Search this site

Pop artist Jehan Assria gives us “Machine,” her new single that explores the absurdity of discrimination through a visionary musical proposal. Jehan Assria is a songwriter who doesn’t work behind the scene. She is always in front of her work, showing her face and name. Jehan makes every song a new experience for listeners who can find a message that breaks the walls of indifference through exceptional songwriting, skilled production, and fantastic collaborations. “Machine” is about the pain brought by discrimination, the violence it brings out of fear towards difference, and how it is necessary to stand up against it. Sensibility, rationality, and life must prevail. Jehan also dedicated “Machine” to the memory of her dad. Jehan Assria collaborates with Joey Diggs Jr, who lends his fantastic vocals for this song. Listening to “Machine” starts with digital notes that sound ethereal and futuristic while you hear Joey’s voice. You can sense heavy The Weekend vibes from the first moments, and sounds amazing. Joey’s vocals are powerful and so pleasant. He has a wide vocal range and knows how to create an emotional and energizing ambiance. The music video shows a scientist who created a humanoid that looks like a girl. The scientist teaches her how to live and love, but many others show hate and fear toward her. You can emotionally immerse in the story through the video and the lyrics, making it a heartbreaking experience. Jehan Assria knows how to transmit feelings. Hit the play button on “Machine” and connect with the story of many real people through the lens of brilliant-made music. Welcome to BuzzMusic Jehan, and congratulations on your latest release, "Machine." What motivated you to make "Machine?" As crazy as it sounds, it all started with a vision of me moving my fingers for a scientist. This led me to explore that vision more and write the song and the storyline for the music video. As I mentioned in other Interviews, every line in the lyrics goes with every frame in the music video. With that, I wanted to give the audience an experience as if they were watching a movie. How did Joey Diggs Jr fit with your vision of “Machine?” When writing the song, I knew it had a Michael Jackson/Weeknd vibe. I came across Joey's page on the Soundbetter website, and once I listened to one of his songs, I knew he was the one and wrote him right away. His powerful vocal delivery exceeded my expectations, and I couldn’t be happier with the end product! What was the most rewarding moment of making “Machine?” There is nothing more gratifying than seeing your vision be brought to life. I had to go through a lot to make this happen, especially when funding this project as an independent artist. I am blessed to be surrounded by people who believe in me, and I couldn't have done it without their support. How do you want your listeners to feel when listening to “Machine?” I want the listeners to feel connected with the song as if they could relate it to their own life. "Machine" gives off that energetic vibe, so I hope it would be their go-to song to enjoy anytime. What's next for you? I aim to continue being a storyteller with these projects and build my credibility as a visionary/songwriter. With that, I want to make a name for myself in the music industry by challenging the status quo and paving the way for the future of music. Instagram

Singer-songwriter and pop artist PRADO turns up the mood in her latest single, "Dance Dance Dance." This 20-year-old recording artist of Cuban grew up in a biracial household and quickly learned the importance of general and musical diversity. PRADO extends her reach far and wide while releasing music bilingual music. PRADO always incorporates the vibes of blues tunes and energetic elements of Cuban music. "Dance Dance Dance" comes to life and shakes the speakers with an unmatched energy that makes us want to get up, let loose, and "Dance Dance Dance." "Dance Dance Dance" opens with lush keyboard melodies alongside PRADO's breathy yet soothing vocals. The song's production and dance make beats make it a treat for us to dig into, and PRADO's performance is everything we need to turn up and feel the music. The song transforms into a vibey high-energy anthem, perfect for any party, club, or bar. PRADO's sensual vocals and gripping song lyrics keep our ears locked and loaded. Catch PRADO'S interview and review her influential record "Dance Dance Dance" here. Instagram Facebook

