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Welcome to BuzzMusic DvffleBvg Ruggv! Can you tell us about the hip-hop sound and culture that’s in the DMV area and how you’ve cultivated your style from your environment? The Dmv is diverse. None of the local rappers have the same sound. Go-Go is the official music of D.C. while Maryland and Virginia have trap, rap, hip-hop, R and B, pop, and classic rock. heavy metal and punk. I wanted to be different, so I didn’t sound the same as everyone else. I pretty much have had a different sound since I was 13. I use hard trap beats with my lyrics and a ton of energy while I flow on the mic. I use a lot of what I have been through growing up with my mom and baby sister and what I have seen and been through in the streets. What were your intentions with your single “PAID”? My intention with Paid was to put it on my Facing Death mixtape at first. I let my Manager and Marketing team hear an unfished version of it and plans immediately changed for it. Paid is now available on all music streaming outlets. How did you discover the inspiration behind this song? Well, honestly I’m going to have to say the inspiration was the fact that people take advantage of other people in the street. It’s a cold, dark evil place. So I went ahead and started writing my song. What would you consider to be the most challenging aspect of creating “PAID”? Finding the right beat for the energy I had recorded the song. The songwriting process or the actual production of the song? Neither songwriting nor production was a challenge, but finding the right beat for the song and my energy could be the most challenging. We loved the video released to “PAID”. What was the vision you had for the visuals and how does it relate to the song’s meaning? The Vision was being in the trap of cooking up with my business partners not taking shit from no one. It related to the song well. It matched exactly what the song was saying. What can we expect to see from you throughout 2020? Fans can be ready in 2020 because I have 3 major projects I am working on including the visuals for the projects. I’m going to be featured in magazines in 2020 and planning on touring further than the east coast. My paid video is making its way across this country on world star hip hop and I can assure you that it’s not stopping there. I am working hard in 2020 planning to keep giving my fans what they like. Listen to “PAID” here. instagram.com/dvfflebvg twitter.com/DvffleBvgRuggv facebook.com/DvfflebvgRuggv

Welcome to BuzzMusic Aiden Jay! As a hip-hop artist, who would you consider to be some of your main influences for your special sound? Who were you listening to growing up? As an artist, I feel like my sound is not just hip-hop it’s a lot of pain it so I can grow up listening to a lot of blues and gospel. The artist I feel like influences me most for what I’m trying to do and what I’m trying to accomplish are artists like André 3000, and Kanye West and this is going to sound ridiculous even but one of the most influential artists for me is Jamie Foxx. I think they make my sound to be more well-rounded and also given me an outlook on how I want to use and incorporate blues and soul into my music. Ever since the release of your debut mixtape “Suicide Letter”, how has your sound evolved? Suicide Letter is where I think I learned to be honest in my music. Prior to suicide letter; I think music for me was fun, it was edgy it was something that I enjoyed and liked to do but suicide letter is when I started opening up and putting emotion into the songs that I record.I’ve always been very story-oriented. I like to let people in on the story, so a lot of the bars that I have are story related. You can listen to a song from the verse to verse to the end and you can grasp an idea of what I’m trying to say and what is important to me. I guess my music has evolved since suicide letter in the sense that I’m no longer focusing on all the negative that was surrounding suicide letter but I guess moving forward. I want to let the people know that there was positivity in the struggle. “Black Fila” had a strong lyrical message behind the song. Can you expand on the theme of this single and what initially inspired you to write this? Black Fila is a song that is strongly worded for some of the things in my life from middle school to college that really affected me. I wanted it to be in the viewpoint of something that’s always there and what’s more common than you have shoes on. Black Fila for me is to come up story, it’s “Yeah I went through some shit and here’s how I’m handling it.”It’s also a redemption story because I’m not the only person who goes to shit so there’s a lot of people in my life who made mistakes and have done things alongside me that they can’t go back and fix so it’s basically saying let’s continue let’s push forward. This is the past and what we have seen but how about we move forward and do something different. What inspired me to write Black Fila is when I was in middle school if you don’t have Jay’s or Nike's on, you were bum. Growing up the way I did, my mom could only afford the fila’s and I learned to appreciate that I was doing something different from everybody else and I pulled it off. We’re excited to hear your debut album “Rest In Peace”. What can we expect from this project? Rest