being given away. It parallels human relationships that grow old and stale after a while. What are you looking forward to bringing to your fans next? I’m honestly just looking forward to being consistent. After the holidays, I have a song dropping every month, and I’m really hyped to be on top of my distribution for once. It feels great. Besides that, though, I have an incredible music video that has been in the works for a year now that I’m going to throw a release party/concert for. Maybe get some local acts to perform along with me, get super drunk, and then all react to the finished music video altogether. The more I try to be an artist, the more I realize that community is everything. Togetherness is essential. Instagram Website

The Los-Angeles based artist shows vulnerability and resilience in a powerful ode to the City of Angels and the complexity of her relationship with it in her single “land of the fame." Jaci Butler is no stranger to the stage. Jaci is a multi-talented artist who is equal parts singer, songwriter, and content creator. She has graced the stage over 600 times with her band Jagged Row, bringing her silky yet powerful vocals to listeners across the country. Having already firmly established herself as an act to watch for the future, she turns her attention to “land of the fame" from her Debut ep LUCKY. If you were to hear “land of the fame" for the first time and believe it was an uplifting ballad about the City of Angels, you would be forgiven. Even as Butler laments the people who don’t care about her the way she does about them in lines like “all I got are a bunch of people to save / Who wouldn't give a damn if I threw it away,” her powerful vocals uplift the track and lend a certain hopefulness to the vibe. From the moment Butler opens “land of the fame" (“you say I’m successful / then why do I feel less full?) to her closing salvos (“I feel suffocated now / I can’t even breathe anymore, anymore”), there is never a time where Butler sounds defeated, even as she navigates the difficulties of fake friends and personal relationships coming and going. Pitfalls of the City of Angels be damned, Jaci Butler is coming, and no one can keep her down. Jaci Butler’s “land of the fame" flips what should be melancholic into something powerful. One thing’s for sure. We’re rooting for the girl with the green hair. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Jaci! We have to say, your vocals in “Land of the Fame” were amazing! Did your personal relationships provide some inspiration behind “Land of the Free?” If not, what was the inspiration? Thank you so much for having me! That means a lot. I would say it's a mix of both. I've lived in Los Angeles for about five years now, and I think anyone who's lived here knows the ups and downs, the kind of love/hate relationship you can have with this city. It's a beautiful place with so many amazing and talented people, but the harsh reality is that it's also very brutal. It's crazy that you say the song feels sad but hopeful because that's exactly what I was going for! It's a kind of love letter to this place [LA] that I love, but it's also shown me a lot of heartbreak - in my personal and professional life. You put a lot of effort into connecting with your fans, whether it be through your music or your lifestyle, gaming, and comedy videos! What did you want fans to take away from “Land of the Fame?" Aw! Yes! Thank you. The lucky charms are the best fans in the world. I was really excited about "land of the fame" but also kind of nervous...it's the first ballad I've put out in a long time. I don't know how people are going to take to it because it's definitely a tone shift from the other songs I've recently released. In my head, the song IS a love song at its core- just not one about a person, but about a place, a lifestyle. I wrote, "land of the fame" with Matt Marino and Tony Rodini, who also both live in Los Angeles. It really means a lot to all of us. I think anyone who has ever lived here knows the struggles of L.A. and, more specifically, the music business itself. I personally have been doing music professionally since I was 12 years old. I've been told no more times than I can count. The lows are LOW, but the highs are so high. With "land of the fame," I hope listeners can feel that inner struggle, that love/hate relationship, but I also hope that they can relate it to their own ups and downs in life- whether that be with a personal relationship or an addiction, or starting over. Your debut EP, LUCKY, drops later this month. How does it feel to be able to bring this project to your fans, and what was your favorite part of bringing this project to life? It's so exciting! I've been working on this collection of songs for a while now, and though some of the tracks have already been out there for a while, I really wanted my fans, the lucky charms, to experience these songs as I originally intended them to. These five songs, in the order I have them on L U C K Y are meant to take you on a journey. I hope people enjoy that journey as much as I do. What’s next for Jaci Butler? What can we expect to see from you next year? I'm already working on new music for the new year! I have two songs that I'm super excited for the world to hear that I hope to put out at the start of 2023. A big goal for me is to get back to playing more shows - in Los Angeles and all over the country. The stage is my first love, and I've missed it dearly. Besides that, you can always catch me on TikTok, Instagram, and live-streaming on YouTube! Instagram Twitter