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter and explorative pop recording artist Gillian Elyse releases her passionate and emotional sophomore single entitled "9 Weeks." The queer recording artist grew up heavily influenced by reggae's relatable and soothing storytelling. Growing up in a Jamaican household, the first-generation American artist also takes her songwriting style after country music legends. Now settled in Los Angeles and constantly collaborating, Gillian Elyse is quickly proving herself as an artist to watch. Now, she's serenading souls and conveying her deepest inner thoughts with a radiant electro-pop single entitled "9 Weeks." Gillian Elyse also announced her forthcoming project, BABY, said to be an homage to 80s pop with a contemporary feel, and this new single perfectly reflects that. The glittering keys and driving basslines bridge elements of the past and present perfectly. Expanding on the new single, "9 Weeks," we're sonically greeted with lush guitar melodies that leap into the beat-heavy verse alongside Gillian Elyse's velvety vocals. While expressing intimate moments of losing love and watching it all fall through the cracks, Gillian Elyse slips into introspection while wondering if she could ever return to right her wrongs. All while Elyse delivers her soothing and emotional vocal stylings, the song's production and instrumentals dance through the speakers with a radiant and uplifting undertone, contrasting the sorrow of her personal lyrics. It's a dynamic listening experience that conveys the purest emotions regarding lost love while wondering if she can ever reassemble the pieces. Parting ways with someone special is never an easy feat. Allow Gillian Elyse to help ease that burden with her stunning new single, "9 Weeks," now available on all digital streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Gillian Elyse. We can feel every ounce of emotion you poured into your new, emotional single, "9 Weeks." What relationship experiences inspired this intimate tune? Thank you! I wrote this song about a girl I fell fast for in early 2022. We made each other happy for a short nine weeks, and when it ended, I realized that moving on wasn’t going to be as easy as I thought it would be. For me and many others, healing and moving on isn’t linear, and sometimes, you move backward and realize that you’re still not over the person you’re trying to move on from. Some people may think that a few weeks isn’t long enough to end up being hung up on a person, but I know a lot of people who have found themselves as a boomerang in the back and forth—especially in queer relationships where you start off with so much common ground. Were there any challenging moments when writing your emotional and personal lyrics for "9 Weeks?" How were you able to overcome those obstacles, if any? Honestly, writing this song was just cathartic. I was so dejected and upset about the way that we ended I told my producer (who I had just met at a party) that I wanted to write this song, and I wanted it to “feel good” no matter what. I think we did a pretty good job at that! It’s funny, though, Kat Cunning, the talent in my music video, and I were dating at the time of my shoot, and we had been dating for nearly seven months. They had heard the song a few times before, and when we were filming, they pulled me aside and said, “you know, this song is so sad.” It hit me that it really is a sad song. I forgot about that fact because it makes me feel good to listen to. Now, that relationship has ended, and I find the song to be truer than ever. When I listen to the song now, I feel the lyrics. I guess that’s an obstacle I’ve had to overcome in processing this song. What was the core message you wanted to convey to listeners with "9 Weeks?" What did you want them to think, feel, and take away? I want people to realize that it doesn’t matter what people say about a relationship; if you feel it, you feel it. And you know it’s real. Should we expect to hear "9 Weeks" on your upcoming project, BABY? Could you drop a few hints about what we should expect from this project? Expect some amazing production by my friend YRON and me. He’s great at capturing the booming drums and funky bass lines that I love and helping me improve my melodies. Also, more stories about relationships, whether friendships or romantic. I’m excited to share. What's next for you? I want to keep writing for myself and others and making songs that make you feel good despite the lyrical content. I’ve been working with incredible people fine-tuning my sound, and I’m excited to keep writing. Stay tuned for live shows in 2023. Instagram Facebook

Californian-born pop artist Rilëë continues giving us her new vision of the genre in her empowering single “Imma Head Out.” Rilëë is a singer and songwriter who channels the intense feelings of sad memories into music. She manages to make emotional and energizing songs that reflect her magnetic personality. Her mission is to give listeners an experience that would make them lose track of time, an escape from the heaviness of daily life through music. Her new single “Imma Head Out,” produced by Tec Beatz, places you in a story where you recently met someone who tries to control you. But you won’t allow it, so you leave. “Imma Head Out” has a chilling ambiance and catchy instrumentals, making listening to it a pleasant experience while