in Peace to me is a story about a guy who understands that in everything that he’s seen, he puts the blame on all the things around him. To me, the project is based on a life that I’ve lived, and that I’ve seen; the two are very much hand-in-hand. It’s essential for me to bring out the dark and the light in my music at the same time. “falling in love is in bad until you get hurt” and that’s what this album is. It’s you fall in love with things and people and hope that they have or it has your best interest. The project is all my challenges, fears, and expectations. As well as My pain, goals, and darkest thoughts. What can we expect to see from you throughout the rest of 2020? Other than Rest In Peace, I and my team are working on a collaboration album. I’ll end up doing a mixtape before the end of the year and once the travel is no longer restricted I should be dropping my tour schedule for the Rest In Peace tour. Beyond music, I’m looking into doing some fashion stuff, And hopefully, I do a better job of philanthropy this year, especially since I’ve already started! Instagram

Aiden Jay is a multi-talented Rapper and Singer/songwriter from Miami, Florida. Dealing with a significant amount of adversity has led him to create dark yet complex, uplifting music. His new single “Black Fila” mesmerized us due to various reasons. “Black Fila” has a sophisticated instrumental - but it was the hook that captivated us the most. The repetitive lyric “In my black filas” with the diction used on the end of “fila” was very staccato and rhythmically which became integrated into our memory and had us hooked on the song. You found yourself instinctively singing along to the hook by the second time of the song. Aiden Jay is more than a rapper, he’s also a very talented lyricist. The lyrical message in “Black Fila” was deep. The song stems from a troublesome past yet an optimistic future. What really enjoyed about “Black Fila” is Aiden Jay's exhibit of the lo-fi vibe throughout the arrangement of the song. “Black Fila” is calming, peaceful, and relaxing making it an enjoyable hit to vibe out to. “Black Fila” was a well-rounded and great single that anticipates the release of Aiden Jay’s album. You can listen to “Black Fila” by Aiden Jay, here. Instagram

BAYWUD has sweetly graced our presence on various occasions this past year, and we're nothing but honored to share his latest heartfelt piece titled, "Where Was I Then." Gearing for the upcoming release of his debut EP, 'MMXX,' BAYWUD has seen incredible success through the project's previously released singles that have been rotated through plenty of US radio stations. All song's produced by Rune Westberg (Adam Lambert, Colbie Caillat, Our Lady Peace, etc.). The project offers beauty through each intricate arrangement and in-depth concept. Regarding one song off the EP titled, "Where Was I Then," BAYWUD locks in our attention with a heartbreaking tune that reminds us to appreciate each moment life offers. Stating that the song was inspired by a friend who passed away, listeners can notice and relate to the emotional struggles that BAYWUD devastatingly sings of. Through sweet and serene Folk instrumentation, the piece offers heart and soul in a matter of minutes. "Where Was I Then" begins with warm background vocals and soft acoustic guitar melodies, setting a sombre yet intriguing atmosphere. Once BAYWUD's tender vocals appear singing a heavy story of losing a friend, he takes his time to deliver the meaning of each lyric he's vulnerably written. As the surrounding instrumentation slowly escalates with soft piano melodies, delicate drum patterns, and subtle yet melodic background keys, we're able to feel this aching and soulful sensation that the song naturally exudes. BAYWUD continues to sing of the tragic moment that changed his world while keeping us engaged through his naturally chilling performance. With a harmonica solo around the outro, BAYWUD has perfectly crafted this song to offer immense heart and soul while bidding adieu to a near and dear friend. We always appreciate the sweet stylings of BAYWUD, especially through the most sincere and delicate pieces of his discography "Where Was I Then." Be sure to check out BAYWUD's debut EP, 'MMXX,' out now. You’ve given us chills with your latest tender and emotional release, “Where Was I Then.” Seeing as you typically write such heartfelt and genuine pieces, was it more challenging this time around when writing about a friend you’ve tragically lost? Yes and no. I think when you dive into an idea for a song, and the concept is something that really resonates and inspires you, the song just writes itself at some point.  You know what you want to say.  That being said, this was a bit of a challenge, in the sense that it was very emotional for me.  It’s a song about suicide and I cried during the process.  It brought back so much emotion and so many memories. I couldn’t keep myself together at one point but ultimately, it was exactly what I wanted the song to be.  It’s a sad song.  It is meant to be a song that makes you think.  We all have certain regrets in life, and this was a big one for me.  I wish I could have done more for my friend. When creating your instrumentals for "Where Was I Then," how did you formulate your melodies and instrumentation to offer an equally emotional atmosphere as your lyrics? I had a verse and a chorus that I composed on the piano that really expressed the idea of what I was waiting for in the song.  