The Atlanta artist and entertainer takes you on a journey through the clouds and the sky with his new release, “Step Up,” from his forthcoming project, 'DeLuxified I.' Wes DeLux cemented his path as a musician from a young age. After honing his piano, electric guitar, and acoustic guitar skills throughout his childhood, DeLux further leveled up his game by channeling these diverse skills and combining them with witty, gripping bars and punchlines on his new project, “DeLuxified I.” What does it mean to be “DeLux,” you might ask? “DeLux” itself means “of light," and put, keeping it “DeLux” means keeping it balanced; to see past the surface and recognize the Yin-Yang forces that inhabit all of us, something that becomes apparent in DeLux’s new single, “Step Up.” In “Step Up,” Wes DeLux uses his diverse skills to shine some light on the rap game and bring a raw but positive, balanced, and ultimately infectious energy to his art. As soon as the beat starts, DeLux instantly transports us to the clouds. With nothing but his gritty, witty bars to keep us grounded, it quickly becomes apparent that DeLux has a vision both for himself and also his music; bars like “Staircase in my mind I had to go a step up” make it clear he’s shooting for the stars, yet lines like “Gotta earn it, gotta learn it” proves that he stays grounded and is more than willing to put the work in to succeed. Wes DeLux’s “Step Up” brings a unique, refreshing, and ultimately infectiously energetic take on the rap game. Whenever you’re ready to be part of his journey, tap into his new 'DeLuxified I' project, available on November 18th, and in the meantime, keep it DeLux. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Wes DeLux! From the moment we heard your track “Step Up”, your personal drive and willingness to put the work in was instantly obvious. Where did you find that drive, and how does it affect how you approach your music? Finding my drive - Growing up, I was in a household that always pushed work ethic and gave it your all. Both my parents are top science professors at well-known Universities, and that grind rubbed off on me. I have done everything from sports to teaching AP Biology to Truck driving, but music and creation have always had a stronger grip on me than any of these other endeavors. I started to play Piano at age 5, Guitar at age 10, and DJed in college, but it wasn’t til about four years ago that I truly fell in love with Lyricism and wordplay, and that's when I dedicated my creation to vocals, and guitar, and dropped everything else. I now work on music and marketing as a full-time job. I also recently started a record label, helping other artists start their careers and grow. One point I want to make about my development… I was always trying to do so much with my work ethic, but I had to listen to my inner self and figure out what path I wanted to take (Vocals). I think this is important for other artists to consider, DON'T spread yourself too thin! One thing we noticed on “Step Up” was how infectious the energy you bring to your music is. What message do you want fans to take away from this song? ‘Step Up’ is about stepping up to the plate inside yourself and realizing who you are. What is stopping you from doing what you love? What insecure thoughts are limiting you from your potential? You can never overcome your fear without stepping up and facing it. Artists, let's face ourselves so we can give the world our best creation. The biggest enemy is your own ego. The official music video for “Step Up” was super dope. What was your favorite part about shooting the music video, and how does it tie into your vision as an artist? So ‘Step Up’ was my first Official Music Video, and I HAD A BLAST MAKING IT. Because it was the first true video look into the DeLux life, I wanted to give it that homegrown vibe for the first half and then symbolize transitioning out into the chaotic world with the 2nd half graffiti scenes. The closet studio and room that the video starts in is my actual bedroom inside my downtown Atlanta apartment. The video was directed by Sean Carruthers with help from Garrett Cardoso. Your new album, “DeLuxified I,” is dropping soon. How did you bring your vision to life, and what does it mean to you to share this project with your fans and new listeners? ‘DeLuxified I’ brings my motto to life - “A Yin Yang in the Rap Game” - This project is three years in the making, carefully selected to fit together to symbolize the transition of ego to spirit. The album's first half showcases the ego side of my rap creation and the “run it up” and “Im that dude” mentality. Then as the album continues, it shifts to a more conscious and aware vibe which symbolizes the inner buddha inside of me, wondering why I get lost in capitalistic, materialistic, and egotistical mindsets. Everything is balanced, and WesDeLux is never afraid to explore all aspects of himself. I hope my opposite energies colliding helps others understand they must explore and uncover all parts of themselves to reach their full potential. Instagram

