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Meet 25-year-old indie-pop artist MAEJOY, a dynamic artist hailing from the bustling city of Las Vegas. Her music fuses sweet, rich melodies with soft, airy vocals, creating a dreamy aura that radiates nostalgia. Whether in Las Vegas, Los Angeles or Minnesota, MAEJOY is on a journey to share her innovative sound with the world. Her newest single, “GHOST TOWN,” explores the concept of conflicting emotions and regret, all presented through a melodic, ethereal lens. “GHOST TOWN” begins with a sweet synth sequence and a rich plucked guitar melody, setting the stage for the first verse. It’s here that MAEJOY’s ethereal vocals emerge, blending seamlessly with the airy harmonies that echo throughout the track. The result is a rich auditory landscape that draws listeners in for the ride. “I gotta stop for a minute just to think about if my heart’s really in it or not” In these lyrics, MAEJOY explores the raw emotions of self-doubt and the questioning of one’s own happiness. These lyrics will speak to anyone grappling with the uncertainties of their state of belonging and happiness, posing the question — are you truly happy? The sound continues to crescendo, leading into a bright and harmonious chorus where MAEJOY chants the words “ghost town”. These words capture the sensation of slipping back into old habits or walking on the edge of emotional collapse. This weighted message is beautifully juxtaposed with a captivating melody. Her ability to combine elegant sounds with darker themes showcases MAEJOY’s refined and distinctive artistry. “GHOST TOWN” is out now. Welcome to BuzzMusic MAEJOY, and congratulations on your latest release, "GHOST TOWN." Could you share your inspiration for the concept of your latest release, “GHOST TOWN?" My inspiration for the concept of ‘Ghost Town’ came from a period of my life when I struggled with my internal battles. Being uncertain & unable to make confident decisions seriously frustrated me. The lyric “Make up my mind to start over again, oh I can’t take” vocalizes that feeling of frustration. While the chorus “Headed backwards I’m living in a ghost town” highlights the idea of me losing my mind bc I was so deeply living in it. Have you always been drawn to pursuing music, or was this a passion that developed over time? I have always been drawn to pursuing music. I’ve been since I was a little girl, always did talent shows, and attended a music high school & college. My grandparents were a music duo & were popular in the Philippines. My mom was in a band in her early 20s. So with that being said, I feel I was always influenced and surrounded by music. I was always supported in becoming a singer though I truly pursued the artist direction in high school with my band, The Noir Movement. Describe your musical style in 3 words. I’d say my musical style is indie rnb, pop & rock. What message do you wish listeners to remove from “GHOST TOWN?" The message I wish my listeners to take away from ‘ GHOST TOWN’ is this “You are not alone. This song was intended to empathize with anybody who also struggles with their mental & emotional state. I often internalize things to the point of overthinking & bottling things up until I break down. I want people to feel seen through the chaos in their minds. If your music was a season, which one would it be and why? My music was a season; it would be winter. Winter can sometimes be visually beautiful or painfully cold. I feel my music can be represented in that same way, beautiful and painful. My music usually evokes deep & vulnerable memories. And with that being said, I try to highlight the light & dark of it all. Instagram

Born and raised in Paradise Valley, Arizona, Jforte has grown through past struggles and is here not only to spread good vibes but to promote positivity and encourage younger kids to reach their full potential. Today, Jforte brings us his newest single, “Make It Happen (Boom Bap)”. “Make It Happen (Boom Bap)” begins with an intro filled by synths that are bound to have you captured from the start. This mid-tempo, hard-hitting bop is an anthem for anyone who believes in letting go of negativity. On top of this light-hearted message incorporated into the song, we can’t help but feel the rush whenJforteraps the lyrics, “Make it happen, keep clapping and this is for the haters that were laughing”. His flow is smooth and dances over syllables effortlessly, not to mention the production that is guaranteed to have you dancing along. “Make It Happen” shines a spotlight on what this artist can do with his music and proves that Jforte is truly a force to be reckoned with. You’ll regret missing out on his newest single, “Make It Happen (Boom Bap)”. We loved listening to “Make It Happen (Boom Bap).” Can you delve deeper into the meaning behind this song? How was this song intended to feel for your listeners? Make It Happen, is a get-up and out of your own mind type of song. It's built on making our dreams come true and putting any doubtful ideas that hinder