Once Rune Westberg and I got to writing, it just felt right to have the whole song be this one big question, ‘Where was I’ ?. It expressed exactly how I felt.  I think with Suicide, it always ends up leaving a lot of unanswered questions.  We often don’t think about the loved ones that are left behind because of it. We ended up using the guitar for the lead instrument.  It really gave the song the emotion that we were looking for.   Regarding the soulful and tender instrumentals within your song, “Where Was I Then," what was your creative process like with Producer, Rune Westberg when crafting the song's instrumentals and sonics? We’ve written several songs together, and we have just always clicked in our songwriting.  Once we had most of the song written, we came to the bridge, and he brought out the harmonica and started doing his thing.  I lost it right then and there.  It was perfect.  The harmonica has such an emotional, bluesy delivery when played a certain way, and It just brought the whole song to a close.   With your debut EP, 'MMXX,’ is there a particular concept you deliver throughout the project?  What role does “Where Was I Then” play in the EP? Absolutely.  I think, because of the pandemic, this year has been a struggle for so many people.  My previous two singles expressed all the issues so I thought I would do some slowed-down acoustic versions of the songs.  These two songs are really about helping each other, holding on to each other, and being there for one another.  And this year, especially, I thought it was important.  ‘Where Was I Then’ was crucial for the EP.  I think because of what’s going depression is on the rise.  Suicide cases will be higher, most certainly.  The message of the song is to allow us to take note of this, and make sure to reach out to our friends, our family, even strangers… We all need to let each other know that we must help each other through this difficult time.  Don’t ignore the signs before it’s too late. Call the hotline if need be 1-800-273-8255. What can fans anticipate to hear next from you? I have a lot of exciting things coming.  I will be releasing a couple of singles at the beginning of the new year, and have a full album coming out in the spring that I’m excited to share.  It’s a great mix of songs.  So, stay tuned. Instagram

BAYWUD, the L.A. based indie artist, musician, and songwriter, is like a man ahead of his time. Through the connections he's made grinding it out in the music pits of Los Angeles, he managed to swing a publishing deal with Patrick Conseil, who later landed him a single with the electro-pop producer Verskotzi, which gave a debut to the popular single "Golden Cord." His modern conceptual progression into his divisive performance in "Walk Alone" devotes a whimsical melody that strengthens and provokes a feeling of unity between us and helps his breakthrough as an independent contemporary songster. His music remains just as lush as ever, sounding like an antique stopwatch in pristine condition, ticking with a slight skip in its gear as the song glows its modern textures. "Maybe if we learn the trust each other, we don't have to walk alone," he sings in the magnetic toplines of "Walk Alone." It's a song about coming together to face the challenges we are all experiencing in these challenging times, with a video accompaniment that shifts between expressive shots of suffering. In contrast, the sounds of this song's anthemic chords and invigorating nature lift us up with BAYWUD's magnetic cantor and driving soft-rock accompanying arrangement—a suggestion that he does not need to update his aesthetic and tone, as he finds comfort in his organ backed, two and four driving rhythms. While his collaborative records have proven to be one of the healthiest landings in playlist additions and stream plays, his solo adventures on "Walk Alone" come as his sharpest and most endearing ventures yet, gushing with wholesome character and a healthy hitting video supporting his message of unity. instagram.com/baywud

Los Angeles-based Singer/Songwriter BAYWUD returns with another breathtaking single “Hold on To Me.” After studying at the School for Film and Television in N.Y.C., then at Loyola Marymount University, BAYWUD took his classical training as a musician/singer and created his own personal music that speaks from the soul. His latest single “Hold on To Me”, the song is said to be written for anyone feeling lost or broken and to know it’s okay to reach out when in need. BAYWUD’s moving lyricism and stunning instrumentals on “Hold on To Me” provides listeners with a musical escape in times of struggle. The down-tempo song begins with calming acoustic guitar strumming and a quiet beat in the background. Once we’re met with the arrival of BAYWUD’s incredible vocal styling, we can’t help but compare his bright and soothing voice to the likes of Adam Levine. Around the chorus, BAYWUD belts out a heartfelt message overtop an eclectic mix of drums/percussion, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and subtle piano. With shifts in instrumentation and well-crafted melodies, “Hold on To Me” effectively portrays the importance of holding on to hope. Perfectly channelling his emotions through music and lyrics, BAYWUD’s sincere track “Hold on To Me” carries the weight of struggle, and allows his audience to know that they’re never alone. instagram.com/baywud