reminding you to care about your emotional health. “Imma Head Out” welcomes you with an electric guitar playing relaxing chords as Rilëë starts singing. Just her and the guitar creates an intimate ambiance with a nostalgic sensation. Her vocals are tender and caress you with her sound. Then trap-like drums show up, refreshing the track and making you wave your head at the compass. Rilëë manages to transmit the feelings of disappointment for a broken illusion. Still, “Imma Head Out” is about knowing your place and drawing a line. This song is a recharge of self-love and self-respect, the kind of work everyone should listen to once in a while. In that matter, “Imma Head Out” promises to become a favorite. Get your dose of self-love by listening to “Imma Head Out.” Welcome to BuzzMusic Rilëë, and congratulations on your latest release, "Imma Head Out." What is the story behind the lyrics of “Imma Head Out?” Well, it's mainly about how much I hate getting hit on. Im a loner and don't really like sharing my energy with everyone. So most of the time, Im out. Many men will come up to me, and it's like, I REALLY DONT WANNA BE BOTHERED. I've learned that being a bitch doesn't work, so Imma Head Out is when I decide that I don't have to explain why I don't want to talk to a guy. Im just gonna get up and leave. What was the most challenging moment of making “Imma Head Out?” Finding a writer who understood how it feels to be the prey. Being a woman is hard because we’re the prey that has to be in defense mode to walk out the door constantly. Maya (Cowriter) is such a great visual empath. It took so much of me to explain how I felt, and I felt safe opening up to her. Who would you especially like to listen to “Imma Head Out?” Every single human, haha, Nah, but seriously…. Anyone who felt they were the prey or couldn't say no because they feared the outcome. You know when you decide to stand up for yourself. I don't have to sit here and talk to you. Imma head OUT, BRO. Is there something you would like to say to your listeners before listening to “Imma Head Out?” Smoke a joint or make a TikTok, haha. What's next for you? I'm working on some darker work that I want people to hear. I think I have such a bright energy people don't get to hear my dark side. After “Imma Head Out” runs its course, I'll peel back the layers with my next single. Instagram Facebook

Taylor Sanders released the electrifying new single "Firecracker" on October 7th, 2022 bringing a fresh new twist to the classic western sound. Taylor Sanders started gaining some traction via her covers of songs by legends like Dolly Parton & Patsy Cline. In 2022 Taylor was selected as an opener for Grammy-Award-Winning, Grand Ole Opry residents, and The Gatlin Brothers. When Taylor isn't in the studio working, she's devoting her efforts to raising awareness for early skin cancer detection. "Firecracker" was co-created with a decorated team of music creators who have worked with top artists like Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion, and Carrie Underwood. Taylor's "Firecracker" is the perfect balance between the traditional country and modern pop worlds. Diving into this smashing record, Taylor writes records with lyrics rooted in female empowerment and being confident in your skin. The track begins with the traditional country-tempo guitar strings and later molds into modern pop energy via the hypnotic hook. Taylor displays her epic vocal and songwriting abilities throughout this remarkable hit record. With lyrics like "I have a short fuse, and "I'm a firecracker baby, would you be the match," Talyor lights up your speakers with her undeniable talent, bringing a whole new sound to the table. Bending genres, Taylor aims to uplift women through her powerful lyrics that empower your wildest dreams, a real showstopper that will surely knock you out of your boots! Taylor Sanders unleashes her inner queen through her empowering new single, "Firecracker," available on all streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Taylor Sanders, and congratulations on your latest single, "Firecracker." What inspired this deep and emotion-filled song? Firecracker is about the time I met my husband and how I wanted to find someone that could match my energy. I wanted this song to be fun, sassy, and one you could sing along to with a pep in your step while at the same time feeling empowered, encouraged, confident, and just being your awesome self. I am thankful to have a husband who loves all of me and accepts me for who I am as a Firecracker! What do you hope the listeners will experience when listening to "Firecracker" and all its beautiful content? Mentally, I hope they’re empowered and know it is okay to be bold, loud, and ambitious, even when it’s not the norm. Physically, I hope it makes ‘em wanna get up and dance! I hope they feel energized and enthused and like they can go out and conquer the world. How can listeners get