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The DMV native refuses to let adversity compromise his ambition and character. From a young age, musical maestro Poppi Dizzy was destined to be a musician. Having fallen in love with music after listening to R&B, soul, blues, jazz, gospel, and Hip-hop/Rap growing up, the aspiring artist would make words and rhymes while listening to other artists' songs, thus honing his songwriting skills early. Entirely dedicated to his craft, Poppi Dizzy has captured audiences' attention with his penchant for honest lyricism and dizzying cadence and bars. Having recently released his acclaimed EP "Time Will Tell," Dizzy's artistic trajectory remains solidly upwards. Clocking in at thirteen minutes, "Time Will Tell" packs quite a punch in a short timeframe, making it an easy and convenient listen. Evident throughout is Dizzy's stark willingness to be transparent and vulnerable, even if he still feels guarded at times. His flow and cadence throughout the project indicate a greater level of artistic maturity from the artist, and the work Dizzy's constantly put in is reaping dividends. "Time Will Tell" celebrates the trials Dizzy has overcome, but as the EP quickly indicates, nothing can keep this rising star down. This year, Poppi Dizzy pushed the boundaries of his artistry, challenging himself to evolve and grow. With a renewed focus on writing, music, and personal growth, he has explored new flows, cadences, and delivery styles, and "Time Will Tell" is the triumphant crystallization of his efforts. Boastful, at times vulnerable, but never broken down, Dizzy's "Time Will Tell," a common thread of stark introspection, unites EP. "Time Will Tell" opens with the boisterous "Game Over," making an immediately strong impression. Booming basslines chronicle Dizzy's ability to roll with any punches while ultimately getting to the money. Throughout the entire EP, Dizzy manages to walk the delicate balance of being vulnerable while still hard, and "Game Over" serves as a perfect introduction for the rest of the EP. Although the mood for "Forgive and Forget" goes in a starkly different, melancholic direction to the previous release, Dizzy remains resolute. Dropping lines like "Felt like it was some negligence felt like I was incompetently felt like I lost my confidence," it's clear that while things with his ex-flame may not have worked out, life will continue. The following release, "Reflections," sees Dizzy pick up right where he left off, and his ambition is palpable as he drops lines like "Never lost the dream no matter what I've faced." Dizzy constantly battles the destructive forces of his environment. Still, lines like "Don't attach my name to nothing that ain't positive, don't associate with negative" show his earnest desire to remain a force of good. The EP ends with "Summer's End," perhaps the most emotional track of the EP. Interestingly, there's a certain bounce to the track, and perhaps fittingly, lines like "I rather talk to this paper an put the pen to the pad writing ancient flows for days" and "I'm climbing some heights late night stage nights use to have stage fright all black hoodie up I'm like a thief Ina night" provide an exciting contrast of edgy vulnerability that wouldn't work without Dizzy's lyrical ability to be vulnerable yet guarded simultaneously. As Poppi Dizzy continues to blaze his trail in the music industry, there's every indication that he'll keep striving for greater heights. Whenever you're ready, tap in and stream Dizzy's new EP, "Time Will Tell," available now on all major streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Poppi Dizzy! Wow, what a release "Time Will Tell" was. How did the inspiration for this project first come about? The inspiration behind time will tell stems from the last two years of my life and what I've endured, and I had to say to myself only time will tell if I can get over it. What was your favorite part about bringing your initial vision for the "Time Will Tell" to life? My favorite part of bringing the vision for Time Will Tell to life has to be the careful thinking and decision-making about it and how I wanted to execute it. Do you have a favorite release on "Time Will Tell?" My favorite release on it is a tie between forgive & forget and reflections. What do you want other people to feel when they listen to your music? I want people to feel inspired and comfortable being vulnerable as I am in my music and to notice how storytelling it is. What's next for Poppi Dizzy? Can we expect to hear more new music soon, and is there anything you want to say to your fans? What's next for me? Well, last year, I dropped my first album and two tapes after this one. This year is the first, so I did start working on my second album, which is due out next year, so you guys can expect some visuals out very soon more stories, more bars, more inspiration, and more stray shots for my fans, thank you for continuing to be listening to me and rocking with me on my journey never will I let you guys down and I mean that. Instagram Facebook

