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Since 2017, Nashville rock band Roxercat has been offering listeners a progressive rock sound led by singer Price Jones, guitarist Stan Lassiter, and bassist Bill Francis. After finishing up a rock opera project they were all involved in (The Fortunate Few: the rock opera written and produced by Price), they decided to pool their talents again to form an original rock band and thus became Roxercat. Crafted at Sound Emporium Studios with overdubs at Cat Tracks Studio, we're treated to the newly released EP from Roxercat, 'Pearls.' Composed and arranged by Price Jones and co-produced by Grammy award-winning engineer and producer Clarke Schleicher, the six songs featured on the project features the imaginative storytelling and stellar musicianship that is certainly expected from such a seasoned group of Nashville creatives. Kicking this album off with crunchy guitar riffs that bellow through the speakers, the title track and introductory single "Pearls" wraps us in a blanket of earnest depiction as Roxercat puts their best foot forward in a song that is authentically themselves. Passion fuels this pacifying, mid-tempo bop in every aspect possible. From the arrangement of the percussion and bass setting the rhythmic grooves in place to the effervescence of the tantalizing guitar solo, the musical foundation sets the framework for what's to come. You can hear how the inflection from the verses to the chorus change as Price Jones' honeyed croons effortlessly carry you to the triumphant lyrical motif "that's all I ever wanted." Next up, we have "Crime" making a jazzy funk-fueled entrance as the second track heard on "Pearls." Taking the spotlight with a nostalgic 70s groove filling the speakers, we love the contrast in sounds from "Pearls" to "Crime." Price Jones even approaches the song with a different demeanor as her sultry timbres swoop you in a robust whirlwind of empowering tenors that only increase in intensity as the song progresses. The entirety of Roxercat allows listeners to feast upon the upbeat rhythms as they dissect the complexity of "Crime" for all its intricate moments. There's no sound that Roxercat can't catapult into. "Baby I Tried" slows things down as the melancholic instrumentation whisks you into a reflective state of mind. With lyrical motifs like "Release your pain and get on with the game," this song acts as a poignant letter to an ex-flame revealing the truths of the mind. An impeccable balance of instrumental moments happens through the record as you sink your brain into what's truly being said. You can hear how the intention of the rhythmic pulse from Lassiter and Francis is more elusive than the previous two singles - before Roxercat ups the ante and professes the frustrations that come from a tried love in a free-flowing expression that lashes at emotions felt. Fourth on 'Pearls,' we have the warmth that radiates from the song "I Will Not Lie." We look at this song as a mesmerizing illustration of the aftermath of love drenched in utter catchiness. The brilliant harmonies stand out exceptionally to us as we listen to this song all the way through. It creates a professed call-and-response energy, which keeps the song vitality captivating in its glory. Apart from Price Jones' zealous vocalization, guitarist Stan Lassiter and bassist Bill Francis feed on this rich foundation as you hear the passion they unleash in this performance. As we gear up for a strong indie rock vibe on "I Changed Today," this narrative is inspired by life's unexpected twists and turns. Price Jones states, "I've always felt like life happens in chapters. Sometimes I sense that a major paradigm shift is about to occur. I have no idea what it is that's about to happen or whether it's going to be good or bad; I just feel an unexpected and profound sense of a change out of the blue." Well, we feel it too. Francis takes a moment to serenade us in a sweet-sounding bass solo that prepares us for Lassiter to take the reins and leave us festering in a sizzling guitar solo of his own. We come to the end of 'Pearls' with the down-tempo and heartfelt quintessence of "2020," which blends into its counterbalance of poignant musical flair trickling through the speakers. What starts as a melancholy record escorts us into the song with a striking instrumental candor unleashing myriad flavors through the speakers. The entirety of this song has us awestruck by the dynamism shared between Lassiter and Francis as they take over the soundwaves and create an impeccable chronicle through the emotions felt. Leaving us on a high note as we sit and absorb each component for what it is, we cannot help but feel complete as this Roxercat EP ends. Interview responses provided by: Price Jones Welcome to BuzzMusic, Roxercat! Congratulations on the release of "Pearls." This project fits into the true essence of being a sonic adventurer. Please take us into the concept behind the EP. The concept was basically borne out of the pandemic. Stan, Bill, and I had been working on another project, The Fortunate Few: the rock opera. We were about three years in and close to being ready for the live show with our CD recording to back it up when the pandemic hit. That pretty much scrapped all of our well-laid plans. By the time live music opened up again, over half our cast had moved away. Stan, Bill, and I had developed some really great musical chemistry over those three years and wanted to continue our sonic journey together. Hence, we decided to start a new band, Roxercat. We rehearsed for about three months before we went into the studio to cut the EP. What was it like working with production architect Clarke Schleicher to bring these songs to life? Working with Clarke Schleicher was amazing. He's our 5th Beatle, so to speak. Not only is he a phenomenal audio engineer, but he's also a stellar producer as well. He got our music and brought out the best in all of us. He really helped hone in on the direction and feel we were going for with the tunes. Recording at Sound Emporium Studios with Clarke was a very fun & natural process. And that's what you want in the studio, good vibes and someone behind the console that you can absolutely trust. You're known to have guest instrumentalists feature in your songs. So who else can we hear throughout "Pearls?" We met drummer Andy Peake early on in our rehearsals and were lucky enough to have him around for most of the pre-session song workshopping we did. Andy is a fabulous drummer who is as solid as a rock. We really enjoyed playing with him. For 4 of our tunes, "Pearls & Crime," "I Will Not Lie," & "I Changed Today," we brought Nashville session keyboardist Jeff Roach, who killed it on the Hammond C3. What a mind-blowing player! He locked in on what we needed right off the bat and just flat-out nailed it all in one session. He's scary good! I had started doing all the background vocals, but