to know you more in your new record "Firecracker?" How does this song represent you? My personality is like a firecracker, and the lyrics describe my different personifications. For example, “Big, bold and loud just like the 4th of July,” “like a spicy and red siracha,” and “my wild heart ain’t so easy to tame” are all different sides of my personality and what people get when they experience me. I also threw out an ode to Kentucky since that is where I am originally from, although I’ve been a Tennessee girl for most of my life. I wanted to express my high energy through powerful, high-note vocals. When the music video drops (stay tuned), you’ll feel that energy even more through our “in your face” boot-stomping choreography and spectacular elements. I grew up a competitive gymnast and dancer, so the choreography was a must for the music video. What's next for you? As we gear up for the holiday season, I will release some special holiday tunes and visuals for my favorite time of year. I’ll also be working with my team on writing and recording for my new album and then preparing to release my “Firecracker” music video. Instagram Facebook

Known for their unique melodies, Avalon Kane is an experimental electronic musician and songwriter from Kaurna Country, Adelaide, SA. The multifaceted talents she elaborately displays through her craft can be heard through guitar, self-taught piano, and of course, through her well-known experimental synthesizer sounds that also focus on sound modulation. While Avalon has merged her love of Rock and Roll and Electronic music into her own inimitable sound, she collaborates with the talented Stu Patterson, who implements physical form into his compositions. This iconic duo takes their aptitudes to their latest sonic expression, “Tracks,” and has us indulging in the deluxe sounds portrayed. “Tracks” carries forth a delicate essence of resonance that counteracts as a prevalent piece in the artistic soundscapes that define both Avalon Kane and Stu Patterson. As the record progresses through your headphones, each incorporated element has a purpose in its placement and leaves the song better than it was. Taking us on this escapade through poignant melodies in the electronic realm, we can’t help but get entranced by the messaging and instrumental components before us. Add in Stu Patterson’s velvety vocals as they transcend through a reverberated chamber, and you have a record that embeds itself into your mind with conviction. What impresses us the most with Avalon Kane’s artistic offerings has to be that she builds with such intent that every moment you listen to a song like “Tracks,” you get pulled into a whirlwind of emotions without even realizing it before it’s too late. The layers secure a foundation of brilliance where she can bring in featuring artists to express their skill set while complementing the ease and grace she motions. “Tracks” is what you get when you reflect on the snapshot of your life that exposes a map full of paths, rips, bumps, crossroads, twists, turns, and a formation that doesn’t fall linear. Spoiling listeners with this expedition worthy of a replay, take a peek into the world of Avalon Kane and Stu Patterson to see what the hype is about. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Avalon Kane. We’re thrilled to have you here to discuss your latest collaborative release with Stu Patterson. How did you come up with the creative concept of “Tracks?" Thank you so much! Awesome to be able to chat with you. “Tracks” formed just after my son had a milestone birthday, and it hit me that he was suddenly going to hop off my track and onto his own. I guess I wanted to convey that time doesn't stand still for anyone and that you are holding a baby in your arms one minute, and the next, they are off on their own journey. Did you have this ethereal sound locked and ready to go before you reached out to Stu Patterson? What was it like working with one another to bring this song to life? The track has been influenced by Stu. 50% had to be reshaped to capture the beauty of their voice. The first version had a completely different introduction, which was quite dramatic and hectic that built into the next calmer section. However, when Stu came in for vocals, their voice was so haunting that it changed the intro's scope. My producer Max Hurrell was a huge influence, too, in helping me rearrange the beginning. We found that teaming the simpler soundscapes with Stu's stunning vocals brought out the same message I was trying to convey in a more wistful format. When you began embarking on the “Tracks” journey, which of your musical influences did you find seeped into the styling of “Tracks?” It's hard to pinpoint an exact one, but in the last year, I have been submersed in Daniel Avery and Jon Hopkins. Daniel Avery is just a genius, and I love that rock music is a huge influence on his electronic style, just like it is for me. Rock