progression. I want my fans to know my truth, I share that I've been through tough times, that it hasn't all been easy and yet, I choose to rise again. When I heard the beat, I knew that I could make something soulful, 90's era, and just flow. Who do you draw from when it comes to musical influences? How have they shaped your artistry? I love my old school flow cats and beats like J Dilla, Nas, Craig Mack, Tupac, Lil Kim, Missy Elliott, Queen Latifah, A Tribe Called Quest, Wu-Tang, Pharcyde, Busta Rhymes, Big Pun, Immortal Technique and so many more. When you grow up inspired by these guys, you make it happen, just like they did! What is your biggest goal for your future musical endeavors? Is this being planned or put into place currently? My vision is to inspire 6 billion + people around the world, through my music, way of life, and story. My vision is touring the world, being paid as the highest artist and entrepreneur in the world, using my gift to connect the dot ending world poverty, using my voice for policy, supporting the decease of systemic slavery and all forms and living long, healthy and sexy. Every day I get to take one step at a time to make my vision come to fruition. I'm currently living it as we speak. A lot of times, I can't see what is happening, but my faith is so strong and my belief in God, my creator, that I trust the process. Instagram

Welcome to BuzzMusic Jforte! We are loving your new release, "Dsms," It has quite the emotion in it. What was the songwriting and production for this like? How did the spoken word elements come into play? On October 21st, I fell 150ft from a straight line, my glove was caught in the rope, and my entire shoulder snapped out of place! I immediately fell 18+ feet into deep water. As I swam underwater, I realized something was wrong, and I couldn't use my arm to swim. Once I reached the top, I lay backward in pain. I was taken to the UCLA hospital and put to sleep. In my sleep, I felt like I had died 4 times, and I prayed that if I were able to go back to life, I would share my story, my truth and a word from God regardless of what comes up. That next week with a brace around my arm, I made DSMS and asked my homie conbtz for beats. One of them matched, and he mastered it. I then shared that song with Illmind, who is a producer for Kanye, Drake, Beyonce, and so much more. Once I got the approval from MYSELF and then Illmind, I launched my 1st song online! This release definitely has a personal connection and touch to it in every lyric, was it difficult to put into words the message that you had wanted to put out? Were there other versions of this record? These lyrics slipped off the bone as if they were succulent ribs. I wrote this on the glass inside of 455 Workspace and then translated it to paper and performed it multiple times before making it a song. Your music has a very honest approach to it that works really well! What are some of your influences that inspire the music you're creating? What makes them an influence? Drake, Immortal Technique, Logic, Meek Mill, Tupac, Eminem 50 Cent, Russ, Illmind, NF, Timbaland, Missy Elliott, Migos, Snoop, Nate Dogg, and so so many more inspire my music. Russ's book, which I listen to almost every night; 50 Cent's book 50 Laws; Eminem's story and movie; Drake's consistency, Immortal Techniques truth, Meek's story, Elliot's creativity; Tupac's scripture, Logic's story. I pick and choose from the greats. I am inspired by them all for different reasons! How would you say you have grown as a songwriter and an artist from when you have started out? Do you see yourself achieving any goals that you have in the near future? I use to perform on the streets for tips in New York. I use to be homeless on the streets. I used everything I learned from the streets and applied it to business and pursuing my passion! I was the first rapper to publish 2 books before he blew up! What can we expect to see from you throughout 2020? You can expect 5 million-plus streams from me. New music every week for the next year, festivals, conferences and an evolved Jforte super saiyan 2! Instagram

The Matinee is a rock band that contains a powerful intent on spreading certain themes across to their listeners. Their music is filled with topics that can easily stimulate a discussion, but they consistently offer these topics alongside a breezy and melodic production. The Matinee consists of vocalist Matt Mayzell, guitarist Matt Rose, drummer Pete Lemon, guitarist Geoff Petrie, bassist Marcus Abramzik, and keyboardist Georges Couling. The band comes together, in which they each collectively combine their expressive selves in order to manifest the raw and honest product of their sound. It's incredibly easy to see that all of the band's artists work in a complementary way, as the flow of the band's sound comes with a clear grace. The Matinee come to BuzzMusic to offer their heartfelt single "Trouble Is". The Matinee is the type of band to really know how to pull on your heartstrings with their methodical and velvety