Clarke suggested mixing it up and bringing in some other voices for a little more depth. So we called up two singers we'd worked with on The Fortunate Few, Rebekah Davis and Desmond Arias. Rebekah is this powerhouse vocalist who can absolutely rock out. What a voice! Desmond Arias is an MTSU jazz sax player who boasts an awesome smooth rock tone. They cut backgrounds on "I Will Not Lie" and "I Changed Today" and did a knock-out job. Are there any favorite songs the band has on the EP? Which ones and why? My personal favorite song on our EP is the last tune, 2020. It's a YES-type flavored tune with sparse vocals. The song is what I consider a musical diary of the year 2020. For me started off great. We were at the finish line with the rock opera that we'd worked so hard on for so long, and then *BAM* the pandemic hit. Every time we play that song, it speaks to my soul. The song goes from this happy, beachy vibe to this intense "I think I'm losing my mind" groove... Then towards the end of the song, it slows down, "That's just life." Every time I sing that section, I'm reminded of all the losses I experienced that year. And then, lastly, this uplifting anthem of hope comes from out of the ashes... the feeling that there can and will be joy again. It's a good ending for the EP, which travels through turbulent times. Hope... 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Bringing “Highway Sound” to life as the feel-good driving down the highway tune chalked full of inspiration, Chris Micheal wants to share the connection with fellow listeners. Well-known for being a dynamic vocalist filled with passion and emotion, the song’s optimistic origin traces back to how Chris felt where he grew up, “a fly on the wall of the big city.” The outskirts train town surrounded by urban industries and farming was full of bars, and drinking sorrows away seemed to be the only thing to do to pass the time. After losing the love of his life, Chris shortly after skipped town, but this record serves as a testament to how he would have liked it to go and brought forth some internal closure. When you listen to “Highway Sounds,” you’ll hear how Chris Micheal’s country rock sound maintains plenty of traditional Nashville elements and perfectly fits into the scope of being a model-driving melody. With robust percussion and soothing guitar riffs, Chris Micheal creates a profound atmosphere of reflection and introspection. Currently working on a seven-track album and eager to potentially hit the stage at some of his favorite music festivals, Chris Micheal’s poignant stories create a highly relatable atmosphere we hope many can relate to. Read the full BuzzMusic review and Chris Micheal's exclusive interview here. Instagram Facebook

Fake M.C.s, beware. The hard-hitting stylings of rapper, M.C. and hip-hop recording artist Choco Valens are not something to be played with. Listeners can experience this firsthand on his latest 14-track album, Hollywood Burns. Modern music heads are well aware of the watered-down and diluted nature that hip-hop has become. Thanks to acts like Miami-born Choco Valens, he's preserving the roots of this sacred genre with meaningful bars, dope rhythms, and an artist-audience connection like no other. The passionate M.C. recently released his most intriguing project to date, none other than the sonically and lyrically delicious 14-track record Hollywood Burns. This record is perhaps the perfect introduction to the conceptual stylings of Choco Valens. It kicks off with the introductory piece "Broken Bones," opening with interviews and confessionals of Hollywood's darkest secrets for the first two minutes. From pedophilia to the dark and demonic energy of the industry, shit gets real. Choco Valens jumps in near the end, slapping us with slow-burn bars and a jazzy beat that keeps us wanting more. On track number two, "No Mercy," we get more. Choco Valens continues the slow-burn vibe with ominous hip-hop production and his Schoolboy Q-esque vocal delivery that smokes our speakers with tightly-knit bars. Choco Valens has no problem commanding our attention. From his playful adlibs to his rhythmic transitions and fierce bars, he's clearly an artist that's in it for the long haul. Moving onto track three, "7 Chakras," Choco Valens throws us into a cool, calm, and composed hip-hop beat that instantly sparks a fire. Impressively, Choco Valens jumps into his bars on this track with a delivery reminiscent of Eminem, packed with angst, intensity, and undeniable wit. His clear-cut bars paint vivid images in the listener's mind while keeping them hooked with unique hip-hop sonics and his confident, alluring performance stylings. Leaning into the album's fourth track, "Blood Sport (prod. Digg Jones), this tune kicks off with the hilarious sample of Josh Peck and Drake Bell in Mean Creek, sampling a scene many are familiar with. Digg Jones's haunting yet hard-hitting production paves the way for Choco Valens to make a splash with his piercing bars that express a certain fast-paced lifestyle packed with action. It's another intense tune that leaves us on the edge of our seats. Reaching track number five, "Heart of Evil," this tune opens like a trailer for a horror movie, packed with screams, heavy drums, and an eerie vibe like no other. We get the feeling that Choco Valens is heavily inspired by cinema and current events. As the track continues, he confidently leaps into his crisp and fierce bars that linger a tad to the morbid side. It's a gripping track that helps us get to know Choco Valens much more. You will never find another song like "Mad Villain," the 7-minute concept brought to life on the album's sixth track. It's another slow-burn and cinematic song that dissects the corrupt politicians and people of the world that continue to wreak havoc on innocent individuals. Choco Valens's intense and conceptual bars shine a bright light on the darkness of the world while gradually turning up the energy near the groovy outro. Reaching the album's the halfway point with track number seven, "Born Killers (feat. Serum Duivan King Tetrus 8ch20wins Lejnd)", Choco Valens throws us into the prime time sounds of hip-hop's golden era while leading into Serum's low, ferocious flow. This track is straight out of the New York City hip-hop scene in the early 90s, and Choco Valens's equally captivating bars, alongside Serum's powerful performance, deliver everything we could possibly ask for. Filled with "Rage"? So is Choco Valens. Fuck the government, fuck politics, fuck the people in power; Choco Valens is slapping our speakers with pent-up rage he's been feeling for far too long. He takes this powerhouse track solo while spitting angsty bars that prompt some intense head-bopping. This track is exhilarating, and we can quite literally hear the weight being lifted off Choco Valens's shoulders as he unleashes the beast within. Choco Valens is no stranger to the