The Brooklyn outfit ratcheted the intensity up to 10 with their gripping new release. Emerging from the city that never sleeps, Makes My Blood Dance (MMBD) exploded onto the scene and immediately established itself as a force to be reckoned with. Nothing else is true to themselves and their artistic inspirations; their creativity knows no bounds. Hailing from Brooklyn, Nyc, this disco-metal group is an infinitely expanding experiment in sonic expression, captivating audiences with a unique sound and performance that brings the usually distant worlds of theatre and metal together. The most significant growth opportunities come during adversity. This would prove true for MMBD frontman Evan Russell Saffer, who would meet and bond with guitar and synth player Jon Kristian during their early recovery from addiction. Joined later by the hugely talented bassist Filia Luna and the formidable drummer duo of Allan Zaparoli (studio) and Crow Starbird (tour), MMBD has been rocking out venues and captivating audiences ever since. With the band in peak shape, it’s looking like their upcoming “Heaven Collide” tour will be ca n’t-miss territory. MMBD’s latest single and namesake for their tour, “Heaven Collides,” perfectly captures the essence of their explosive sound. From the first instance, a thunderous guitar and drums set the stage for Saffer’s haunting vocals to plunge you into the abyss. As the instrumentals continue their intense march, lyrics like “I never know if I’m good enough /Lay your shadows next to mine / One more night with my dreams as my light and guide” spell out a tortured soul looking for genuine connection within the darkness. For any rock fans, this is certainly not a performance to be missed. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Makes My Blood Dance! We loved "Heaven Collides," we wanted to ask! What was the creative process like for this release? This song was a long time in the making. I wrote it on acoustic guitar several years ago. It's not our catchiest song, but it has this epic quality that Jon and I love. I sent it to him for his magic touch, and it started to take shape into what you hear now. There were strings, amazing guitar solos, and additional vocals added. The final touch was working with 12 Inch Media on the lyric video, which augments this song as a creative piece. We will be playing this song live on the Heaven Collides Tour from Aug 3 to Aug 19 on the US East Coast—more tours to come, which will feature longer jammed-out sections of this song. What does music mean to you as a group? Do you have a favorite musical memory together? We just returned from recording four new singles with producer Mikal Blue (OneRepublic, Fear Factory, Drowning Pool, Macy Gray) and Brett Mazur (CrazyTown). That was an incredible experience where we all hit flow state daily in the studio—bringing together creative minds and achieving something beyond us. Engineers Alex and Dalton were also excellent. As far as the music meaning something, it's powerful magic, and working it in tandem with other creatives and bringing people together is what it means to MMBD on the deepest level. Where did the name Makes My Blood Dance come from? Give us the origin story behind your name! I am a big fan of poet Chris Poindexter; the name was a jumble of words that caught my eye in the body of one of his poems. It was the feeling he got from looking at his girlfriend. I connected with that crazy joyful experience of love recognized in the self. I put the name on a list of others, and Jon and the rest of the group all wanted it, so I thought, that's divine intervention. What would you want it to be if your listeners could take one thing away from your music? We want to bring people up, make them feel better, and connect spiritually and magically. Come to MMBD shows - it's undeniable. Get a group of friends together and come to the shows. What's next for MMBD? You mentioned you're touring soon, right? Any performances you're especially looking forward to? The Heaven Collides Tour runs on the East Coast USA from Aug 3-Aug 19. Get tickets and info here. We will announce two more tours in 2023 in different regions of the US; stay tuned for those in October and December. We're also gearing up to shoot a new video for the Mikal Blue singles we just recorded, then more touring in 2024. Check out some excellent bands supporting MMBD on tour on our Alpha Centauri Records playlist. Instagram Facebook

The Calgary-based musician provides some nostalgic beach vibes for the summer. Drawing inspiration from legendary late 70’s artists like Toto, Steely Dan, Hall & Oates, and the Doobie Brothers, Calgary-based artist Kayla Williams explosively burst onto the music scene with an uncanny ability to connect with her listeners. Impressively managing to capture the attention of every audience she comes across immediately, Williams has quickly amassed a buzz for herself with her soulful vocals and ability to create captivating melodies that stimulate the imagination of her audiences, enveloping them in warm soundscapes and creating one of a kind listening experiences. As expected, a musician of Williams’ caliber has not gone unnoticed, and her peers have recognized her artistic talent. In 2021, she won the prestigious Red Deer Emerging Artist award; her music has been featured on TSN. Never afraid of bright lights and the big stage, she’s performed at many festivals throughout Western Canada, even being commissioned to write a song for the 2019 Canada Winter Games (performing it to an audience of over 8,000 people). Williams, a seasoned musician, and 10-year vocal coach, has lived and breathed music, which shows in her craft. Williams has something you can’t teach; intangibles that can only be formed through pure love of music. “In Your Paradise,” Williams’ latest release, is an enticing bundle of visual and listening bliss. A refreshing offering that fearlessly heralds the rise of the quickly emerging yacht-pop genre, Williams’ “In Your Paradise” offers a stimulating and modern take on the retro-inspired genre. The music video features Williams as a mermaid, her disco balls, flamingos, and the beach. The video has an instantly comforting, retro feel to the shading and green screen use, which blends perfectly with the audio itself. Dropping lyrics like “What’s it like in your paradise? / A cool sip of lemonade / When you’re thirsty on a summer day”, Williams instantly soothes and draws you into her world, captivating listeners with a standout vocal performance. “In Your Paradise” also serves as a tantalizing glimpse of the good to come on William’s upcoming album “Retrodelia,” if it’s any indication of the future, we can’t wait for it to drop. “In Your Paradise” is a glittery, enticing glimpse into yacht pop and the magical world of Williams’ expansive yet compelling soundscapes. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream Kayla Williams’ new release, “In Your Paradise,” available now on all major streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Kayla Williams! We loved "In Your Paradise," but we might have to start checking out yacht pop more! What were you envisioning when you decided to make this track? Could you take us through your creative process? When writing "In Your Paradise," I went on a walk and had the song finished when I got home; I wanted to create a playful summer song that was upbeat and musically reminiscent of the soft '70s yacht-rock classics I love! I knew it would need some serious horn parts and tons of harmonies when we recorded it. It was the first song from my EP that I wanted to release because it represents the feel-good vibe I wanted to showcase from the project…and the music video had to be super cheesy/silly/fun! What inspired you to first get into music, and what inspires you to keep making music today? I've been singing since I was about three years old, and I always said growing up that I wanted to be a singer. I went through a music program in college, and afterward, I never stopped writing, recording, and performing! The Beach Boys and Brian Wilson inspired me in my teens, and I wanted to write songs with layered harmonies and make pop music that had depth like his. Today, I still get the same feeling when I hear a new song or go to a live show that I did when I was super young…chills and a flood of dopamine! Music makes me feel things deeply, and singing/songwriting flows naturally for me, so I'll keep doing it as a career as long as it feels like this! What was your favorite part of bringing the vision for the music video to life? An artist created a logo of me as a mermaid with a disco ball, so I knew I wanted to bring this to life in the music video for "In Your Paradise!" I have a videographer friend who has a green room space, so I pitched the idea to him, and he got it. I bought an actual swimmable mermaid tail, and…BAM!...we made the most ridiculous music video of my life (so far), and it's everything I wanted. Seeing the disco mermaid realized in a music video was too much fun! Filming it was also hilarious because I was propped in different positions with no idea how the final music video would turn out! Ryley Surian, who shot and edited the video, did great with the green screen work. I laughed out loud watching it for the first time. How would you describe your music to someone who hasn't heard it before? Glittery goodness with an oldies vibe! Yacht-Pop is a throwback to the soft '70s and yacht-rock royalty like TOTO, Boz Scaggs, and the Doobie Brothers. It's inspired by nostalgic feel-good music of that era but with a modern pop twist and feminine flair! I intended to make music that's upbeat with a serious groove. What's next for Kayla Williams? You're working on your upcoming album "Retrodelia," right? Any projects you're incredibly excited to share with your fans? Yes! "In Your Paradise" is from RETRODELIA, the four-song EP I have physically released (as a CD) at my June 2/3 release shows. Digitally, I'm slowly rolling out each song as a single to give each track a chance to exist and have its moment in the spotlight. These songs feel so special to me; I'm excited to release each and have a slightly different visual campaign. I'm super busy playing live shows and sharing this music at tons of events and festivals over the summer, and I'm looking forward to recording many more feel-good jams and bringing this music back in a yacht-pop revival! Instagram Facebook

The LA-based singer-songwriter promises he won’t let the haters break his stride. With his mastery of slick trap rhythms, infectious synth melodies, and an unforgettable vocal flair, Big Venti has garnered attention from audiences far and wide. Blending elements of EDM and Hip Hop, he has created a unique and captivating sound that occupies the nexus between these genres, delivering an exhilarating listening experience that won’t be forgotten anytime soon. Now, with his upcoming EDM/Hip-Hop fusion album “By The Way” on the horizon, Venti has been grinding harder than ever, taking his artistry to new heights. The fruits of Big Venti’s hard work did not ripen by accident. Venti stands for “Visualize Everything Now Til’ Infinity, a stark declaration of a grand artistic pursuit that Venti tirelessly works toward. Often noted as the biggest, brightest personality in the room, Venti’s hunger for success and willingness to put in the work required already separate him from many of his peers, and with every release, he pushes himself closer and closer to greatness. His charisma leaks through his music and every project he graces, and there’s every indication that when it comes out, “By The Way” is certain to be a banger. “Sunset Strip,” one of Venti’s