Alexya Garcia, the Los Angeles-based R&B and deep-pop blending artist, is no amateur in the experience of Chicano roots songwriting. Having been part of the Fabulous Girls in a past endeavor, she resurfaces as a solo pilot and delivers her new single "Sick Of Love Songs" on the full wings of her independent sound. With a confident new bounce in her step, and a profoundly magnetic voice to back it, she finds a place amongst our most cherished Kali Uchis, and Jorja Smith records—reinforcing and growing our collections of influential and leading female voices. Through the first impressions of listening to "Sick Of Love Songs," a reminiscent silkiness embodies Alexya Garcia's tone. It mirrors some of Kahli Uchis' more sensual and fluid parts of 2018's Isolation but with a warmer disposition in how gentile and languishing the vibey expanse it produces feels. The production is innocent enough in its come-up, but it holds effectiveness centred in its consistent swaying flow and groove. The track finds its footing with a thoroughly saturated sub-synth that glides along with the measure. While the clockwork of the drums stabs through with a hyper-realistic realism as if we've had 3-D glasses on. Here, Alexya Garcia sings with enough sentiment that it begins to sound like Garcia is swooning over the microphone in a COLORS show session, solely because of how close and intimate it flirts with the ears. As we fade out with the final chords "Sick Of Love Songs," we can only imagine that this is probably what rooted and lost in love feels like—even if it is about being sick of that feeling. What are the primary and most profound emotions that take hold of you and carry you in your performance whenever you sing? Whenever I perform, I feel the fire. For real, the most profound emotion when I exchange with an audience is pure elation. But also, you know it depends on the song... "Sick of Love Songs" makes me cry. I don't know what it is haha. My other track "Zoom" has me feeling aggressive and I start cussing mid-performance. It all just depends on the exchange with whoever is there with me, on stage and in the audience, but generally... I am plugged and locked in through the whole performance. I'm very aware of the synergy in the room. 100%. What has been a strong creative compass for you recently on your new endeavor as an independent artist? Everything All Black Lives Matter and the Chicano Movement de the 60s and 70s.  Recently I've been learning a lot about my culture, ethnicity, and family history. I've been educating myself on the oppressed and oppressors of previous generations, including what's going on during this social climate today. And as an independent artist, especially amidst the pandemic as well, I think it's vital that you stand for something, and that you feel grounded in a purpose that rings true for you because it's not easy doing music. The more you are rooted, the more you will love what you create and want to keep going.  Where do you want out of your musical career, and how do you find the fuel everyday to invest and commit to making it happen? I want to give back to LA through my music career. That is my top priority. I've done some work with Homeboy Industries in the past and I want to keep exploring ways in which I can do that. The entertainment industry sits on top of the real gem of LA, which would be La Raza. It's people. I am personally tied to East Los Angeles, but all the LA communities I'm telling you from the Valley to South LA, Highland Park... it's the real fuel of Los Angeles, and the people fuel me too. Investing and committing to my passion, allows me to invest and stay committed to the longevity of really making that happen.  There are a lot of social-justice warriors here, but politicians aren't doing their job, they're slacking on so many issues it's ridiculous but also with the homelessness crisis here and it's like the wealth of California is gas pedalling its poverty. To me, these are concepts that deeply motivate me to do my best.  What can we expect from Alexya Garcia for the rest of 2020? 2020 is the year of Revelations and Empowerment, and that is what you can expect from me with my future collaborations with some dope artists. Damn, I'm so excited. Got two new songs and music videos on the way starting with my end-of-August release, "We Can Get It", which is a pop R&B "get down with me" kinda vibe because I miss cruising with my homies y homegirls around the city. alexyagarcia.com