The rising star gradually chips away at the barriers between them. What would growing up in a family of talented siblings be like? Although some would shy away from the spotlight, pop-punk artist Jojo Engelbert has embraced it instead, brightly blazing a trail of her own with electric release after electric release. Drawing inspiration from iconic acts like Lana Del Ray, Marina, and Avril Lavigne, this young artist has cultivated a sound that shows an artistic maturity far beyond her years, and her honest and reflective lyricism has endeared her to listeners everywhere. With more good music on the horizon, we can’t wait to see what this talented artist will do next. Having already put the industry on notice with dynamic hit singles “Grown Up” and “Sweet n Sour,” Engelbert has set herself on a firm trajectory to stardom. With an unashamedly pop-punk sound, her music transparently touches on themes like teenage angst, identity formation, and the emotional struggles of growing up. Engelbert puts her heart and soul into her music, and you can feel it, and this lyrical authenticity is part of the reason she’s managed to connect with so many listeners on more than a surface level. Every release is meaningful, and the future continues to look bright for this rising star. From when Engelbert’s big sister Zoey pitched “Not a Real Blond,” Jojo instantly knew the release would suit her. Everything fit perfectly, from the hook, lyrics, and even the vocal range required. Featuring an attention-grabbing music video, “Not A Real Blond” is another appealing offering that feels like it has something for everyone. Directed by Jojo’s dad Matt, punk fans will notice that “Not a Real Blond” draws heavily from classic punk imagery, barbed hearts, paper-clipping lyrics, and more. Also drawing influence from the instantly iconic Barbie movie and 90’s classic Clueless, the video sees Jojo and her crush (outfitted with obnoxiously perfect blond hair) play tug of war with her heart. At first apprehensive of her love interest’s intentions, Engelbert gradually warms up as they spend time together until a dip in the pool ultimately washes away the last barriers between them. Jojo Engelbert’s latest release, “Not a Real Blond,” is an exciting offering that appeals to both the ears and eyes. Featuring an entertaining music video that shows Jojo’s impressive acting range, there seems to be nothing this talented rising star can’t do. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream Engelbert’s new release, “Not a Real Blond,” available now on all major streaming platforms, and check out the charming music video, too, available on YouTube. We loved “Not A Real Blond”; you also showed your talent for the screen! We had to ask, what was your favorite part of bringing the video for “Not a Real Blond” to life? First of all, thank you for this interview. I’m so glad you are enjoying “Not A Real Blond.” As much as I love singing, I’m equally passionate about acting. And to be able to do both with this video was great. Jackson Dorfmann is a talented actor; working with him was so much fun. So you come from a very musical and artistically talented family! What’s it like having a family so wholeheartedly into music, and what has it meant for your music? I never really think much about it because it is just the household I grew up in. Everything was music. When I was young, Ariel, Zoey, and Eli would be shooting their TV shows most of the week. I just thought that was normal. I like teaming up with Eli because his electronic music is so incredible. And when Zoey pitched me “Not A Real Blond,” I fell in love with the melody, hook, and range. Typically, I would like a darker Lana Del Rey type of sound. What’s your favorite part of being a musician and being able to put out your music? I get to perform songs that are meaningful to me. Songs that resonate with me. I’m a massive Lana Del Rey, Marina, and Hayley Williams fan. I love their voice and style, and sound. They are unique. And I think it’s important to find your look and sound. I think I’m there now. What does music mean to you, and how would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it before? I love singing and performing. I also find a lot of comfort in music. It’s a place where you can escape. The sound of my music and the music I am drawn to is more alternative or pop-punk. What’s next for Jojo Engelbert? Can we expect to hear more new music soon, and is there anything you want to say to your fans? I am writing songs and teaming up with great people to produce new tracks, in addition to performing live shows. I appreciate the kindness I receive on social media. I know it can be a very unkind place, but I have been quite fortunate with the response I’ve had. And I’m very grateful for that. Instagram