latest releases, is an impressive release that’s already racked up tens of thousands of views merely a week after its release earlier this month. The music video is just as impressive and lets listeners see Venti in his element via a live studio performance. Dripped out from head to toe (as usual), Venti is fly as hell as he lays down bars like “Always kept it real can’t fake it” and “The only thing we fear becoming average.” With a blue tint providing some of that sunset strip feeling, Venti immerses you in his laid-back yet romantic soundscape, with electric blue lyrics on the side for when you inevitably find yourself trying to sing along. Big Venti’s “Sunset Strip” is a catchy, groovy offering that’ll have you moving or singing along in no time. Venti’s charisma and artistic talent definitely make him one to watch, and we’ll be keeping an eye out for his upcoming album “By The Way.” Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream Big Venti’s new release, “Sunset Strip,” available now on all major streaming platforms. The video for “Sunset Strip” was so dope. We could tell you were really in your element! We had to ask, what was your favorite part about bringing the vision for this project to life? Thanks for the love! The Sunset Strip is all about the big billboards and flashing lights. I was able to find the perfect recording studio to capture this aesthetic down to luminescent blue lights! My favorite part about bringing the vision for this project to life is l exactly what you see happening on camera- me zoning out & fully emerging myself into the music. It was shot in one take. Fun fact- I filmed this myself on a tripod! Where did the inspiration for Big Venti come from? Major shoutout to Starbucks! Part of my daily routine is getting a Venti drink. I love to do it BIG, so my name is true to me. I’ll also let you in on a secret. There’s a hidden meaning behind my name: VENTI stands for “Visualize Everything Now Till Infinity.” As they say, you gotta see it to believe it! I visualize my dreams to make them become a reality. For anyone out there who might want to follow in your footsteps, what do you think the most important quality for an artist to have is? The most important quality for an artist to have is self-belief. You must believe that you were born to be an artist. Once you realize this, things will start to align for you. How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it before? The first line in the hook of “Sunset Strip” is, “Feel the vibe when we ride, it’s outta control.” Lately, I’ve been telling people that I don’t just create songs- I create vibes. So when you listen to “Sunset Strip,” you’re actually taking in the feeling of driving through Sunset Blvd. with the top down on a summer day. What’s next for Big Venti? You’re putting the finishing touches on your new album “By The Way,” right? Lastly, is there anything you want to say to your fans? I’ve been working on an album titled “BY THE WAY.” Believe it or not, it’s an EDM album! It’s my first time releasing music in this genre. Of course, I added my own “VENTI” touch to the sound. My listeners are in for a BIG surprise. Instagram

The talented, multi-faceted Liberian artist dazzles on his groovy new release. Angel Dweh is a Liberian artist who has quickly carved out a niche for themselves with exciting and standout releases like “Tonight” and “Hard For Me.” Dweh is an incredibly multi-faceted talent and has established himself not only as a musician but as a songwriter, composer, dancer, and actor. Born in Liberia to Liberian parents, Dweh would later immigrate to the United States, but evidence of his rich heritage is evident in every artistic pursuit he graces. Gracefully walking the line between pop, Afropop/Afrobeats, and R&B, Dweh’s curated sound has captured the imaginations of listeners everywhere with his vivid soundscapes and ability to inspire movement and dance. Dweh’s talent has definitely not gone unnoticed, even amongst his peers in a normally aloof industry. Having racked up nominations at the CIMVAwards for Best Video and the CPMA’s in the “Best World Music” category, he would ultimately take home the Board Award 2022 for Soldier of the Year. With a slew of new releases on the horizon, Dweh’s star continues to shine brighter and brighter. “Dance,” Dweh’s latest release, is a testament to the significant artistic ability of the man who’s been dubbed the “Afro Prince.” Also featuring talented artist Kizzy W, “Dance” is proof that Dweh continues to function at the peak of his significant abilities. Over vibrant, bouncy instrumentals infused with the essence of afrobeats, Dweh drops lyrics like “Dance like you really want to, show off everything you got,” enticing you towards the dancefloor. Ultimately, “Dance’s” effervescent sound not only reflects his personality but also pays homage to his roots in Liberia, resulting in a release that is both easy to listen to and dance to. Angel Dweh’s “Dance” is a vibey, bouncy, and rhythmic release that’ll uplift your day and have you heading to the dance floor in no time. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream Angel Dweh’s invigorating “Dance,” available now on all major streaming platforms. Instagram