Welcome to BuzzMusic rthm&flo! What a vibe you created in "Hurricane"! What was the songwriting and production process for it like? How did the background instrumental part come to life? Thank you! The idea came to be after finding the main synth sound. It had a very nostalgic feel to it that inspired the rest of the instruments and the lyrics as well. For most of our music, we both work together to create a full instrumental. Then Charlie will write the lyrics and we will both edit the song as a whole. For Hurricane specifically, the instrumental was based around the main synth and the guitar chord progression in the middle of the song. The bass and drums were meant to be simplistic and for support of the rest of the instruments. The lyric writing process for Hurricane was very much fluid. The emotion Charlie felt was very much a nostalgic feeling mixed with uncertainty and a touch of melancholy. It reminded him of his time as a child, and how his experience of Hurricane Katrina represented times of chaos and uncertainty. The lyrics are an embodiment of those emotions in the present.  It's always great to have a partner to have when creating new music, what is the process like for you two? What happens if there's a disagreement? Any Rock Paper Scissors to settle disagreements? There are definitely days when we don't agree on things. I think we try to not let our pride get in the way of the music. We can both come up with an infinite number of ideas, so why fight over one? If we feel it getting too tense, we will save the idea and just work on something else that we can agree on, but most of the time we find a middle ground. Within "Hurricane" is an interesting mellotron line that goes on throughout the song, how did that line come to be? Did you get the chance to record a real mellotron? No, we wish! We have a very humble setup and make most of our sounds digitally unless we're playing guitar or bass guitar. It was a sound called Strawberry Flutes on Analog Lab 4, a plugin that comes with the Arturia MiniLab MKII keyboard. We stumbled upon it and immediately fell in love. Vinnie played the main chord progression with it and Charlie used the same sound to create a melody for the chorus that just spoke to our soul as a group. The sound of rthm&flo is very unique, what is the inspiration for that sound? Is that something that came naturally or has the music evolved to what it is now? It is something that has come very naturally from the blending of our two styles. We never sat down and decided what kind of music to make, we kind of just kept making songs until our sound naturally became somewhat consistent. What can we expect to see from rthm&flo throughout 2020? Lots of new music. No album just yet, but we have had conversations about getting one started. We're working on setting up an online store for some new merch too. Gonna be recording a lot more live footage as well, either at shows or at home, to get a closer look at our process. That is all we can say for certain now! Instagram

rthm&flo is a Boston-based super duo consisting of Vinnie K and Charlie Tripp who create Pop, RnB, and Rap. Their influences are spread across blues and other forms of rock causing a unique shine on their music. Recently the duo released the single "Hurricane" and it is a modern Lo-Fi trip out. The record features a mellotron-like lead line that repeats throughout the song, a quirky little flute that comes and goes building dynamics in the song, punchy laid-back drum rhythms, and super chill honest vocals. "Hurricane" opens up with its esoteric mellotron line before the whole groove kicks in with the vocals, the vocal performance is super relaxed here, it feels extremely honest and intricate that dynamically flows between each section providing a fantastic feeling that makes you slowly rock your head back and forth. The chorus of "Hurricane" introduces the quirky little flute that lifts everything to an airy masterpiece with exciting vocal harmonies and a more upbeat drum groove. Every element within this record comes together in a well-thought manner that helps to create a lovely evolving experience that takes you on a journey as you listen. We can't wait to see what else this duo can do. Listen to "Hurricane" here. instagram.com/rthmflomusic facebook.com/rthmflomusic charlietrippmusic.com

Independent Alternative/R&B artist David Diaz makes a huge impression with his latest EP "Neon Cathedral". Listen to this EP once. Then again. Then a third time to finally devour all of its components. The amount of genuine and honest emotions poured into this album is enough to have you feeling like you know exactly who David Diaz is. David exposes the most real parts of his life throughout "Neon Cathedral", and it makes it easier as listeners to understand the true perspective of the artist. Featuring producers such as Jurrivh and Syndrome, "Neon Cathedral" maintains a similar atmospheric vibe all throughout, while also embedding contrasting elements of sound in order to accentuate the overall melody. David gets listeners thinking about a variety of intrinsic life experiences, which is what sets this thought-provoking EP apart from other alternative&R&B albums. We're excited to indulge in the EP itself and pick apart each aspect we favored at full-length. "Intro" starts off David Diaz' EP, and pretty much sets the tone for how the rest of the EP will execute. We're introduced to that ethereal, vibe-like feel in terms of the production. Then, David's flowing vocalism effortlessly punctures the collection of synths. David's voice glides without effort, and will seamlessly capture your utmost attention. David has that exact type of voice that will stimulate and entrance listeners due to its hypnotic feel. The hypnosis of "Intro" will grab you and have you forgetting about everything at that moment--the only thing that matters is the sound of David Diaz in your ears. The next track continuing on in the EP is "Bad Faith". Within this track, we get more of David