grind, and he highlights this in track number nine, "No Days Off (feat. Orion Brass)." Choco jumps into the track with his powerful bars that emphasize the perpetual grind while letting listeners lose themselves in the smooth and breezy sonics. Orion Brass brings just as much energy with his unique flow that borders on spoken word, filling our speakers with the hard truth of committing yourself to your craft. If you really want to get to know the stylings of Choco Valens, feast your ears on the album's tenth track, "Free Country." It's a shorter track that shines a spotlight on Choco Valens's captivating flow and conceptual rhymes that highlight his exciting lifestyle and the determination that brought him to where he is today. The fiery beat, paired with Choco Valens's quick-witted and sharp-shooting flow, is a force to be reckoned with. On track number eleven, "Bad Guy," we're met with a narrator expressing a monologue about praying she can see the gold in her before her time is up. Choco Valens jumps into this track with poise and energy while the breezy beat floats in the background with pristine vibes. It's a refreshing tune that highlights how hate is the new love, love is the new hate, and how Choco Valens is making his time on this earth worthwhile. Landing on the album's twelfth track, "ScarFace (feat. Wolf-gang)," we drift into a nostalgic south beach vibe with the grooviest hip-hop production. Choco Valens and Wolf-gang's ferocious flow leave us in a sweat. Wolfgang's sonically delicious feature packs all the energy, passion, and personality we could ask for, all while Choco Valens circles back to his fast-paced bars and groovy sonics that close the track with a bang. Hitting play on track thirteen, "Blue Print," we're greeted with various nostalgic commercials, infomercials, and ads that kick the song into gear. If Choco Valens makes anything clear in this track, it's that he's a machine that's constantly on the move. The larger-than-life production packs surreal vibes while Choco Valens slaps the speakers with his familiar vocal delivery that prompts some serious stank face in the best way possible. Reaching the album's fourteenth and final track, "Miami Estate," Choco Valens continues that larger-than-life production loaded with horns and heavy drums, leading us into his timeless flow. Choco Valens puts on one hell of a performance, and this solo outro track is a prime example. He closes the album with blunt honesty and charisma while radiating positivity for listeners to soak up. It's a killer outro track that perfectly sums up the entire stimulating listening experience. It doesn't get much better than hip-hop with meaning. Luckily, that's precisely what Choco Valens brings to the table in his recent 14-track album, Hollywood Burns. Experience it for yourself and find the hot new record exclusively on Bandcamp. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Choco Valens. Congratulations on releasing your timeless and engaging new album, Hollywood Burns. What inspired you to create this conceptual project? What led you to the studio? I think overall unexposed truth about pedo's in Hollywood and how vile people are treated; plus, it's no secret that Hollywood is fucked. What was your experience working with such talented artists like Wolfgang Peterson, Orion Brass, and Serum when creating the record Hollywood Burns? What was your collaborative experience like? It was great working with legends. And Wolfgang is my brother, always a learning experience. If there was one message or concept that you wanted listeners to take away from Hollywood Burns, what would it be? Don't sell your soul. Shit isn't a game. God is real, and so is the Devil. Did you have any artistic or musical influences in mind when creating Hollywood Burns? What sounds, artists, or genres helped bring this project to life? Expect Wolf Gang - beats I took from old beat tapes some people made for me. Slipknot definitely played a part, lol! How does Hollywood Burns reflect who you are and where you're headed as an artist and M.C.? What does this album represent? Revoultion and I make music for rebels, the thinkers, the fighters of a forgotten world. As an artist, I, think I, just head towards more of not giving a fuck about anything anymore and just creating, period. This is like my 4th tape. I got four more. I'm almost ready to go, so it all depends on GOD as well. I'm just here to deliver a message Idk how long for!? lol, the album represents a wake-up call! That there's something more than Hollywood than just Hollywood in a nutshell. Truth is it's powered by the devil and people don't fucking know or think it's CRAZY, so my hope is to wake people to perhaps enlighten THEM! In my own way by speaking my truth that Hollywood needs to burn or just perhaps the idea of it. Your choice. Instagram

Let's hear it for the independent artists working diligently to get their music heard. Being an independent musician isn't all sunshine and rainbows like most people think. Yes, you get to use your originality to create intoxicating melodies reminiscent of a piece of yourself that you can share with the world – but you're also a business that now has to attract an audience with your appeal. It's a hard line of work but done right, it can be advantageous. We're here to take some of the pressure away so you can focus on making feel-good vibes the world can relate to. Here are our top 10 ways to promote your music in 2023. 1. Make Phenomenal Music True To YOU Here's the catch: You don't need top-of-the-line studio equipment to do that! Instead, be resourceful of what you have access to and release your music in a way that's consistent with you. Social media can be a double-edged sword, and as of late, it has made some musicians feel as if they need to create in a capacity that may not be authentic to their workflow. Many times, musicians feel the pressure of dropping every month or week to keep up with others' creation calendars – and lucky for you, you don't need to! Yes, dropping and posting regularly can help you to stay relevant. But, at the end of the day, you want to find what works for you so your longevity outweighs the rest. So, place your focus and care into the sound and styling of your music and create pieces that you think will resonate with your niche. A wise person once said that if you make your hook first in the process of your creation, consider that your first verse. Then go back and revisit what will be your hook because that's how you make the ultimate catchy anthem. 