Pressure builds diamonds, and they sure as hell ain’t cracking under the pressure. Alternative rock outfit TEMPOH Slow burst onto the scene and quickly made a name for themselves with their ability to capture the beautiful complexities of human desire and emotion in their music. Having set the stage with entertaining releases like “Leave Me Alone” and “Just Need Enemies,” they’ve tirelessly worked to perfect their craft, dazzling listeners with their genre-defying sound. Having already blazed their trail on the music scene, this talented group continues to shoot for the stars. With a poise that indicates rare artistic depth, TEMPOH Slow’s genre-bending production, poignant lyricism, and electrifying vocal performances have allowed them to craft a sound that inhabits a space where their music is truly free and limitless. At all costs, true to their artistic vision, the masters of narrative paint vivid, expansive soundscapes which envelop the listeners, transporting you to a world of TEMPOH Slow’s creation. With the capacity to evolve with each new release and seemingly limitless potential, there’s no telling how far TEMPOH Slow will continue to rise. The follow-up to their electrifying single “I Just Need Enemies,” TEMPOH Slow’s “Bite Me,” sees the outfit pick up exactly where they left off. Once again, utilizing themes of resilience, personal growth, and the liberating feeling that comes with self-empowerment, “Bite Me” shows TEMPOH Slow’s ability to infuse their music with powerful emotions. Over ever so slightly sinister instrumentals, TEMPOH Slow rages out against their toxic companion. Lyrics like “Every time you break me, I just have a breakthrough” and “Right now I can’t feel nothing / You say I won’t be something” give feelings of romantic tension we can’t get enough of. TEMPOH Slow’s “Bite Me” is a testament to their ability to outdo themselves and evolve with every consecutive release continually. The first single from their upcoming “Broken Crown” EP set to drop later this year, TEMPOH Slow show’s no time to stop anytime soon, and their momentum continues to build at breakneck speed. Instagram

If the coined phrase “Girls just wanna have fun” were a person, well, you’d be staring into the eyes of the country’s own up-and-comer Erin McLendon. A brilliant combination of sweet and bold with a witty edge, her music can be described as a modern country with a twist. As a Nashville veteran, the North Carolina native loves to toe the line of genres, making sure that even though her inspiration may come from all around, her sound is uniquely her own brand of country music. “Tell Me” is the latest heartfelt single and video combo from Erin McLendon as she lets us into mesmerizing storytelling through her honest lyrical motifs and a pure display of unforgiving passion in her performance. Reflecting on the blue-hued visuals accompanying this ballad, we see how Erin McLendon stays true to her country roots with live instrumentation as she shares the stage with her powerhouse band. There’s something so profound about the fading transitions as we get ushered into scenes of Erin McLendon performing her heart out and the up close and personal shots we experience as she tiptoes us into her vulnerability and leaves it all on the table with no bells or whistles. You see the hurt and pain behind her eyes as she catapults the words, ‘you should know that all my tears have dried,’ through your speakers, and the band serenades us in rich guitar riffs and prominent drum patterns to complement the vigor that Erin McLendon carves out. Through a song of heartbreak and moving on, Erin McLendon’s devotion fills our screens as she uses simplicity and elegance to convey her message. Leaving us with the bare essence of who she is as someone growing from the depths of pain, Erin McLendon has us in awe with what she offers in “Tell Me.” We’re so happy to have you hear chatting about your latest single and video release for “Tell Me.” You embrace such powerful emotions that come across as the most authentic version of your pain. What was it like tapping back into that space to create the visuals? It was actually pretty interesting! I originally wrote this song in 2012 after a really awful breakup, and it's been one of my favorite songs I've written ever since because it did come from such a raw place. Even though what it means to me now is completely different, it could still mean the same thing to someone else that it meant 11 years ago. It's a song about pushing through the loss of a relationship but also the relief of moving on. I wanted to keep it simple so that the emotion of how I feel when I sing "Tell Me" gets portrayed, but also. Hopefully, someone sees themselves in it, too. What can you tell us about the creative process behind the filming of “Tell Me”? What were the vibes like on set, and did it come out exactly how you imagined? Shawn was SO great to work with, and I'm really glad he agreed to do this project. I sent a few reference videos to him, and he ran with it! This is also the first video I've filmed where I'm performing with my band, The HellCats. It was really important to me that they be showcased as well. I wanted there to be an element of a live performance so people could get an idea of what to expect when they do come and see us while also maintaining the vibe of the song. In terms of vibes on the set, they were great! None of us really take ourselves that seriously, so we all had a blast! What advice do you have for your listeners going through similar emotions that you convey in “Tell Me”? You will get through to the finish line, but you're going to feel a lot of feelings before you do. They're all OK, and they're all valid. Just let them happen because, eventually, you do find something (or someone) better. Do your songs often take such a powerful and vulnerable approach, or do you like to throw in lighter themes from time to time? You know, I try to write a little bit of