The Montréal outfit continues to churn out timeless rock n roll offerings with each new release. Hailing from Montréal, Quebec, Midnight Miles is a 5-piece original band who have embarked on a musical quest to create and perform authentic rock and roll. Having caught the imagination and attention of the masses with standout releases like “Comin On” and “No Good,” although their influences lay squarely within the realm of classic rock, Midnight Miles has nonetheless managed to develop a sound unique to themselves. With a sound steeped with their deep, genuine love for rock n roll, the band’s passion has been infectious, and we can’t wait to see how far they go. Where Midnight Miles is concerned, each song release feels like a whimsical journey that is sometimes tender and sometimes reckless but always fun and enticing. Their music is exceptionally uplifting; it’s the perfect soundtrack for any dalliance to the great outdoors with friends. Whether cruising through the city, traversing the countryside, or simply going to the beach, Midnight Miles’s music feels liberating. Driven by a steady pulse and a driving backbeat, every Midnight Miles release aims to liberate and inspire every listener. With their talent in mind, the sky seems to be the limit for this talented Montréal outfit. Midnight Miles’ describes their latest release, “Like You Wanna Do,” as “a blues-based rock n roll tune about living in the moment and having the integrity and courage to do your own thing, your own way.” Opening with an instantly spunky electric guitar, “Like You Wanna Do” features a groovy and inspiring instrumental performance. With lines like “Yea, something about the way you make me feel” and “I’m always gonna give what I got running back to you, yea,” Midnight Miles paints a vivid, emotional picture of a wild yet beautiful romance. As we’ve come to expect, Midnight Miles’s performance is once again nothing if not flawless, and we already can’t wait for their next release. Midnight Miles’s love story with Rock N Roll has continued to result in high-quality releases sure to become instant ear candy for rock n roll fans. We loved “Like You Wanna Do.” What vision did you have for this release when you first came up with the inspiration for it? Did the final version end up any different from what you thought it would be? Like You Wanna Do is the follow-up to our debut EP, Steal Away, released earlier this year. We want to write a song about living in the moment and having the integrity and courage to do your own thing, your own way, despite any resistance you may encounter...it’s meant to inspire us to embrace our individuality. The final version is quite different from how it all started. We decided to have the extensive slow section at the end go entirely off the rails into reckless abandon to express the need to let it all go! Give us the Midnight Miles origin story! How did the band come to be? Many of the ideas for our first songs came to us while on the road together, going to and from gigs. Traveling at night with the windows rolled down, listening to our favorite bands, singing to the top of our lungs - that a place where all kinds of magic and inspiration exist. It’s why we named the band Midnight Miles. If your listeners could take one thing away from your music, what you want it to be? Armed with an electrifying show, soaring vocal harmonies, loud guitars, and many original songs… the band is hell-bent on taking listeners for a wild ride full of twists and turns. We want our fans to be truly inspired by our music and to feel like they’re with us on our creative journey! What inspires you all to keep making music, and what’s been your favorite part about being able to release your own music thus far? Both reckless and refined, our music is a melting pot of blues, rock, soul, and RnB. Each group member contributes their unique flavor to create a sound that’s ultimately greater than the sum of its parts. Releasing music together is how we share our love of these genres with our audience! What’s next for Midnight Miles? Can we expect to hear more new music soon, and is there anything you want to say to your fans? We’re currently working on recording a second EP. There’s going to be a lot of unexpected surprises on the next record! To our fans, we say: “We love each of you! Sharing our music with you on and off stage is a great gift we cherish dearly. Rest assured. We’re going to keep on rockin’. We will continue to perform live and release new material regularly! Instagram Facebook