2. Know Your Audience & Niche Your music doesn't have to fit into one scope. What's amazing about today's music culture is the flourishing music subgroups that exist in all corners of the world. Better yet, these sub-genres are taking off and can help you better target your audience. Whom you market your music to can make all the difference, and at the risk of sounding like captain obvious, if you're a rock band, play venues that welcome rock musicians. This way, you can find your way into the rock community and further build a fanbase of fans who want to hear rock n roll. Remember that a music genre doesn't always describe a niche. Your music may appeal to people on a wider spectrum; in this case, all it takes is starting in your city! Most people will want to see an artist from their hometown blow up, so remember to show your city some love before expanding internationally. 3. Be More Than A Musician There are layers to every musician that goes beyond the melodies you share with your fans. Share your stories and be authentic. Right now, everybody is looking for someone to relate to. With social media often being a highlight reel of people's lives, musicians need to show that they're human beings first and foremost. You can post about what you do away from music, tell the story of the songs you create, and give a glimpse into behind-the-scenes footage from your latest and greatest creations. However much insight you choose to expose to your audience is up to you, but at the end of the day, make sure you're comfortable, and it comes from a place of authenticity. 4. Sign Up For Artist Services Apart from music distribution services, which send out your release to all of the various platforms on your behalf today, most of these large music streaming services have their own platforms built specifically for artists like you. What's great about these services is that they'll allow musicians access to a range of features and benefits within the platform that are exclusively created for artists using and releasing music. Check out examples like Spotify for Artists, Apple Music for Artists, Amazon Music for Artists, Deezer for Creators, and YouTube for Artists – and if you haven't had the chance to sign up yet, here's your friendly reminder! 5. Build An Enticing Presence On Social Media The secret is out. The power of a good social media marketing strategy is not to be taken lightly as a musician. You want to ensure you're developing and sustaining an interesting and appealing presence across Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, and even less obvious platforms like Snapchat, so your followers can find even more of you after discovering your music – or better yet, discover your music on it. You don't need to be on every social media platform, but it's important you take a chance to showcase your brand on social. Keeping your social media handles consistent across all platforms is a huge help when it comes to making it easier for people to search for you online. Another pro-tip: Put multiple-link landing pages like Link Tree in your social media bio! This allows your followers to browse through key pieces of content you choose to showcase. There's plenty of advice out there when it comes to monitoring your social channels across every platform. Research helpful resources for more information on how to make the most of your social media presence. 6. Build A Website & Mailing List Social media is a great asset and has done wonders for careers. But what if a social media platform just ups and disappears one day? Would you want your only way of communication to be within that app? Well, the internet is here to stay through its evolving phases, and your professional, brand-reflecting website should include links to your music, bios, photos, and tour dates. Now here's where a mailing list comes in handy too. A newsletter is one of the best ways to communicate with your fans and build a great rapport with them consistently. Having this option attached to your website ensures that when people leave your site, they'll return! Swapping an email address for a freebie is great; your audience will love that you're giving them something in return while staying in touch. 7. Score Some Press & Blog Coverage Don't underestimate what the power of a good press release can do for your song! If your music gets featured by music publications of any kind, those placements can aid in building hype surrounding your release and offer up the chance to take your music career up a notch. If you have a budget to do so, hiring a professional PR executive to handle your campaign takes this off your plate and can allow you to reach outlets you may not normally be able to get in contact with. However, a do-it-yourself PR approach is doable but keep in mind that it's key for you to approach bloggers and journalists in the right way. This is where the next tip comes in handy… 8. Create An Electronic Press Kit As we just mentioned, getting your music into the hands of music publications is key. However, you'll also want it to get into the hands of booking agents too. An Electronic Press Kit, or EPK, will help you stand apart from the rest with your professionalism and brand crammed into one link or file. Packaged in one place, an EPK is like your expansive business card that makes it easy for music industry professionals to access and review your work. If you're ready to take your career to the next level, then an EPK is most definitely for you. Make sure it's strong and brief and has the following few elements: artist bio, photos, music videos, your music, notable moments, and contact information. 9. Give Your Fans & Fellow Musicians A Chance To Duet Your Work (And You Can Do The Same) The duet feature on TikTok and Instagram is considered an extremely powerful tool that has the potential to generate virality for creators of any scope and style. We're sure you've seen some of your favorite artists and up-and-coming creators hop on this wave. That's because it allows you to collab with some of your icons in the comfort of your home! This also means that when you give the opportunity to your fanbase to do the same with your songs, it will reach an even wider audience. The unique power of the duet feature is the ability to convert this cross-platform engagement without relying on heavy budgets and expensive marketing campaigns – leaving more money for you to put into recording music and filming music videos. 10. Plays Gigs & Make Meaningful Relationships Do you remember your first concert? How about your favorite concert? Chances are you do, and you probably get a rush of nostalgia that comes along with it. Attending live concerts, showcase, and/or festival is a liberating experience, and the people in the audience are looking to find their new favorite act. This is a great way to make impactful connections with fans you already have and new fans you'll gain from these shows. Work on a memorable live show that will rope fans in! After you've dominated locally, you can focus on a more widespread approach and continue to build from there. We hope this list can help point you in the right direction regarding what to focus on in 2023. Remember, we want to hear what you've been working on. BuzzMusic will forever be the home of independent music.