everything for everyone. Most of my songs have an element of humor in them, but I have a few songs, some released, some not, that are on the more vulnerable side. I always think about how the song is going to sound live and, if sung with a group of my other songs, is it going to put the audience to sleep. I love to perform and make people smile, so I try to keep it as upbeat as I can while remaining honest and authentic with my own experiences. What has been your biggest accomplishment in your musical journey this far? What are you looking forward to achieving this year? Oh, WOW, what a question. I've done a lot of really cool and really random things. I got to sing with the Grand Ole Opry House Band (which included the legendary Jimmy Capps before he died) on air on WSM for "Live at the Capitol Theater," I got to be a finalist in the inaugural Tennessee Titans Battle of the Bands which earned me a performance at one of their games, I've sung on iconic stages such as the Ryman, Exit/In, The Listening Room and more! I consider myself very lucky in what I've been able to do in my career, and I'm very grateful to the people who helped get me here. This year, I have big goals for myself. I'm really excited to continue releasing new music and new videos over the next few months that are different from anything I've released before! My goal for this year is just to keep leveling up. Whatever that means, wherever that takes me, I'm excited! Instagram

In Upstate New York, the presence of indie-pop artist Avvi was born, and through creative expression and classical training, the songstress has an essence you can’t ignore. From a young age, her artistic journey routed her through the avenues of writing poetry, short stories, and melodic songs that brought Avvi to Nashville in 2013 to study the voice and music business at Belmont University. Since releasing her debut single, “Liar in Bed,” in 2021, the momentum for her hasn’t halted. Leading us to the depths of her latest musical release, which comes in the form of a four-track EP, “Indulge Me,” we’re navigated through the growth of rich tones that Avvi effortlessly conveys through each note she utters. Beholding reminiscent hues of Lana Del Rey, Kimbra, and Florence + the Machine, listeners are in for a treat as they simmer in the emotion-fueled concoctions that Avvi graciously provides for our listening pleasure. What we love most about the entirety of this project has to be the effervescent electronic schemes that bask us in robust melodies altering in tempo dependent on Avvi’s particular mood she wishes to convey. Kicking things off with the introductory single, “Top Shelf,” we’re whisked into a potent theme that idealizes the ones we love to the point of them begging us to lose that mentality we’ve fostered. In this song’s case, Avvi is the one ‘sitting on the top shelf’ and merely yearning for an equivocal playing field to share love upon. As she transmits a message as such through a bubbly atmosphere that’s copious in syncopated drum patterns and a full-throttle swing bound to get you dancing, she just as easily switches the rhythm up as she lathers us in ethereal harmonies and velvety passion through the slower-paced hit, “12 pm in Traffic.” We stand for how Avvi spreads her silky croons as she pulls us deep into her sonic embrace. From the power her lyrics hold, as they paint imagery that etches into our thoughts, to the sentiments she shares profoundly evoking heartfelt feelings, she’s a master at creating schemes that all tie together yet equally stand out. Holding especially true as we reach the third song on “Indulge Me,” titled “Vulnerable,” there’s an edge we haven’t heard on this project yet. From fuzzy guitar riffs that scream out the angst in themes of letting your guard down to the colossal percussion that carves out the tone of “Vulnerable,” we’re hooked on this breezy yet cutting-edge side to Avvi’s artistry and persona. Then Avvi caps it all off, and as we enter “Wildly in Love,” the final record to close off the masterpiece that is these four tracks, she wows us with how quickly she can have us going from a place of rebelling to a somber tone where we want to feel the warmth of the love she describes. Adapting a vivid storytelling technique that takes us into the picturesque hook, it’s impossible to feel the emotion she portrays and place ourselves in it through the intense images she conjures up in our minds. Avvi excels at delivering stories from the heart. If you want to learn more about the vast experiences fueling her fire within, listen to “Indulge Me” on your favorite streaming platform. Instagram

Ang Sirena is a multifaceted Filipino American singer and songwriter from Gilbert, Arizona, who captivates audiences with her distinct bedroom pop melodies blended with soulful R&B lyricism. Inspired by Amy Winehouse, Erykah Badu, and Adele, her music tells stories of spirituality, love, and personal growth. Having previously lent her talents to the Los Angeles indie-pop soul band Xella and featured on NPR radio and the NPR Tiny Desk Contest Top Shelf series, she's now launching her solo journey with her debut single, "Hold Me." "Hold Me" portrays a more intimate side of Ang Sirena. The lyrics, "I've been searching, ain't no question about it," convey a longing and a quest for something more. In the line, "All you gotta do is, hold me close to you," she showcases her ability to voice heartfelt emotions, painting a picture of vulnerability and the human desire for connection. The smooth trumpet solo, sweet backing vocals, and laid-back drums complement her rich, soulful voice, enhancing the song's overall listening experience. With "Hold Me," Ang Sirena demonstrates her signature style, seamlessly blending contemporary sounds with a reminiscent aura. Its lyrics are relatable and universal, offering a glimpse into Sirena's world. It's evident that her music is not just about melodies and beats but an exploration of the self and expression of emotion. This debut single is just the start of an exciting musical journey; Ang Sirena is a talent to look out for. Stream "Hold Me," available everywhere now. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Ang Sirena, and congratulations on your latest release, "Hold Me." Can you tell our readers what initially sparked your interest in music? I grew up with oldies and top 40s around the house, whether it was my dad jamming, my sister and mom dancing, or karaoke at family parties. Music was always a part of my life, and having instruments around the house also made exploring easy. How has growing up in Arizona or being of Filipino American heritage influenced your sound? I was raised in CA, but it was a BIG change for me when I moved to AZ for high school. Because it was too hot to go outside and I hardly knew anyone, I stayed inside and picked up guitar and piano by ear. I started writing my music to express myself and posting my music and covers online. Growing up Filipino, karaoke and music performances were always at big family parties. I performed with my dad at relatives' weddings and birthdays. That helped me be comfortable performing in front of people today. What was the inspiration behind your track "Hold Me?" At one of my jobs, we played many indie funk and r&b/soul oldies music. I always wanted to make that kind of music, so I took a stab at it with my MK2 beat pad and an 88-midi keyboard alone in my bedroom one night. At the time, I had been going through bouts of depression while in my band (Xella), managing the band, trying to keep a 9-5, driving for uber eats, and enduring questionable side effects from my seizure medicine. Not to mention two back-to-back car accidents, drama at the job, and a sprained ankle on top of that. It was easy to feel alone when I only wanted someone to relate to and 'hold me' in comfort. Then I reconnected with a dear old friend going through something similar, and we comforted each other. What's next for Ang Sirena? Do you have any upcoming projects or collaborations we can look forward to? Yes, I can't wait to release my next singles soon! I am perfecting them while working on visuals for "Hold Me" and, hopefully, an online performance of what's to come. You can also catch my vocals on Dan Brown Jr.'s upcoming documentary, Girl Forgotten. As you look towards the future, what is your primary goal as a musician? Is there an overarching message that you want to share with your listeners? This is my first time taking a chance on my own produced tracks. In the past, I wrote/had demos that were usually transformed into someone else's interpretation. I plan to keep learning and growing as a producer/songwriter with Ang Sirena. My music is about my own experiences in love, spirituality, and growth. I hope my lessons are the answers for listeners and that my experiences show them they're not alone in what they're going through. In this saturated social media era, it's hard to remember who you're making music for (or even living for) when keeping up with the trends to stay relevant. I want to inspire others to do the same by staying true to myself. Instagram Facebook

The Australian musician out of Canberra won’t let anything keep him down. MAXO, the extremely talented singer-songwriter from Canberra, Australia, has returned to bless us with good new music. Drawing inspiration from acclaimed indie-pop bands like One Republic, Imagine Dragons, and Maroon 5, he’s managed to carve out his unique sound, captivating audiences everywhere with his blend of uplifting, positive, and energizing music. With his new single “Can’t Hold Me Back” already making waves, Maxo’s timing is once again impeccable, providing us with a fresh soundtrack for the sun-filled days of summer. You know those artists who seem like they were destined for the stage? MAXO is one of them. Having gotten into music from an early age, he’s spent most of his life tirelessly honing his sound, which shows. Every piece of music he makes has an underlying passion that can’t be ignored. Having been recognized by Australia’s Triple J and UK’s BBC Radio, MAXO has been on a firmly upward trajectory and shows no signs of stopping or slowing down. With a whopping 1.7 million streams on Spotify alone, the sky is the limit for this star in the making. “Can’t Hold Me Back,” MAXO’s latest release, continues his artistic resolve and desire to provide music to uplift his fans. Over instrumentals that expertly blend pop, rock, and a little country rock, MAXO’s energy overflows defiantly in the face of whatever obstacles he may face. Dropping lyrics like “Cuz I have been fighting, for this, my whole damn life / And I’m still climbing, this ladder to stay alive” and “Can’t hold me back, I’m going my own way,” MAXO’s charisma is infectious. Nothing can faze this rising star, and after you give “Can’t Hold Me Back” a listen, you’ll feel unstoppable too. With his talent, charisma, and simple ability to make good music, this Canberra-based musician is destined for even greater stages. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream MAXO’s “Can’t Hold Me Back,” available now on all major streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, MAXO! We loved "Can't Hold Me Back"; it felt uplifting yet catchy simultaneously! What was the inspiration behind this release, and could you take us through the creative process for it too? Hey, Legends! Thanks for having me, and I'm glad you loved the track! "Can't Hold Me Back" is a bit of a song to myself, and writing it helped me through some of the darkest days of my life. If you've been following my journey so far, you'd know one of my best mates, Frankie, was murdered a couple of years ago, and I didn't deal with what happened and the events that followed adequately at the time. I ended up breaking down and getting diagnosed with PTSD, which led to extreme anxiety and depression. I took a break from music to work on my mental and physical health but kept trying to write new music while I had stepped away from it. Back then, I couldn't write in my home studio as when I got the news about Frankie; I had just sat down to write there, so it took me a long time to get back in that space. This led me to make several trips down to Melbourne to write with one of my producers, Cam Bluff; it was great, I'd stay at his, and we'd hang out and write and record music. This was where 'Can't Hold Me Back' was born. We were having breaky, and Cam was showing me some different instrumental ideas he had when one tiny bit of rhythm guitar hooked me in, and I just sang "Can't Hold Me Back!" I grabbed my acoustic guitar, strummed some chords, and we wrote the whole song in less than half an hour, haha. We jumped in the studio to record and got it down, but we felt it could be bigger and didn't have the resources to get it there. So, the next month I jumped on a plane to Adelaide and produced it with another one of my producers, Ash Gale, at Skye Studios. Live instruments and about a million vocal tracks later, the song was taken back to Cam in Melbourne for some final touches, mixing, and mastering, and 'Can't Hold Me Back' was done. Tada! Haha You mentioned that you've been doing music for a long time. How did you first get into it? Were you exposed to a lot of good music growing up? Yeah, it's been a while, haha. I first knew I wanted to get into it when I was eight. A kid, a couple of years older than me, had a guitar on the bus ride home and would play it and let me have a go, teaching me some stuff. I knew I needed my own from then, so I kept asking for one for birthdays and Christmas'. Mum finally caved and got me one when I was ten, haha. From there, I taught myself to play, then started a band with some mates in high school to perform in the school Battle of the Bands comp. I couldn't sing to save myself back then, but we were only doing covers of Pop Punk bands, so I thought I'd put my hand up to sing. After that, I got into singer-songwriter music like The Script and practiced more and more to become a better singer. Then I put up a few covers on YouTube, landed some pub gigs, and kept going from strength to strength. I was definitely exposed to a lot of music growing up, both good and bad, and I still listen to everything these days, even the terrible songs. You can always learn something from it, haha. So far, what's been your favorite thing about being a musician and putting out your music? This is a tough one; there are so many different aspects to being a musician and so many "Pinch me" moments so far, but I think my favorite would have to be the response from fans listening to my music for the first time. For most of my songs, I like to write inspiring, uplifting music in the hope that it might help someone through a hard time or inspire them to go further and chase their dreams. So having people reach out and tell me their stories of how my music played a part in their life is so surreal, and there's nothing better. Do you have a favorite musical memory or performance? Also, how would you describe your music to someone who hasn't heard it before? One of my favorite performance memories is from a few years ago when I put on a single launch show in my hometown in an abandoned bar just before heading over to the US on tour. We loaded in a huge stage set up, lights, sound, and complete band kit, the works and tickets were only available at the door, so we had no idea how many people would turn up. The whole place was packed, and so tight I just remembered how hot and sweaty it was there. We started playing, and my foldback blew up in the first song as someone spilled their beer on it, and I couldn't hear myself the whole set, but the show went on. It was the wildest show I'd ever played, and everyone in there was having the best night of their life from what I could see on stage. I always try to make my live shows as big as possible, and that show was one where everyone in the room was having the time of their life. As for describing my music to someone, once you listen to it, it might get stuck in your head. I love writing fun, super catchy hooks, so listeners, beware you might get stuck with me once you have a listen. But other than that, just good catchy Pop Singer/songwriter music that will get your toes tapping and your body moving. What's next for MAXO? Can we expect to hear more new music soon, and is there anything you'd like to say to your fans? Yeah, I've got some big plans in the pipeline and big announcements coming soon! More new music will come this year, and a lot more touring next year, both here in Australia and overseas! To my fans, thank you for sticking with me and allowing me to be part of your life. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be able to do what I love. Hope to see you all soon! Instagram Facebook