and his vocal range. David easily showcases his vocal abilities within this particular track, as "Bad Faith" requires that dynamic vocal approach. Similar to "Intro" in the way of that ethereal and celestial sounding, "Bad Faith" maintains a divine element to it, where we almost felt overwhelmed with inspiration. David Diaz continues this sense of inspiration and intimacy throughout "Losing Myself", the next track listeners are guided into from David's EP. "Losing Myself" possesses more of a personal feel, where David exposes his own vulnerable emotions to listeners. You can easily feel this level of intimacy with David, and it doesn't hint at any elements of fabrication. We get the real, peeled-back layers of David within "Losing Myself", and we get to hear his most private thoughts regarding his own perspective, and ultimately his own life. "Blasphemer" featuring Armani Adames is the track of this EP that begins to shake up that common delicate and airy vibe we caught within the other tracks. The two artists are able to create a track that executes harmoniously, yet still leaves that predominant pop/R&B impression. "Blasphemer" undoubtedly has a strong lyrical component to it. David and Armani are able to leave an impactful message to listeners through this song regarding their own hardships and torment. We definitely felt that the two artists complemented each other heavily with all aspects incorporated into "Blasphemer", and we're excited to see if the two collaborate on any other pieces in the near future! "Sinner" ends off David's EP "Neon Cathedral". We're particularly happy that "Sinner" is the track to end this EP, as it really resonated with us here at BuzzMusic. "Sinner" felt a little slower and more sensual than the other tracks. We love that aspect of David--his execution of the track and how he adds in those impressionable sultry elements. You can easily vibe along to this track on a mellow, laid-back night. We were impressed with the level of expertise going into David's EP, especially with "Sinner". The track exceeded its own potential, and with it, David's potential as an artist skyrocketed. David Diaz gave us track after track that felt beyond personal, angelic, and most importantly authentic as can be. David Diaz is a name that won't be forgotten at BuzzMusic, and we can expect to see great things from David artistically! Listen to David's EP "Neon Cathedral" here, and read more on David and his music experiences below! Congratulations on your release of "Neon Cathedral"! How excited were you to finally get this project out there, and expose it to your listening base? Thank you so much!! Honestly, I was nervous to release it at first, but now that it's out, it brings me so much joy knowing that everyone is loving it! People are listening to it every day, and I'm still trying to wrap my head around it! It's so amazing to see people all over the world listening to something that started out as a collection of demos on my phone! I'm so happy that I had the chance to share this part of myself with the world. I've been told by so many people, both in-person and on social media, that they strongly relate to the songs on the EP. That was the most important thing for me. I wanted to let people know that they're not alone in their struggles. "Neon Cathedral" deals with different subjects that some people are sensitive about. I wasn't necessarily afraid to bring up those subjects in my songs, I just didn't know how people would receive it. So, during the writing process, I made sure to write everything in a way where I'd still be staying true to myself and my vision for the EP, while also making the songs open to interpretation and relatable for my listeners. I'm just so glad that my music managed to reach so many people's hearts and minds in so many ways. There's no larger purpose or honor than being able to do that through my music. Let's talk more on the third track from your EP, "Losing Myself". Can you explain more to our readers how you personally felt writing this track, and the emotions you had to bring about in order to fully create it? For sure. Writing this song was one of the hardest things I've ever done. I had to do some serious digging and bring up some painful memories. To say the least, it was an emotionally complex experience, but it was also extremely cathartic. The song is essentially about a time in my life when I thought there was no way out of the pain, confusion, and darkness that I was experiencing. Every lyric, every word that you hear me sing, is a thought or feeling that was taking up space in my mind. I wanted the words to be real and unfiltered. I actually wrote "Losing Myself" in a few days, but recorded all the vocals a couple of months later, because I would cry so hard that I couldn't manage to sing anything past the first verse without tears bursting from my eyes. The whole creation process for this song was therapeutic. I don't think I had ever been in such an emotionally open and honest state of being, as I was while writing "Losing Myself." I find so much of my strength when I'm being vulnerable and breaking down walls that I have allowed either myself or others to construct. When there's nothing left to hide from, when you learn to put yourself in control of your own life; there is nothing more freeing than that. It was