Maddie Ballard, who performs under the music alias, Bonded Jacky, is a queer, LA-Based musician and songwriter, a gangly girl with unmistakable schoolboy energy. BondedJacky's moniker comes from the nautical term meaning sweet cake or tobacco, which is perfectly absurd. Her goal is to free others and herself through her music and provide an authentic voice for the queer community. As soon as we tune into Bonded Jacky's latest rendition of Fountains of Wayne's hit single "Stacy's Mom," we know this record isn't your typical cover song. The breezy instrumentation trickles through the speakers with an upbeat yet delicate pop sound backing it. Elusive synths dance upon a musical foundation that caresses Bonded Jacky's striking lulling cascades. Incorporating the warmth of acoustic guitar strums and persuasive percussion patterns as the chorus takes off, Bonded Jacky finds a way to emanate her unique styling while contrasting with the original version's familiarity and witty trademark. The effortless strut that shines from Bonded Jacky's persona accompanies her throughout this thought-provoking and curiosity-feeding interpretation. It's as if she knows she's blown it out of the water yet nonchalantly surfs through your speakers in cool girl fashion. This indie-pop meets alternative bop has us feeling a new series of feelings as we're reintroduced to "Stacy's Mom." From the harmonized background vocals to the sustaining and reverberated guitar solo we all know and love – Bonded Jacky has finessed this track to embody her fortified persona. Vowing never again to put herself in a box, Bonded Jacky forever lives in the gray area, fueled by contradiction and freed by uncertainty. Listen to "Stacy's Mom" today on all streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Bonded Jacky, and congratulations on releasing the impressive rendition of "Stacy's Mom." There's no denying that this song is a huge hit in pop culture. What moment or story inspired you to cover it and add your flair? “Stacy’s Mom” was released 20 years ago this year, so I really wanted to see if it still held up, but through a queer lens, and I think it does! The vocal layers in this song are indeed to die for! Is this a Bonded Jacky twist that we can always expect? Please share a glimpse into the production. Vocal layering is definitely a Bonded Jacky staple. I love creating a whole world within a song, and I feel like layered vocals are my favorite way to do that. I made this record with Alex Farrar at Drop of Sun Studios (the most magical place in the world). Alex was encouraging and challenged me to do wacky harmonies with this. We had a lot of fun. On the song's last line, there’s a really, really low harmony, and Alex was like, “Maddie, can you sing as low as possible?” And I was shy at first, and then somehow, this demon possessed me, and I growled out of the line. We were cracking up. What was it like tapping into the headspace if re-creating this song? Did the creative process differ from the one you adopted when creating an original? I didn’t make a demo of “Stacy’s Mom” prior to going into the studio, which is rare for me. I usually come into the studio with a fully-formed arrangement, but since this was already written musically, all I knew was I wanted to slow it down, make it queer, and add some twang. Sheryl Crow's incredible cover of Post Malone’s “Circles” inspired this cover. It came together really easily, which was such an incredible feeling. It was a positive collaboration between me, Alex, and our sound engineer, Lawson. There was also a very sweet dog roaming the studio that day, which contributed to the vibe—one of my favorite days of making music. The basis of your upcoming EP encapsulates the universal tendency to hide our imperfections and present a "cooler" version of ourselves out of fear of rejection. What else can you tell us about it? When I first meet someone and really like them, I find myself holding back parts of myself that may change their mind about me. I put on a quiet and mysterious front when in reality, I’m an absolute goof. I’m really trying to lead with that vulnerable and playful side of myself and not save it for later. My favorite people in the world are unabashedly themselves at all times. What's next for you? My EP, ‘Cool People Don’t Exist,’ comes out February 15th!! I’m so stoked to have it out in the world. I also have many live shows this year, some solo and some with a full band! Instagram Artist Website

As a single father and TikTok sensation with nearly half a million followers, Zye Ca$h has released his highly anticipated new single, "Love Someone." Seamlessly representing his brand and who he truly is as a single father, this song delves into his hope to find love in the future. Through a profound instrumentation that takes the cake on the country-pop spectrum, the profound essence of this record lies within its organic simplicity and heartfelt messaging. Touching on a highly relatable subject to the vast number of people exploring this life, Zye Ca$h uses his potent timbres to sway his listeners towards the wistful grooves performed and the hopefulness that roars from within. Emanating his earnest intentions as he professes striking lyrical motifs that touch on whole-hearted gestures like handwritten letters and old-school love, you can hear the passion pouring from Zye Ca$h as he whisks you into his dreams surrounding his ideal relationship. As the father of a beautiful daughter, Zye Ca$h strives to make her life filled with golden moments that will turn into core memories. This stands true when it comes to seeking a relationship with a loved one that holds core to his values. Garnering mass attention with nearly 7,000 pre-saves before the release, "Love Someone" lives up to the hype as a record that embodies the purest intentions. So, put your lighters up a sway to the beat of love's drum. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Zye Ca$h! Congratulations on the release of your heartfelt single, "Love Someone." This song has such a beautiful theme and every lyric you spill has passion behind it. Was there a particular moment or story that inspired the creation of this song? I really appreciate it! This song actually speaks to my current life situation. I’m a single dad, and it can be very lonely. At the end of the day, all I want is to find love. I want that old-school love that is unconditional. It can be hard to find, but I made this song in a sense to help give me hope it is out there. Do this for yourself and your daughter; she must be your biggest fan! Have you shown your daughter this song yet? What was her reaction to it? My daughter is one of my biggest critics and supporters, even though she’s only 5. She knows all the words to this song and many others as well! She told me,” I really like this one, daddy. It sounds good.” What words of inspiration do you have for your audience still searching for true love? I’m still looking, so I know how difficult and lonely it can get. Don’t give up. It’s a lot easier to throw in the towel and settle, but true unconditional love is the most powerful and rewarding thing you can find. Since sharing your creations on TikTok, have you found a difference in the style of content you create? Does this help to motivate you even more with your music? Yes, for sure. I’ve made a lot of content because I knew it could get me more followers and boost my account. I want to be able to only focus on my music and dad life. So, it motivates me to push hard with my music so I have a stronger fan base that is all about the content I want to create. What's next for you? More music is coming soon! Im looking to release an EP this year. I’m also working on putting together an independent mini-tour. Be on the lookout for more content from me on TikTok as well! TikTok

The LA melodic songwriter continues to explore his musical limits and see how far he can take it on his wavy new single. SUMWHR is one of those artists who marches to the beat of his own drum. Born and raised in Watts, a neighborhood in southern LA, nothing came easy. Although it would have been easy to get lost in the system or street politics, SUMWHR decided early on to find more creative and positive ways to express himself, directing his talents to music. With a unique sound, he calls “Wave R&B,” SUMWHR embarked on a mission to set himself apart and see how far he could take his music. Having started as Novelle Vega (and subsequently featured on VH1’s “Black Ink Crew”), SUMWHR decided to rebrand himself and further polish his music. Evolution is a common theme for him; he’s never complacent and always tries to create new, improved music and push the limits of what we think R&B is capable of. SUMWHR is all about his musical journey, and with his music, he aims to take you with him. It’s this tireless evolution and drives that spawned the creation of CRZY THiNGZ. Over winding, hazy instrumentals, SUMWHR’s nebulous vocals tether you to the beat, immersing you in the musical experience. It’s easy to get lost in the song; CRZY THiNGZ continuously evokes familiar emotions like the fragility of relationships and longing for someone you’re not sure will reciprocate your feelings. It’s easy to see that SUMWHR’s wave R&B does push boundaries but doesn’t lose the relatability that makes R&B so enticing. CRZY THiNGZ is a hazy, genre-bending take on modern R&B. Although it would be easy to stay in his comfort zone, it’s clear that SUMWHR refuses to be complacent and continues to push the limits of what he and R&B are capable of. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream CRZY THiNGZ, available now on all major streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic SUMWHR! We loved your take on R&B with CRZY THiNGZ; it's always really cool to see an artist try and push the boundaries of a genre. We have to ask, what was the inspiration behind this song? Do you tend to draw from personal experiences when you make music? The inspiration for this song was from a personal experience of who I thought was the one for me. As time went on, I began to understand it was just one-sided. Definitely appreciate the journey because, from each stop in the past, I’ve learned how to handle myself in relationships. You mentioned that you’re a Watts native, born and raised. What was it like growing up there, and how did it affect your growth as an artist? Growing up in Watts was wild, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world because I’m a better person today. I ran around with people much older than me, and my brother was always around. One thing you learn is to always be on alert, speak only when needed, and stay loyal to the soil. I’ve seen so much from a young age that, to be honest, a young kid was never supposed to see or experience but being exposed that early has molded someone to move differently through life. It’s pretty clear that you’re not content with your standard R&B sound. Where did you get the inspiration for your “Wave” R&B, and what drives your desire to push the boundaries of your sound constantly? The sound was just something I tried to push myself to have fun with. I felt music should be fun, but I understand that crafting a sound takes a lot of time. Music was a way for me to express a lot of what I’ve been feeling through some adversities. A few of the people that inspired me are Jodeci, Tank, Usher, 112, T-Pain, and plenty more, but those are the main ones who made me adventure into evolving my sound. What was your favorite part about bringing CRZY THiNGZ to life, and what would you like your fans to take away from this song? I feel like telling my experiences where people can listen and relate is why I share them with my fans. We could all agree that most of us are not alone when dealing with some of these issues. So for me to express how I’m feeling or what I’m going through. I know that someone else may be listening and that one song resonates with them to the core and helps them with any trauma through life. What’s next for SUMWHR? Are there any goals you have for the next year or so? I don’t want to set goals because setting a goal is putting energy into something that seems like an end, and I don’t want to limit myself in the process. More so, I would like to set objectives with no limitations. I want to release consistent music next year and work with many more artists in the hopes of landing more placements. Although I understand we can’t predict our future, I’m excited about the adventure. Instagram Twitter

