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A native from Hampton Bays, New York, pop artist Christiaan Padavan brings us “Million Little Lies,” his latest musical work. Christiaan Padavan is a 23 years old artist with an ambitious and promising career. Christiaan has pursued his dream for years and has trained his musical skills with great artists. He demonstrates what he has achieved with his singing and songwriting. There is no doubt why he won a gold ticket on Season 2 of American Idol. In his new single “Million Little Lies,” Christiaan Padavan reminds us it is better to live with the truth although it hurts. His lyrics talk about how we try to hide the reality just to sleep better at night, but the pain remains. This gloomy message contrasts the upbeat and catchy instrumentals you will love. “Million Little Lies” starts with a fantastic track with a blissful keys melody and a piano while the claps lead the rhythm. Soon Christiaan vocals get in so energizing and melodic. His voice is expressive and versatile. He has a great range of voice. You can feel what he sings because the words run smoothly to your mind and heart. There are plenty of Maroon 5 vibes in “Million Little Lies,” so enjoyable and with a track masterfully done. That is excellent production work. The painful lyrics are relatable and easy to hear when they come from such an exciting song. You can’t help but repeat it and sing along. Clear your throat, grab whatever looks like a mic, and sing along with Christiaan Padavan in “Million Little Lies." Welcome to BuzzMusic Christiaan Padavan, and congratulations on your latest release, "Million Little Lies." What experience inspired the lyrics and music of “Million Little Lies?” I went through the classic college breakup... I had been head over heels for this girl, and things ended up not working out too well, unbeknownst to me, until it was too late. A friend of mine, Joe DiStefano, who I'd often collaborate on songs with, had gone to college with this girl and me and seen the relationship from start to end. On one of our collaboration days, I drove out to his place, and he had this unfinished song to show me. It was the first verse and chorus of "Million Little Lies," and man did it choke me up. I knew right then and there that we HAD to finish the track that day. We finished the track and a month or so later, the COVID pandemic began. Strange times... How do you want “Million Little Lies” to impact your listeners? I want "Million Little Lies" to have an impact in a way of reflection on relationships. I had been really, really going through it. As one usually does after a tough breakup. "Was it me? Was it my fault? Could I have done something to change the outcome of what had happened?" In the end, my friend Joe helped me express these emotions in a way that ultimately helped me grow from what had happened and taught me to be even more honest with myself moving forward. How will you remember the experience of making “Million Little Lies?" I will always remember driving out to my friend Joe's to write and record a demo for this song that I had no idea would turn out to be "Million Little Lies". To put it short, I will always think back fondly to those formative songwriting days with him. He'll forever be a musical brother of mine. What did you learn as an artist from making “Million Little Lies?” What I've learned as an artist is how similar and relatable the "Human Condition" really is. I recall getting a message from someone I'd known from High School, who reached out to let me know about how "Million Little Lies" had touched them after a recent divorce they were going through. The power of being honest can really help someone feel like they're not alone. What's next for you? What's next... I'm not completely sure! Haha... I work professionally in radio broadcasting, book 2-3 weekly live solo gigs for myself across Long Island's East End, and try to connect with as many creative, like-minded individuals as possible. What I've learned so far in this business? Chase passion, and the rest will follow. I've been blessed with opportunity and will continue to chase what has always made me happiest... music. Instagram Facebook

From Ohio, the duo Hooked Like Helen released "Streamers & Balloons," a lament for a lover who’s gone and the longing for happier days. Hooked Like Helen is a duo of husband and wife Jon and Nikki Stipp. Together they have made a name in the music industry and alternative scene. They have won the International Songwriting Competition, Duo Of The Year, and EP Of The Year at the annual Josie Music Awards in 2020 and 2021. It takes only a few seconds to fall for their music and lyrics. "Streamers & Balloons" is where musical mastery and storytelling meet. The lyrics are dark and sentimental. Alongside the perfectly crafted instrumentals and Nikki's powerful and versatile voice, "Streamers & Balloons" can tear your heart apart. Besides, the duo manages to use a multiplicity of instruments while keeping the dominant pop sense. Diving into "Streamers & Balloons" starts with Nikki’s vocals next to a piano playing a nostalgic melody that follows the lyrics. The song is cinematic, creating an intense, immersive effect. It is easy to imagine listening to "Streamers & Balloons" at the climax of a movie. But that movie can be your story. You can expect a burst of emotions to pierce your chest while the instrumentals caress your ears. Electric guitars keep the energy high while the piano and violins add a romantic and dreamy ambiance. The buzzing bass and the drums give the potency to shake your mind and heart. Every second of "Streamers & Balloons" is a beautiful experience. Enter the cinematic and heartbreaking world of Hooked Like Helen by listening to "Streamers & Balloons" and singing along with the lyrics video. Welcome to BuzzMusic Hooked Like Helen, and congratulations on your latest release, "Streamers & Balloons." What is the story behind the lyrics of "Streamers & Balloons?" "Streamers & Balloons" is about the final stages of a long-term relationship and the longing for the chance to go back to the beginning. It's a plea for one more moment of magic before it's really over, to feel that spark again that has faded with time. What emotions would describe the making process of "Streamers & Balloons?" nostalgia, bittersweetness, loss, sadness, romance, love What did you learn as artists from making "Streamers & Balloons?" Sometimes getting it right takes many iterations and collaborations. There are literally three fully finished versions of this song in existence, all worked on by different and amazing people. It was a journey to get the song where it needed to be in terms of genre and vibe: it will serve as a bridge between our older music and the new sound of Hooked Like Helen of 2023... What would you like your listeners to picture when listening to "Streamers & Balloons?" Memories of beautiful moments in youthful love. The song is very visual; the lyrics are pretty much all imagery. It's a storm; it's flashbacks; it's a high school dance. What's next for you? We have LOTS of music to share in the next year and LOTS of shows to play! Having fun and feeling so thankful that we can do what we love. Can't wait to show you what we're working on! Instagram Facebook