and electro are just a vibe for me. I think that is why I also wanted Stu on the track, too, as alot of their other musical work is post-punk/Australian rock, and I love that. I want to explore the connections and experiment with rock and electronic music. Could you please highlight the creative process of bringing this hit to life? Do you find that it fits into a pattern you normally create within? This one was a little different. I used a midi controller in an offbeat scale, and it was a sheer pattern forming that I stumbled across the sound I wanted. The trick was to remember then the pattern that I had done! I got it eventually. I then used my synth to extend the chords and soundscapes. The sounds I used on Tracks were some of my favorites - they were unique. The lyrics then came after, and they all fell into place well, which was nice. What is the main message from “Tracks” you would like to resonate with your listeners? The biggest thing I want listeners to take with them is to be brave. The proudest moments in my life have come from the scariest things. If you aren't willing to take risks, you will never feel that moment of true reward. Instagram Facebook

The experimental electronic music artist DJ ROS released a new conceptual mashup album, “Pretty Ugly,” to give you a new perspective on music. DJ ROS is a DJ from the United States, a producer, and a superstar in the experimental music scene. DJ ROS gives listeners new experiences they won’t find anywhere else by using a range of sounds from multiple genres and decades. The use of different tech between software and analog is a signature of DJ ROS’ work. “Pretty Ugly” is the new album of DJ ROS under the Kill Your Radio Project. In this album, DJ ROS uses analog tech only to give it a genuine touch of the 80s sounds, like listening to it from a cassette tape. “Pretty Ugly” is also the first release of DJ ROS’ new recording home Def Alien Recordings, the house of Kill Your Radio Project. The album “Pretty Ugly” consists of a one-hour-long track that merges samples of 140 songs. These samples come from pop, hip-hop, rap, and rock songs. But you will also find snippets from classic movies and TV shows that might ring a bell. “Pretty Ugly” promises to blow your mind with a new kind of musical work you have never listened to before. “Pretty Ugly” is an album you must listen to as one track. It is a trip with a beginning and an end, whose path is constantly changing. You will come across different songs and pop references that you know, but you will see them differently. Get ready to live a new experience through music. “Pretty Ugly” is an album you will never forget. But you will play on repeat. Welcome to BuzzMusic DJ ROS, and congratulations on your latest release, "Pretty Ugly." What took you to make “Pretty Ugly?” The 2022 release of the project came about quite by accident. I started the recording in 2011 when I first had the idea of creating an alter ego performance concept. I wanted an outlet that allowed me to throw in many non-conventional, unexpected musical choices outside of what I would do in a usual DJ set. Doing so under the moniker "KILL YOUR RADIO" allows me an outlet with no brand confusion. How did you choose what samples to use in “Pretty Ugly?” It was purely random & organic. Though I pulled tons of acapella before restarting the recording process, I did not pre-plan what would be included in the set. I made those choices as the production continued. All I knew was that I wanted the genre choices to be widely varied. I think the end result reflects such. What kept you motivated during the making of “Pretty Ugly?” Hearing the playback & sensing the vibe the choices made were creating truly feeds the creative process. It is self-building in nature. I also felt motivated because it sounds like nothing else is being released right now. I plan to continue building on that. Such is extremely motivating. What did you learn as an artist from making “Pretty Ugly?” I was reminded to always commit to putting things out that you are personally into & allowing those things to find their audience organically & authentically. Doing a "Mashup Album" when such is not the popular wave was instructive as a creator. How do you expect “Pretty Ugly” to impact your career? I honestly have no expectations. I like it that way. I truly want these mashup projects to find supporters in whatever manner they can in an organic fashion. If those fans of the work want to see it performed in person, I'll happily take the show on the road. That is the plan. What's next for you? That is the magic question! "PRETTY UGLY" is the first release from my newly formed independent record label, Def Alien. I am genuinely excited to continue to put out mashup projects and original music, remixes, and DJ mixes for our growing global audience. I am extremely excited about that part of the journey. This is a new beginning for me across the board.