“The moment [of inspiration] was putting a couple of stories together that I have been through in my life and just letting the wordplay explain it all,” says the New Jersey-born and bred ProphiSee of the alluring single “Shawty We Can.” The burgeoning artist raps his way through lulling vibes of angelic synths, tantalizing hi-hats, and weighty drums while his highly captivating persona has listeners gravitate towards him. Showcasing a perfectly concocted blend of his lyrical dexterity and radiant character, this record is a stitching of lived experiences intertwined with slick rhyme schemes and undeniable danceability. You’ll hear how his sound is influenced by artists like Lil Wayne, Polo G, Mick Jenkins, and Biggie Smalls, while his uniqueness has been tweaked along the way. Picking and choosing the side of himself he wants to show his fans at the time, his outside-the-box thinking can be thanked for the creative juices flowing in abundance like in “Shawty We Can.” Noting that the sky is the limit, ProphiSee pushes himself to stay at the top in cutting-edge ways that challenge him and please his audience. With a mission to become a legend, he’s a name you’ll want to remember. Read the full BuzzMusic review and ProphiSee's exclusive interview here. Instagram

New England singer-songwriter Brian Jarvis entices listeners with captivating honesty and a voice drawing comparisons to David Gray and Matt Nathanson. Over a decade, he's been touring the country with the likes of Howie Day, Brendan James, and Stephen Kellogg, to name a few – and is currently on the heels of his third major release. "Something New" is Brian Jarvis's first release to greet his listeners in two years. This record comes from the upcoming EP, "Chapters," and has him teaming up with long-time touring partners Brendan James and Craig Meyer to create a wistful representation of his inner thoughts. Expanding on the buoyant instrumentation and thought-provoking lyrical motifs, we're treated to a sound that reflects another side of Brian Jarvis' often reflective nature. A warmth stems from his heartfelt and honest timbres as the positive nuances encourage those embarking on the next chapter of their lives. We're thriving in the upbeat environment as Brian Jarvis uses a brilliant balance of time and space to allow his optimistic messaging to sink in. The production brings our focus to the details heard within the composition. As a profound rollercoaster that eases you into the verses and ramps you up for the boasting chorus, "Now I'm walking into something new, kick the tread off these old beat shoes, eyes open again with nothing to lose," we can't help but listen in anticipation as our energy feeds off of the liveliness dispersed in "Something New." Listen to this uplifting song today and feel what it's like to walk on a sonic cloud surrounded by radiant sunshine – that's the effect "Something New" will have on you. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Brian Jarvis, and congratulations on releasing your latest single, "Something New." We love the energy and positivity that shines from a track of this caliber. Especially in the times, we're all facing in life. So what inspired you to take a different route with your sound to birth this song? We joke about it, but it was the pandemic. We can all agree that it is such a wild time in our life. Brendan and I had been chatting about me flying down to work on a tune. I finally did it, and the whole experience was cathartic and energizing. The time spent with Brendan and Craig in the studio was everything I had missed during the downtime of music being offline. It was an overwhelming sense of positivity that just carried through in the work we were doing in the studio. Co-written by Brendan James and produced by Craig Meyer, what were the vibes on the two-day trip in Charleston, SC, to bring this song to life? Any memorable moments you care to share? Great question! Many moments shine to me. The First was actually asking them to take a break. They’re used to the nice weather and sunshine where I was starved for the outdoors. They’re used to tackling a song from am to pm and never leaving the studio. We went downtown to a great local bar and got a few whiskeys. I blew their minds with my detailed stories of past touring days together. Play 100+ shows together; you sure have some good ones to tell. But in all seriousness, it was the last day of recording. I went to Brendan’s home and spent the day with his family. We shot hoops with the kids, rode bikes, walked to the lake, and made a nice homemade meal by the fire pit. All within 4-5 hours. I also caught up with my best man, who lives in Charleston. We went out to see Craig’s band play that night downtown. Needless to say, it was my first post-pandemic moment in a room with music, and 100+ people jammed into it—a small space. Watching the local musicians slay a room and smile was magical. What a few couple of days. Did your creative process change due to the change in your sound? The song had an evolution. I started it at home playing the piano. I just stumbled upon the hook. “Now I’m walking in my neighborhood” is how it started. It felt fresh. if something I’m toying with doesn’t feel fresh or exciting, I never finish it. This song excited me. The best part was I only brought that part with me. That was it. When we got to Charleston, Brendan and I really dug into the lyrics and the music. He’s very detailed, and it was nice to have someone push me beyond it being good enough. Craig produces differently than I am used to. It’s all about energy. He just would lay down whatever felt right in the moment: no discussion and no time to worry. If we don’t like it later, we don’t like it later. It was refreshing. I think when you explore different places with new faces forces you to take chances. This song is a new step for me and a good sonic turn. We are already discussing the next one. After taking in "Something New," what can listeners expect from your forthcoming EP, 'Chapters?' 