sound. Their harmonious sound is a staple to The Matinee, as they blend together instrumentals and vocals in a very delicate and smooth way. "Trouble Is" unravels itself very slowly, and the melody retains a creamy texture, full of many genre elements. The Matinee takes up an alternative/rock persona in "Trouble Is," where we hear prominent country and blues soundings that offer an at-home type of feel. It's easy to relax with the songs calming tune and much easier to follow along with the storyline The Matinee present. Content-wise, The Matinee brings about an intriguing discussion with the meaning of "Trouble Is," focusing on superficial elements that society cling to today. They tie in these pivotal messages with a laidback music styling that incorporates a certain kind of richness inherent to the band. The overall product ends up being beautifully expressive, so it'll be interesting to see what The Matinee creates next! If it's anything along the lines of "Trouble Is," then we know we're in for a quality and stimulating sound. Instagram Twitter

San Jose’s next R&B star child SHAYLA The Artist, is back with another warmhearted track titled “Ride.” Learning about writing and recording after being introduced to George Williams (MC Hammer’s synth-bass player in the early 90’s), SHAYLA The Artist describes her recent album as “an all R&B jam with a 90’s vibe, that’ll get you straight to your destination”. Her lush track “Ride” provides listeners with an expansive and endlessly playable mid-tempo R&B groove. From mild yet effective production creating a warm and bright aura to the song, “Ride” serves an incredibly sophisticated tune for any listener to sit back and relax to. “Ride” opens with transcendent and uplifting R&B production, creating limitless layers that each speak their truth. With calming electric guitar melodies perfectly supported by the song's opulent atmosphere. All leading up to the arrival of SHAYLA The Artist’s angelic vocals with dynamic syncopation, create an extremely authentic feel to the textured song. With a variety of drum, rim and snap patterns, “Ride” offers beautifully complex production perfectly transitioning from chorus to verse, creating a genuine and cohesive piece of music. With SHAYLA The Artist’s vibrant background vocals, she’s perfectly executed her finely tuned track, and we’re excited to see what will come next. Listen to "Ride" from SHAYLA The Artist, here. Instagram

Artist Rock Mayfield is a lyrical storyteller born in Racine, Wisconsin, but rooted not far from home in Burlington, Wisconsin. Raised by a single hardworking mother, Rock Mayfield was exposed to struggles and traumatic events early on in life. His father was incarcerated at the age of 5 and his cousin was murdered when he was in his freshman year. Rock’s life experiences took a toll on his own mental health and he became suicidal. Reflecting on the struggles and tragedies he faced, he decided to live and use his words through music to help and inspire others to live unapologetically. Rock Mayfield used music as an outlet for his emotions and aspired to help others in the process. Today, Rock Mayfield states his claim on the world of music. Determined to be a voice for those unwilling to speak for themselves, he decided to turn real-life situations into words that would command the ears of listeners. In early 2019, Rock Mayfield released a new track featuring Bizarre from D12 titled "Cuz I'mma' Rapper," where he pays homage to gangster rap and pokes fun at the current state of Hip-Hop. From quirky lyrics like “I don’t know how to pull up my pants.. Cuz I’mma’ Rapper, Why you always talk like that? Cuz I’mma’ Rapper” to real-life facts like “Lean through a straw, you a joke like a prank call.” “Cuzz I’mma’ Rapper” draws attention to the ridiculous trends that are running rampant through the music industry today. Rock Mayfield knows that true talent and being able to emotively put pen to paper and deliver flawless bars is the only thing that authentically makes you a rapper. I highly recommend you check out this track and vibe along. The song “Cuz I'mma' Rapper” is currently available on all digital music platforms. Stay tuned for more from the artist. Be sure to search “Rock Mayfield” on Spotify, Itunes, Soundcloud, and Amazon Music. Welcome to BuzzMusic Rock Mayfield! Tell us about how you got into writing lyrics and rapping. How old were you? I'm 24, and I got into writing lyrics at 13 by listening to Tupac and Eminem. Because I was able to relate and connect with them emotionally. Tupac and Eminem really made me want to rap. What do you do to feed your passion for music every day? I listen to favorite rappers like Tupac, Eminem,D12, The Game, Snoop Dogg, Triggs, Joyner Lucas, Hopsin, Lil' Peep, Nothing Nowhere and favorite bands like Staind and Blink-182. Or I watch interviews and documentaries from my favorite artist and bands. Tell us about “Cuz I’mma” Rapper”! How did you come up with the hilarious idea for this track? How did you manage to infuse humor into a dope