Liberian-American pop artist Angel Dweh dropped his new single “Tonight,” showing his romantic side at the rhythm of Afrobeat. Angel Dweh is a songwriter, composer, dancer, and actor. His multifaceted skills in the arts feed his musical work, combining sounds from Pop, Afropop, Afrobeat, and R&B. Angel Dweh feeds his craft on his Liberian roots, embracing the cultural heritage he carries. This intimacy with his roots has earned him the title “Afro-prince.” In his new single “Tonight,” Angel Dweh merges Afrobeat with R&B sounds to create a chilling and ethereal ambiance. You will need to move your body at the compass while preserving the romantic sense of R&B. The instrumentals and vocals will make you close your eyes and feel your heart beating. “Tonight” starts with subtle synth notes on the back and Angel Dweh’s voice in front, vibrating and showing his vocal skills. Angel Dweh is tender and seductive. Listening to him while the electric guitar plays alongside the rich drums makes you want to dance. “Tonight” is the night song you want to hear when being next to that person that gets your heart beating. Listening to “Tonight” unleashes your imagination, placing you in a story where you pull your bae close to you and dance regardless of the cold. Or even better, you dance by the beach, hearing the waves crash on the sand and letting the warm wind caress your skin. Give in to emotions and the beats and make it real. Set the chilling mood by hitting the play button on “Tonight” and make that your story. Thank you for joining us at BuzzMusic Angel Dweh, and congratulations on your latest single, "Tonight." What was your greatest motivation to make “Tonight?” The greatest motivation for making "Tonight" was collaborating with two Nigerian producers, "Jedstarrr" Labinjo and "MOWA" Cole. These two producers were amazing; they trusted me to deliver the song lyrically. Producer "MOWA" Cole is now like a mentor to me, we both communicate about music, and he always gives me some great advice and motivational words that inspire me. Is there someone you thought about when writing the lyrics of “Tonight?” I mean, there is someone I was thinking about when writing the lyrics. How did your Liberian roots influence the making of “Tonight?” Liberian roots influence a lot of my work as an artist; the culture and our kolokwa language is beautiful. All of which have influenced the lyrics of my songs. What would you like your listeners to feel when listening to “Tonight?” When listening to "Tonight," I want every listener to feel the warm love I felt recording the song. The passion of wanting more. What's next for you? Next is my upcoming concert titled "Night with Angel Dweh" 2023. I often think about my 2023 concert, with the first open night of the show being March 18, 2023. Even though it is a few months away, I am excited to perform some new and old music. Instagram Facebook

The truth will always prevail. Guitarist and folk-rock singer Shane Palko and spoken-word poet and pianist Mannie T'Chawi are ready to right the wrongs of the past in their recent singles and music videos for "Blood" and "Fathers." Both talented and passionate artists in their own right, Shane Palko and Mannie T'Chawi aren't your typical acts. They've recently banded together to call out injustices through their own unique creations, be it folk rock or gripping spoken word. Both songs mark their own emotional theme with thought-provoking lyrics that champion change. Although both "Blood" and "Fathers" are powerful songs, listening to them back to back is a truly moving experience. In "Blood," we hear Palko discuss the generations of racism and acknowledge that as a white man who walks out unscathed, he has blood on his hands. Not to mention the mesmerizing piano-laden piece "Fathers," where T'Chawi slaps the speakers with sadly relatable themes of being caught up in a generational fight he never asked for. What's all the more gripping is the songs' music videos. In "Blood," we see original clips from Palko's grandfather on 8mm film circa 1960. While Palko strums the acoustic guitar in what looks like a woodsy cabin, he delivers a raw performance that closely examines the wrongs of the past that continue to linger today. The chilling scenes remind us that many of us have ties to the cruel wrongs of the past, and the blood is still on our hands. In the music video for "Fathers," Palko picks up his electric guitar in the middle of a field while T'Chawi accompanies him in front of a piano. As Palko exits stage left, our focus shifts to T'Chawi, who jumps into his composing spoken word on a highway overpass while expressing the struggles of absent