The two pioneers show they haven’t missed a beat on this exciting release. Deep in the heart of the Motor City’s vibrant music scene, two iconic forces joined to create music bridging the gap between old-school charm and modern allure. RJ’s Latest Arrival and Slum Village, two beloved pioneers of Detroit's hip-hop, R&B, and soul scenes, have come together once more to bring audiences to life once again. Having already long established themselves as respected artists in the scene, they’ve maintained their stellar reputation over the years, and every release from these veterans in the game promises to be a treat. With a legacy that spans back to 1978, RJ’s Latest Arrival has consistently delivered soulful hits like “Shackles” and “Off the Hook (With Your Love)” that have soared up the Billboard soul ratings. RJ Rice, a founding member of the group, later established Barak Records, setting the stage for the rise of influential rap groups like Slum Village. Speaking of Slum Village, they’ve also managed to match RJ’s Latest Arrival’s impressive pedigree. Originally featuring the superstar rappers J Dilla and Baatin, Slum Village’s music has consistently topped charts and attracted collaborations with legendary artists such as Kanye West, John Legend, Questlove, and De La Soul. On “One Step At a Time,” musical worlds collide in the most beautiful, sensual way possible. Featuring groovy, enticing slow jam instrumentals, you’re instantly swept off your feet and to the dance floor. Funk and soul influences are evident and welcome, and the vocal performances of RJ Rice and DeDe Leitta complement each other beautifully. “One Step At A Time” is accompanied by enticing music that keeps the retro vibes going, as RJ and DeDe are dripped out in fedoras and mink slings, evoking the charm and romance of classic offerings. “One Step At a Time” is a charming release tailor-made to enjoy with the person you love. “One Step at a Time” is a release filled with classic tendencies but remains just as, if not more, enticing in modern scenes. Enchanting and sensual to the core, it’s sure to be right at home in any romantic playlist you have. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream RJ’s Latest Arrival and Slum Village’s new release, “One Step At A Time," available now on all major streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, RJ's Latest Arrival, and Slum Village! We loved "One Step at a Time," it feels like an instant classic! What was the creative process like for this video? How did you split up vocal and instrumental duties? We knew this would be the first time the public would hear the group again, so we had to get it right. We first had to contact the members Johann (Petey), Paris (Mooch), and Craig; then, everything started to fall into place, and Petey ensured the choreography was proper. To top it off, T3 and Young RJ (Slum Village) are professionals, coming with the chant, "I can see if you can do it like this, let me see you do it like that, One Step Uh!" Oh yeah... and it also helps to know people their whole life. Slum Village is family. For artists who've been in the industry as long as you have, what do you think is the most important feature or characteristic for an artist to have? Love of music, staying your original self, having confidence, and believing in what you're doing - also a working knowledge of the audience/genre of music you're trying to capture. Do you both have any favorite music-related memories you'd like to share? We performed the most memorable music-related favorite one night (where I can't remember); everything was spot on, the choreography, the music, everything... then we sang "Heaven In Your Arms," and we had a flawless performance. That's when we received our first standing ovation. What do you want listeners to feel when they listen to your music? We want them to experience the moment… when they first heard our music, what they were doing, and how it made them feel. What's next for the both of you? Can we expect to hear more new music soon, and is there anything you'd like to say to your fans? New music is in the works, and we hope they're as excited about it as we are. Instagram Facebook

Toronto's own Karisa creates love, contentment, and joyfulness as she always steers toward the light. Karisa shares nostalgia as she merges 1980s synths with EDM sounds that translate into Alternative-Pop. Her message tells us that she has been creating music and involved in it since a very young age. She tells us how her love for music derived from sitting at the piano, recording herself singing. Karisa's from a very artistic family that supports and understands her passion and talent in music. Inspired by summer, Karisa remembers those sunny moments she's had in life and writes about exactly that in "Next To You." This bright record creates fireworks as it enters with a Pop 2000s instrumental, while Karisa's vocals immediately have sparks flying. Some lyrics read, "And we can follow the stars, and we can watch the moon, and as the tide goes down, I'll be right next to you." Karisa creates her very own reality in "Next To You," one we can see as we listen further into the record. Her vocals and lyrics share many equal powers that intertwine with each other and bring a fresh, unique sensation for listeners to digest. "Next To You" portrays many situations we all felt at some point in our lives, either bringing back memories you want to forget or ones you love to reminisce on. Karisa's vocal edit brings forth the mood we least expected as it softly bleeds into thin air, wishing there was more to listen to. Keeping her listener occupied, release after release, Karisa aims to bring her authentic self forth while creating the best art form like "Next To You." Instagram Website