song? The title for the song "Cuz I'mma' Rapper" came about through a little argument with one of my good friends Tony Lafronzo. He was trying to help me out by networking me with his friend Louis who also raps. Through a group chat on Facebook Messenger, and I didn't reply to the group chat. So the next time I saw Tony, he was pissed at me because I didn't reach out to Louis and network with him. So Tony was like, I was trying to help you out because you want to do music and move to L.A. like he did, but you, I dropped the ball. And me being half awake from working 3rd shift. I responded to Tony with this sarcastic response all like I don't know "Cuz Imma' Rapper" and Tony was all like No! I was trying to help you out! But you dropped the ball and I again said, "Cuz Imma' Rapper," and Tony said I'm never helping you out again. And I replied, "Cuz I'mma' Rapper," like 4 times and it annoyed him. Then I laughed because I was slapped happy after working 3rd shift. That was in 2017. I kept the title of the song and told myself maybe that could be a song some day. Then in 2018, I started writing the song out of being done with hearing these rappers mumbling and autotuning in their songs. And not even pronouncing a word in their rhymes. I wanted to take the listener on a journey of the influence Hip-Hop has had on all of us. Starting with my favorite era of Hip-Hop, the '90s and early 2000s and how much of an influence Gangster Rap had on all of us. Even if you weren't gangbangin you still really loved and appreciated the music. Now it's like how did Hip-Hop go from that great era to now It doesn't even matter if actually saying anything. Some of the lines in the chorus stem from real-life situations. People would ask me why I wear my hat the way I do lol or why I talk or pull up my pants lol now; it's not even intentional sagging I'm just really skinny lol. Or when I yell turn that loud rap music off right now! In the chorus. That came from my mom yelling at me as a teenager to turn it off because it would be blaring through my headphones, lol. I told my mom that she inspired that line in my song, and she started laughing really hard she loved it and thought it was really funny. I'm glad because I was trying to disrespect her in any way I was just trying to make a joke. No different than Eminem, one of my idols, making jokes in song. How do your musical influences inspire you? Simply to just be me by remaining real and authentic lyrically. Not everyone will like that about my music. But that's what makes me me and it's fine if they don't like it. Because my music isn't for everyone but for my fanbase Mayfield Mafia. What would be your dream venue to perform? My dream venue to perform at is to sell out Madison Square Garden in New York City someday. Because New York is where Hip-Hop originated, it would just be an honor to perform there. To me, it would be giving back to the art form I raised myself on. I know I have a very long way to go and many dues to pay in this business and a lot of respect to earn a lot to prove in this game. Before that happens but I believe I can do it. Instagram

We’re completely captivated by your authentic sound. Where did you draw inspiration for the track “Lights Out”? Hi guys! Thank you so much for having me and for supporting the single! This song was influenced by toxic relationships that I've both been a part of and seen others experience. I wanted to paint a mental picture of how it feels to be involved in one while also using the chorus to empower people instead of victimizing the situation. Originally when I was in the studio working on it, I was drawing from experiences in relationships with other people. It wasn't until I finished writing the song completely that I realized how deeply I was reflecting on the relationship I've had with myself and how important it is for me to nurture that relationship first. You’ve mentioned that you’ve drawn from a variety of musical influences. Could you share some with us and how they made an impact on your music? When I first started writing songs, it was just me and an acoustic guitar in my bedroom in a small town in Texas. Because of this, I drew a lot of songwriting inspiration from Taylor Swift, John Mayer, James Taylor, Stevie Nicks, Amy Winehouse, Jeff Buckley, and so many other artists who took more of a "singer/songwriter" approach. It wasn't until I was introduced to Lana Del Ray, Lorde and Halsey's music that I realized I could create songs that sound the way I envision them without compromising the lyricism. These artists inspired me to leap of faith with my sound, and I truly don't think I would make the music I do without their influence. Overall, I've always been attracted to artists who are great writers first, so for me, the main ones that I consistently draw inspiration from (besides the ones I've already mentioned) are BANKS, Julia Michaels, SZA, Post Malone, Kacey Musgraves, Billie Eilish/Finneas, Rhianna, Drake, Lennon Stella, & Noah Cyrus. All of these artists inspire me for different