'Chapters' is going to really cover a lot of space. Thematically this is the newest song. To follow in February is a song called ‘Stay,’ which I have used to open my shows for years. Never recorded a version I loved. But I got it, and it feels like that song on its one represents a whole part of my life.. a chapter. The 3rd single down in flames is a song I have felt strongly about for so long but never got released. I even got some feedback from Mat Kearney on this one. So, in short, the songs represent new, old, and important chapters of my last ten years of creating, touring, and life/love. The last track is a cover of a friend who passed in a car accident ten years ago. He was a beloved songwriter with a bright light. I have been putting off covering it until I got the family’s blessing. I got his original band to play on the track titled ‘take’ by the band Columbia fields. It has been an emotional but cathartic process putting my spin on this song. What's next for you? I wanted to wait for the right time to release all the songs I had been working on. They’ve been done for some time, but it never feels right to rush them out. There will be five months of songs coming out for me. I’m also looking forward to touring more. Music is back online, and there will be a few small tours I will work on supporting. In fact, I’m working on these questions from my Hotel in Florida, where I am performing at a sold-out songwriter show. We need all the help we can get as indies, but thanks to places like BuzzMusic, we get to keep going. Instagram

Los Angeles -based jazz artist Florian Mavridorakis released his new single “Revelations,” a burst of musical skills and part of their album “SHADES” under his project FM Experiment. FM Experiment is the musical project of Florian Mavridorakis, a drummer and a dreamer who loves jazz. With an entrepreneurial spirit and artistic skills, Florian Mavridorakis is the composer and producer of his project, besides his role as drummer. Florian has a prolific career, collaborating with exceptional artists and continuously perfecting his craft. “Revelations” is a collaborative production with the Grammy Award-winning engineer Warren Pettey and rapper Marcus Gon. The most exciting thing about “Revelations” is that it is an improvisation. The band and Marcus Gon put into it whatever was in their hearts at that moment, creating a musical picture of fantastic artists creating music together. When hitting the play button on “Revelations,” you will hear Florian Mavridorakis's drums marking the pace while the bass accompanies him. Marcus Gon starts rapping about the frustration of an artist late at night without a single word in his mind, wondering what was there to him if he lost his talent. Trumpets and Saxo cry to the night in a gloomy ambiance. “Revelations” has an oniric touch, as if your mind blends with the sounds and Marcus Gon’s words. The lyrics tell you about the human madness reflected in the climate crisis and hypocrisy in politics. “Revelations” is poetry turned into music. But isn’t it the essence of jazz? Stream FM Experiment's “Revelations” is available on all streaming platforms today. Welcome to BuzzMusic FM EXPERIMENT, and congratulations on your latest release, "Revelations. What has been the most rewarding part of making “Revelation?” I would say it was the process. It had been a long-time dream of mine to get to a studio, pick a theme or a color, describe it to the musicians and press record and freely improvise in a band setting with that theme in mind. I have to admit it was the best experience of my life, and I loved it so much that we ended up doing it on four tracks of the album (Illusions, Remembrance, Meditation, and Revelations), and I plan on doing it much more in the future. This requires a very specific mindset and an incredible band of like-minded people. How did making “Revelations” impact the band? I believe that making revelations brought the band together; it made everyone aware of the special connection we had with each other and how much we enjoyed playing together. It also gave us so much faith that we are going on this adventure together for the right reasons: because we love music in all its forms and because we would love to have a positive impact on the world, whether it's a very large one or a very small one. How did you decide to work with Marcus Gon to make “Revelations?” I have known Marcus for a long time and always enjoyed his vision of music, so it felt natural to bring him on board for this project. He is an encyclopedia of music, especially how songwriters and storytellers like Kendrick Lamar connect instrumental and lyrical stories. I had been looking to work with rappers/vocalists who have this appreciation for instrumental music for a while. When we recorded this improv In the studio with the band, I immediately thought of bringing Marcus in to write words to it because I Had this storyline in my head but Was still missing the Lyrical part of it, and he came through and delivered big time. What would you like your listeners to feel when listening to “Revelations?” I would love for people to feel relieved. I think we live in a world where everyone feels a lot of pressure, be it from work, social media, or even friends and family, and I truly believe this is all a creation of our minds. This is what revelations are about, realizing that you as an individual build your pressure from your mind and that you are in absolute control of relieving pressure from yourself. I think we as humans face so many new challenges in the 21st century with the immediacy of society and the amount of scrutiny generated by social media. Still, I think we also have so much untapped power in ourselves to focus on our emotions and block out the noise around us to channel the best version of ourselves. How does “Revelations” fit into your album “SHADES?” Revelations feel like the perfect conclusion to the album. This piece of art we put together is about discovering ourselves as young humans, our personalities, our relationship with life, and our path in the near and distant future, who we want to be. And it feels like the themes we elude to in Revelations are an important pathway for the future, a primordial step in our path to greatness as musicians and individuals. What's next for you? Of course, there will be many opportunities to present the album live, especially in the US, where we have a tour in the works. But we are also already turned towards a continuation, a second act if you will, of this work because we believe there is much to explore and to be said about this world. We are already planning on recording a second album as a band in the summer of 2023, which will be the time of the tour’s launch, and we hope to see many of you guys out there vibing with our music and coming to talk to us after the shows! Facebook Instagram