Born in Byblos-Lebanon, in 1996, two brothers saw the light prematurely. Through post-war obstacles and an increasingly complex environment surrounding their upbringing, themes of injustice, anger, stress, sadness, and fear radiating locally and internationally were brought up to understand. By achieving this deeper sense through their evolution, poetry and rhymes grew deeper with time and experience. What started with imaginary breakups and rudimentary protestations developed into more structured and formalized messages on war, poverty, injustice, abuse, emotional well-being, and hope. This is where R.Y.M was formed. Embracing the classic roots of hip-hop, R.Y.M comes forth with their latest single, "Al Qiyama." A hard-hitting truth bomb that explodes with realism. Expressing themselves in a way that's so profoundly forthright, this breath of fresh air comes with a side of oomph and R.Y.M showing no signs of biting their tongues as they delve into a collective of experiences gathered from life. From the swift flows to lyrical dexterity that's reached, this mountain climb of a sequence sheds pure perseverance and inimitable drive as each performed bar has an underlying emotion to bask in. If you ask us, that's what we're missing from music these days, and R.Y.M blatantly conveys their most authentic selves to give their audience a slice of what they're lacking daily. If the slick rhyme schemes weren't enough, you hear their honesty in the way they tonally approach the beat. The instrumentation is simplistic yet precisely necessary to keep R.Y.M as the focus. Through cultured horns and explosive percussion, there's a seemingly intriguing factor that pulls us deeper into "Al Qiyama" as a whole. R.Y.M aspires to be the youth's voice and showcase a new model of thinking and behaving that would avoid unnecessary violence and bigotry and leave space for discussion and peace-building. With R.Y.M in charge of emanating a message needing to be heard, we can tell you there's no stopping the up-and-coming rap duo. Instagram Facebook

You may recognize the up-and-coming Pop songwriter and performer Frankee Razor from his time as a young contestant on American Idol. However, it's not so much the household television series that has brought him success, as his presence and talent allowed him to flourish into our speakers and hearts. Like most, years of growth and self-exploration have taken him on a whirlwind of a journey, and lucky for us, Frankee has come out on the other side of the world of music as he radiates boundless positive energy for all to snag a piece of. This brings us to Frankee Razor's latest single, chalked full of feel-good oomph. Oh, how endings bring us such glorious beginnings. What day of the week serves us better vibes than Friday? It's the end of the week and the start of the weekend. "Today I'm Gonna Friday" emphasizes the parts of Frankee we adore the most, with the potential to go viral at any given moment. As we press play on the official music video for "Today, I'm Gonna Friday," directed by Jowan Carbin; we're thrilled to anticipate the quick cut scenes, flashing sequences, and bright imagery wrapped into a narrative we can't take our eyes off. What begins as a lighthearted skit immediately jumps to life as we see Frankee Razor incognito, disguised as a janitor mopping up a soundstage. Now, that moment when he realizes it's Friday? All bets are off, and you bet he's about to show us how he Fridays. This animated performance visually and sonically exceeds our expectations. Launching into one of the most mesmerizing dance sequences we've seen in a minute, this TikTok-ready moment has us wanting to learn all the moves and put our videos online asap. Glowing and flowing beside his brilliant co-star Kiya Cole, the transition from weekday janitor to the manifestations of swaggy, flashy, and stylish Friday selves is genuinely over the top in the best way possible. Jump on the How U Friday? Viral campaign with your own video—so you can drive the bandwagon and not just jump on it. You know what we'll be doing this week in anticipation for… Friday. I think it's safe to say that you're an entertainer above all else. We love "Today I'm Gonna Friday." Is there a direct moment or story that inspired this song? Thank you, that's a huge compliment! I'd like to think I'm an entertainer with an infectious message of living your life for you and making the most of your time here on this earth! The inspiration behind this song was spawned from this fact… although we have 9 to 5s and must pay the bills, we must be intentional about life fulfillment, fun, and freedom. When asked about her plans after work, a dear friend simply replied… "It's My Friday, so I'm gonna Friday"! Ten minutes later, "Today I'm Gonna Friday" was written! I love when a song comes to me from everyday life. What can you tell us about your experience filming the visuals for this song? We can only imagine the fun that you would have had on set! Effortless and insanely fulfilling are two descriptions