so refreshing to revisit my past emotions and see things from my current perspective. I got the chance to realize how much I've healed and grown, and how much growing I still have to do. It just amazes me how complex we all are, man. We know that in every track you release, you prefer to stimulate eccentric and philosophical thoughts on the listener's end. Throughout "Neon Cathedral" what is one track that you believe encourages the most reflective thinking from your listeners? Damn, that's a hard question. Hmm...I think it'd have to be "Intro." It's not that I think that the other four songs on the EP don't stimulate contemplative thought, but "Intro" is self-reflective in nature. Essentially, the song is an abbreviated musical expression of my perception of life. I live by the philosophy that I exist in an indifferent universe where nothing has meaning or purpose. We get to choose what gives our lives meaning and purpose. That's literally what this song is about. People might not get that from the first listen, but that's the message behind it. Most people who have listened to it have to go back and play it again to really understand what it is that I’m saying. And, when they do, it’s definitely an “Oh, shit” moment. Haha! I wanted to make the listener think about how they're going to choose to exist despite life's difficulties that we face as human beings. How was the collaboration with Armani Adames on "Blasphemer"? Do you particularly enjoy collaborating with other artists on your work, or do you prefer to go through the curative process alone? Actually, I really enjoy collaborating with other artists. It's a really fun experience when you get to be creative as a unit. Making "Blasphemer" with Armani was so much fun! We were excited about what we were doing. When we work together, we're always on the same wavelength. I mean, sometimes recording and writing sessions turn into therapy or talk sessions, but we always manage to snap back! Haha. It's so cool that I can explain my vision to him and he'll always add to it and never takes anything away from it. The cool thing about "Blasphemer" is that we recorded it and wrote it in a couple of hours! It was nuts! The song started out as something completely different. It had a downtempo R&B feel, but, for some reason, we couldn't write anything that stuck. So, we took a break from writing and came back to it a few weeks later. When we got started on the song again, we scraped the old version we were working on and began from scratch. It was just him and I, sitting in the studio for several hours, coming up with melodies and lyrics. It was actually the last song on the EP that was recorded. Everything else on the project had been finished weeks beforehand. So, once we finished the song, we felt so accomplished! We put so much goddamn work into this thing! I feel so lucky that I was able to work with one of my best friends on something that I'm extremely passionate about. I love working with Armani. When it comes to songwriting for myself, though, I prefer to do it alone. There's something so personal and intimate about the way I write my music. I'm always open to creative advice, but I really enjoy it when it's just me alone with my thoughts. That's when I think I create the best music. Now that "Neon Cathedral" is out in the music world, what's the next step for you and your music? Can listeners expect to hear the same sort of sounding from you artistically, or are you planning to execute your next sound in a varying way from this EP? The next step for me is playing live shows. It was a really great experience performing my original music for the first time at my EP release event. I want to do more of that; meet fans and reach new ones! I'm also going to be collaborating with other artists. I've made some friends over the past few months who are extremely talented and amazing artists. So, people can expect some collaborations down the line. As for what listeners can anticipate from me next, my upcoming music is that it's going to have a different sound than what I've released this year. Overall, I will be staying in the Alternative R&B genre. I try not to use labels when it comes to music because I find them very constricting and limiting, but Alternative R&B seems to fit my sound the most because I get so much inspiration from the styles of music that make up that genre. It gives me the freedom to mess around with different types of sounds."Neon Cathedral" was heavily influenced by Hip-Hop, Trap, Gospel, and R&B. My new music will stray slightly from that. It's still going to be my sound and my vibe, but it's something no one has heard from me before, and I'm looking forward to sharing it with everyone! What's coming next will definitely be exciting and fresh. One thing people can always expect from me when it comes to my original music is that it will be one-hundred percent authentic. I refuse to make music for the sake of making music. Every song I write has meaning and purpose behind it. So far, people have been really resonating with it in a way that I didn't think would ever happen. It's so crazy! I'm genuinely excited about what the future holds, and I can't wait to move on to this new chapter of my music! daviddiazmusic.com instagram.com/daviddiazmusic facebook.com/daviddiazmusicofficial twitter.com/daviddiazmusic_