fathers, the consequences of no parentage, and asking God why these were the cards he was dealt. The final shot of the burning piano in an empty field is chilling to the bone. It doesn't get much better than two artists banding together to spur change in our modern society. Watch as Shane Palko and Mannie T'Chawi dive into necessary themes in their singles and music videos for "Blood" and "Fathers." Find both music videos on YouTube and singles on all digital streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Shane Palko, and Mannie T'Chawi. We're pleased with the powerful and deeply necessary themes within your singles and music videos for "Blood" and "Fathers." What inspired you to team up and collaborate on these pieces? We are two independent creatives who have enjoyed deep conversations as friends. Seeing themes emerge in our talks, we decided to share some of what we had been mulling over as artistic pieces. What was your goal regarding the viewer's experience watching the music video for "Blood?" What thoughts did you want to prompt in the viewer? We wanted the video to be a stunningly beautiful accompaniment to a stark and hard-hitting song that grapples with racial inequity. The historic visuals celebrate a beautiful winter hunting party - a group of white men in nature with guns. While we hope viewers will enjoy these priceless scenes, we also ask them to think about their places in the world and how things got the way they did. Access to land and open spaces and the types of activities available are not equal across racial divides in the places we have lived. Sharing family footage captured in the 1960s was an aesthetically pleasing way of asking ourselves and our viewers to think about how far back into history many current social trends reach. How did you want to make viewers feel with the powerful spoken word and visuals in the music video for "Fathers?" What did you want viewers to take away? We wanted to state things as succinctly and earnestly as possible for the spoken word. Visually we wanted to evoke the sense of the timelessness, vicious cycle that’s been part of Black family structures for decades. We aimed to tell the uneasy, often horrifying truth - with simplicity and care not to re-traumatize our audiences. We also wanted to leave viewers with the intense imagery of a burning piano. There are numerous reasons why this is a metaphorically important act; we hope to leave this striking image open for viewers to interpret in their own ways. How do songs like "Blood" and "Fathers" help listeners get to know both of you on a more personal level? Are powerful songs like these a typical occurrence for both of you? These songs are a glimpse into our village. These pieces are spillovers from conversations we were having around many fires together. Most of the artistic output we share is not so raw. I (Mannie) have released two volumes of personal poetry, but they are not as vulnerable as these pieces. I (Shane) have released 14 studio albums over 14 years that cover various topics. Many of the thousands of songs that fall to the cutting room floor are personal, too personal to be released. We thought it was time to share some of the conversations we’ve been having outside of our circles. We can smile and be silly on stage sometimes because we are part of a community that has each other's backs and has real conversations. What was your favorite part about working together on "Blood" and "Fathers"? Would you say there's an unspoken creative chemistry between the two of you? The process has been easy! Arguably the easiest time we’ve had collaborating on a project. Though our backgrounds are vastly different, our experiences and journeys have led us to similar places of pursuing growth through listening to others’ stories. It’s been amazing to work alongside someone who shares the same values, sense of curiosity, creative spirit, and talent. Plus, we’re pretty stellar at cooking, so we had some great meals with our team. Shane Palko Instagram MannieT'Chawi Instagram