that come to mind when asked about my experience filming the "Today I'm Gonna Friday" music video! My film company Frankee Razor Films, partnered with Jowan Carbin of Carbin Pictures to create the piece, and OMG, Jowan is like the creative partner I've been longing for my whole life! He pushed me to be the most creative, the most authentic, the most extravagant version of Frankee Razor I could imagine, and it felt amazing because I was accustomed to hearing "Don't do this, don't do that" or being told to follow this other brand model/formula for success. I've been longing to be a part of a team that understands the importance of letting a creative spirit soar and carve out its lane instead of following the trends. Working with my beautiful dear friend, Kiya Cole, was also fun, whose east coast vibe brought a genuine, down-to-earth, chill vibe to the set. Who helped to bring these ideas to life? With a How U Friday? campaign in the works, we know the amount of work and effort that goes into something so monumental. I worked closely with Jowan Carbin to create the music video, and that's it. I wrote the song, @GooniesMusic produced it, @StefAudioStylist mixed it, and Danny Barros @Hitskope distributed it. I don't usually work with stylists because I have my vision of how I want to look, and it's rarely been done before, so it's hard to communicate the idea to a stylist even to understand what I have swirling in my brain. I tend to keep my circle small and work with the same people, first because "trust" is hard for me as I've been dicked over way too many times and because I want to hit it big with my small team, who has been loyal to me from day one. What do you want your audience to take away from your music? I'm glad you brought up the #HowUFridayChallenge because it represents exactly what I want people to take away from my music… life is about fulfillment, fun, and freedom. I've asked people to post a video of how they Friday and use the audio from my song "Today I'm Gonna Friday." Friday is a state of mind; it's a movement that says I will be intentional about what makes ME happy and stop at nothing until I achieve that happiness. I reach my Friday state of mind by horseback riding or performing or training for a triathlon… and I want everyone who hears my song to be inspired to FRIDAY IN THEIR OWN WAY and, by all means, make it epic, post it and tag me! How does "Today I'm Gonna Friday" compare to other songs and music videos you've released? What makes it stand out? Baby, everything about #TodayImGonnaFriday feels different; it feels like a movement that will continue throughout my life! It is a state of mind that I want to represent to people! It feels like I will be performing this when I'm 90 years old to people who have been inspired by this song years and years from now! It feels timeless and important and a cultural reminder to the overworked, underpaid employees in this country to take time for themselves and enjoy the hell out of life until you reach heaven! Plus, I'm serving looks, epicness, passion, and vibes in the video, so it's a winner, lol! Instagram Facebook

The Hagerstown, Maryland, outfit won't let stigma stifle its message. Back in 2015, the seeds of a musical revolution were sown. Hailing from Hagerstown, Maryland, Voids emerged onto the scene, setting their trajectory with the release of their acclaimed EP 'As Above, So Below.' Having gone through a couple of different iterations, the band's sound is nonetheless defined by an underlying desire to show that no matter what void encompasses your life, music can fill it better than any vice ever could. Poised to make waves with their upcoming release "Captive," Voids will surely put the industry on notice again. For Voids, pursuing music was more than just a fleeting passion; it became a mission to spread a profound message of hope and healing. Amidst the challenges of lineup changes and the small matter of the global health pandemic, the band knew they wanted to make a difference in people's lives. Having initially split up after their acclaimed album "No Character, No Crown" released in 2017, they would rise from the ashes again, rekindling their artistic passions and sharpening their skills like never before. The inspiration for "Captive" is unsurprisingly sincere and meaningful. Having all been victims of domestic violence in the past, they wanted to address the stigma attached to fellow male victims when attempting to speak out. Framed by an explosive instrumental performance that exudes resistance and defiance, lyrics like "So when your tears fall down like rain / From the guilt under your rage" urge listeners to persevere. The passion Voids operates with is obvious, and it's fair to say that on "Captive," they've put on a performance for the ages. Voids' "Captive" is an intense, fierce production with significantly softer intentions. For any fans of metal, "Captive" is sure to be an alluring release that's sure to be at home on your playlists. Whenever you're ready, tap in and stream Voids's new release, "Captive," available now on all major streaming platforms. Facebook Instagram