reasons, but overall I love how they blend genres in a way that is digestible but doesn't feel forced. “Lights Out” serves an incredibly empowering message. What helps your process for songwriting? Thank you! I'm an introspective person who loves telling stories, so most of my process starts with watching life play out and documenting my feelings about everything that happens. I honestly take a different approach to writing depending on the session, but it typically helps to have a great chord progression or an instrumental I connect with to get started. From there, I mumble words/melodies until I find something I like and run with it; My writing process is almost like a purge of information from my brain to the page until I organize it into something cohesive. Your energetic sound is perfect for live venues. Any upcoming shows in the near future? As of right now, I don't have any live performances planned. Since I moved to LA, I've been spending most of my time building up a strong discography of songs that I love and feel represent who I am as an artist. I hope to start playing shows again soon, though. What can we expect to see from you throughout 2020? You can expect more music! I plan to release new singles consistently and will hopefully have an EP out by the end of the year! Read our full song review here. Instagram

Evolsi was created as a vice for singer and songwriter Kelly Bergeron. Originally from Southeast Texas, Evolsi’s sound is influenced by a vast range of artists and genres. In addition to her solo project, she has also released music as a duo, SWAN, with producer Ryan Scott. Evolsi’s unique delivery and introspective songwriting style attract a diverse group of listeners across the world. Producing an enticing environment in her most recent single, “Break Up!,” Evolsi delves into a variety of bittersweet themes that create the overall atmosphere we’re exposed to in “Break Up!” The sultry passion divulged by Evolsi has her audience captivated by her exhilarating performance. Flaunting her unapologetic persona, the lyrical content that Evolsi graces listeners with is raw and uncut. She embraces her most authentic self, all while catering to a fan base that accepts Evolsi for who she is. Immersing the speakers in a self-assured universe dripping in high voltage energy, the up-tempo liveliness in “Break Up!” have you wanting more from the orchestrated Pop vibrancy. Sending out intoxicating sensations that ricochet through the world of Electro-Pop, we hold Evolsi to a high standard in the way that she brings intrapersonal concepts to life. Redefining her sound in a manner that encompasses her artistic and individual traits, Evolsi is a name that rings bells with her unmatched talents. Unique in her ways, one thing is made certain towards her audience, Evolsi always brings that superfluous oomph in the mesmerizing hits that she creates. If you’re looking for someone to invite you into a simmering world, Evolsi has you covered in nothing but scorching vibes. We love the energy in your most recent single, “Break Up!,” What inspired the messaging in this song? "Break Up!" was inspired by a romantic relationship I was briefly a part of last summer. It was written to show the dichotomy of personal relationships, and how when you put your trust in someone, you can go from being so happy to feeling so horrible in such a short period of time. Writing this song was a way for me to finally surrender to the situation, and to speak my peace. With the lyrics, I tried to use specific imagery to better express the drama behind the feelings when you are going through a breakup; Every emotion is heightened. Sonically, I was inspired by early 2000’s pop. I wanted the track to feel like the antithesis of lyricism. While I was writing about a really hard moment in my life, I was also dancing around my room and making as much fun out of it as possible. How long was the songwriting process for “Break Up!?" Could you please take us into what the creation entailed? The songwriting process for "Break Up!" was actually really quick! From the get-go, I knew I wanted the track to sound like it was made in the early 2000s era of pop, so I started with the instrumental and quickly built out the chord progression, bass line, and drums. Once I got the general vibe of where I wanted to go with it, I wrote the lyrics within an hour or so. I’ve found in my process that the more easily the song comes together, typically the more solid it is once completed. The tracks, which take hours or days to write, usually start to feel forced. To avoid this, I personally like to create in a way that is similar to purging and then focus on cleaning them up on the back end. In this case, once the demo was in a good place, I linked up with Jonie (an amazing producer, engineer, and friend of mine) to take it even further. He really took this demo and the ideas behind Break Up! and elevated them into what you are hearing today. How have you found yourself evolving as an artist through your musical journey? As I