After graduating with honors from the Creative Advertising program at Seneca College in Ontario, Canada, Katie Dauson has always had a passion for music and writing. No matter where life took her on her creative path, she always found her way back to music. What started as a hobby quickly took over for Katie Dauson and her guitar. Taking a chance on herself in May of 2022, it was an open mic sign that enticed her to perform in front of the public and write her music. Giving us a taste of her recently released single, “Not Good Enough,” it’s apparent why Katie Dauson has such a flair for conveying prominent melodies. With an old-school style in the empire of country music, the grooves that are professed in “Not Good Enough” have us stomping our feet and snapping our fingers. Unapologetic energy rises from her persona as she whisks us into a medley built on her character and what she has her eyes set on in life. Katie Dauson effortlessly professes each word confidently and has us nodding our heads in assurance. As you hear her amusing demeanor, fun is high on the radar of Katie Dauson’s creative process. As the lyrics of “Not Good Enough” paint imagery that suggests the people in her life have shut down the actions she chooses to take on her life path, Katie Dauson has other news for them. Perseverance is in her nature, and with lyrical motifs such as “I pounded the pavement. Knocked on so many doors. Thought I could make it - to all the top floors,” we don’t take her witty diction lightly. “Not Good Enough” will have you bobbing your head along immediately; it’s time for you to click play and immerse yourself in the music. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Katie Dauson! Congratulations on the release of your latest single, “Not Good Enough.” Debuting with such a strong start, we have to know – what inspired the confident nature of this single? Thank you. This single is a true story. I tried to get a job as a copywriter in the advertising industry for almost ten years, off and on, to no avail. The lyrics in the song tell you the story of what happened to me in a nutshell during those years. At one point, I was even laughed at by someone in the industry for my ideas. As I started to get more serious about pursuing a career in music, I began, with trepidation, to write my own songs. I was still carrying a lot of anger and personal bruising from being so badly rejected over the years, and this cathartic idea of a blues song about my trials and tribulations came to me. It's funny because when I originally wrote the song, my self-confidence had been completely destroyed by the advertising industry. But, as I started writing the words, my inner confidence emerged. I knew deep down that I had the skills to make it with writing, and I'm glad I could pair that with my other passion, music. Being fairly new to sharing your sonic creations with the public, have you had a chance to perform this song in front of an audience? What has the reception been like? Yes, I have performed the song twice in front of a live audience. The first time, it was just me, my resonator guitar, and a harmonica, so it sounded quite different from the track's recorded version. I got a great reception from the audience, and there was a lot more harmonica in the song. In the second "performance," I showed off the recorded version to a live audience as a special preview before the release, and the reaction was more than what I ever dreamt it could've been. Everyone was bopping and dancing to the song! And when I spoke the last line at the end of the recording, the crowd gave a massive cheer of encouragement. I was shocked and humbled at the same time. What can your listeners expect to hear from your sound in future releases? There will always be something different and new. I don't want my sound or style to grow stale, and I always want to keep my listeners on their toes in a good way. I don't want people to get comfortable with a specific sound, style, or genre of music. There is so much out there to experience, and I have just as much fun learning new genres and styles that I haven't experienced myself yet. If you could send your audience on their way with the main message of “Not Good Enough,” what would you tell them? Don't give up; follow your passion. Sometimes that can take you in a completely different direction than what you originally thought you would do. Also, don't be afraid to adjust to what you think your path in life should be. One last takeaway is to be respectful to others, whether you are in a position of power (i.e., hiring someone) or not. What's next for you? I have another single dropping on December 9, 2022, but I will not spoil that for you. You'll have to watch out for it and listen. You'll be very surprised by how different it is from my previous releases, including "The Not Good Enough Blues." My next project after that is a big one: my first studio album. It's going to be a folk album consisting of ten songs. I recently finished writing the tracks and am looking forward to recording them in the studio. I'm not sure when it will be released, probably early 2023, but it's at least a few months away. While recording the album, I hope to record and release an EP so that the gap between releases isn't too large. Instagram