grow, the more I realize how important it is for independent artists to really take matters into their own hands. For a while, I thought if I could just release music, the right person would find it, see my talent, and help me get to where I always hoped to go. As I’ve grown, I’ve realized that having this mindset can be detrimental because it puts the power in someone else's hands. My greatest blessing in this era of my career is that I now realize that I need to have my hand in every part of my business. Learning this lesson has given me an opportunity to stop waiting on others and instead set up all channels of my business for success. Whether that be marketing, branding, content creation, music video treatment/production, mixing, and mastering, etc. — If I can’t do it myself or learn how to do it well enough/fast enough, I try to find ways to outsource help where financially possible. I am also extremely thankful to have friends who are creative and are strong in areas where I don't have as much expertise. Do you have a favorite part of the creative process that resonates with you the most? Why? My favorite part of the creative process is probably ideation. I love to create from scratch and purge ideas. When I open an Ableton session, I almost always create without setting limitations or trying to fit into any mould. I like to let myself release whatever emotion it is that I subconsciously need to release that day. I feel like the times when I’ve tried to control the creative process are the times when I’ve felt the least productive, so I try to avoid that where possible. Aside from ideation, I also love project management. I make lists constantly and love to keep a day-to-day/week-to-week journal of what needs to be done to keep myself and the people I work with on schedule and productive. What would you like listeners to know about you and the music that you create? I would like them to know that every song I release is autobiographical and honest. I write because I have to, and there are parts of my upcoming project that are so scary to release because of just how much they reveal about the situations I have been through and the person I am. At the end of the day, I want people to listen to my music and feel inspired by my transparency. I also hope I can give others the confidence to chase their own dreams, no matter what adversity may be working against them at the time. Instagram Twitter

Hailing from South East Texas, singer/songwriter Evolsi is back with her powerful new single, “Lights Out.” Influenced by a variety of artists and genres, Evolsi attracts listeners from around the globe. She has also been a part of a duo project with Ryan Scott called SWAN, as well as releasing her own music. After the release of her debut single “Prblms,” she reached over 1.5 million streams across Spotify and landed herself in the top 3 on both Spotify’s US and Global Virus Charts. Without a doubt, Evolsi has created a well-deserved name for herself within the music industry. “Lights Out” begins with a soft drum pattern and an intriguing deep bassline to balance Evolsi’s clear and energetic vocals. The chorus provides electronic Flume or Kygo vibes, grabbing attention and leading music fans to the dancefloor. With lyrics like “Tell me, is this what you call love? If it is, I’m giving it up”, Evolsi creates an empowering song of self-worth and confidence. She inspires other females, artists, and anyone else to relate to the “Lights Out” theme of moving on from somebody who is holding you back. Evolsi is definitely an artist to follow. We are excited to see what she offers next. Listen to "Lights Out" here and read our interview with Evolsi here. Instagram

Rap artist Juwan Rohan resides in Berkeley, CA, and is urged to bring forth honesty within the music he releases. Juwan Rohan seeks to motivate and embolden his listeners. As an artist who is confident and hyper-involved in his community, Juwan is always wanting to help others, and he saw an opportunity through music to do so. Juwan Rohan has released his album titled "Limit-Less." The album contains many themes of Juwan Rohan's life and the wisdom he has to offer regarding the life experiences he endured. The album ventures off into the storyline of Juwan Rohan, where he delves further and further into his own comprehension of life. We're given sincere pieces of advice, along with genuine hardships that teach a lesson. The album itself freely circulates around vivid creativity; all brought about without a dramatic production. Juwan Rohan is simple but not simple-minded. All in all, Juwan Rohan aimed to reach out and connect to his listeners with the hope in mind that he could provide relatable content. Juwan's purpose was to encourage others and influence them in a way that could help them grow and flourish mentally. "Limit-Less" tells the ultimate story of Juwan, and his perspective regarding life choices, all tied together with a low-key, intimate atmosphere. We're hoping for more of Juwan Rohan's candid creations. Instagram