From Rio de Janeiro to London, England, singer-songwriter and genre-bending recording artist Mateus de Sá discusses feelings of displacement and change in his latest single, "My Paranauê." The 23-year-old Brazilian singer-songwriter prides himself on creating explorative music, ranging from folk and pop to hip-hop and r&b. With his many releases in 2020, like the 9-minute experimental track "99, Ocean Falls," Mateus de Sá is quickly putting himself on the map as an artist to watch. More recently, Mateus de Sá released his latest single, "My Paranauê," which explores the experience of moving from Rio to London at the tender age of 7. His feelings of displacement and uprootedness linger throughout the song, highlighting the theme of change and diving headfirst into the unknown. This song is also the lead single from Mateus de Sá's upcoming debut album. The new single, "My Paranauê," softly opens with samples of a rainshower that linger into Mateus de Sá's chilling acoustic guitar melodies. As his lush vocals rain down from above, Mateus de Sá's layered vocals and dreamy melodies sing incredibly honest lyrics of his experience hopping on a ferry to what seemed like another world. The overall atmospheric and ambient folk sound chills the listener, while Mateus de Sá includes Brazilian elements like language shifts and harmonious acoustic guitar picking. We totally understand why Mateus de Sá says this might be his most personal and moving song to date, as the entire piece comes together cohesively to convey such tender emotions of feeling out of place, something we've all experienced at one point or another. When the path ahead is dim, shine your inner light with the help of Mateus de Sá's moving new single, "My Paranauê," available on all digital streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Mateus de Sá. You’ve truly moved us with your honest and personal lyrics in ‘My Paranauê.' What inspired you to create a song about moving countries and feeling out of place? Thank you! With My Paranauê, I wanted to write a song about moving countries and feeling out of place based on my own life experiences. I moved from Brazil to England as a child, and this kind of experience tends to bring with it a lot of confusion, homesickness, and a feeling like you don’t belong. I think these raw emotions have helped craft a musical landscape that is dark, sorrowful, and somewhat unsettling - but as with almost all my music, there’s a tinge of hope in there too. It's a sad song, but it’s the start of a journey, not the end of the road. Did you face any personal obstacles when writing your emotional lyrics for ‘My Paranauê?' What was that songwriting process like? Writing a song based on such a personal experience can be quite a therapeutic experience. I aim to convey my emotions through both my lyrics and musical language, but I don’t necessarily like to be blunt or direct with my wording. I want to leave room for listeners to attach their own meanings which will be based on their own experiences. With this song, I sought to use my words to build a visual world that reflects the landscape you can find yourself in when uprooted from a country of origin or ‘home’ and trying to adapt to a new and unfamiliar place and its many challenges. What do you hope listeners feel and take away when hearing ‘My Paranauê?' How did you want this song to impact them? I hope those who listen to this song can relate in some way to this idea of ‘uprootedness’, which is so central to the message and one which can arise from other experiences in life too. I want them to enter this landscape of sorrow and confusion with hints of hope and the possibility of growth and to come out feeling like they want to see more of the journey. Why did you want to release ‘My Paranauê’ as the lead single from your upcoming debut album? How does this song prepare listeners for what’s to come? I chose My Paranauê as the lead single for my upcoming debut project since the project will revolve around the themes of ‘home’ and ‘belonging’. My Paranauê is the first song in the album and represents the initial shock and sadness brought about by displacement and the emotional consequences of this sudden change. But the album will, overall, take a positive trajectory. It will deal with the hurt and anger generated by this move in its various forms but then gradually show the journey toward happiness and finding belonging in a more internalized and fulfilled sense. What’s next for you? I will be releasing more singles within the next few months for my debut project, which I aim to put out towards the tail end of 2023! And as always, I will also be uploading covers to my Instagram and YouTube. Instagram Facebook

New Jersey-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Dana Why takes us through a dynamic and gripping cinematic experience with his latest music video for "Jersey Devil." Dana Why is just about ready to release his upcoming album, The Lyre. Dropping on January 20, 2023, the new record is said to track three life-changing moments experienced by the artist—a broken engagement, a move from Maine back home to New Jersey, and the start and end of the following relationship. "I was unmotivated regarding anything except getting high and cranking out an obscene amount of demos," says Dana Why. Relatable. In all seriousness, if it weren't for "Three Types of Reading Ambiguity" from The Meadowlands, we wouldn't have the outrageously explorative, adventurous, and interesting new songs to feast our ears on. More specially, the album's lead single and music video, "Jersey Devil." The single itself feels like three songs in one. It's an incredibly dynamic listening experience that takes you through Dana Why's introspective personal experiences while the inner "Jersey Devil" takes control to unleash some pent-up thoughts. The song's music video is undoubtedly one of the most skillfully edited and intriguing visual experiences we've seen from an independent act. While kicking off in a backwoods Jersey home surrounded by nature, the shot sees nothing but Dana Why and his guitar, prompting a solemn and isolated sensation. It doesn't take long for the visuals to morph into this absolute fiery hellscape with crunching guitar breakdowns and eerie visuals that give you a thrill. The outro feels like the end of some mystery thriller that leaves you wanting much more. It's not every day we come by such a gifted, eager, and resilient act like Dana Why, who's not afraid to push the boundaries and create a new lane. See what we're talking about with Dana Why's new single and music video for "Jersey Devil," available on all digital streaming platforms and YouTube. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Dana Why. You've stopped us dead in our tracks with your single "Jersey Devil" and its music video. What inspired this wickedly dynamic song in the first place? It's hard to pinpoint the exact genesis of any given song off this record because it was such a mess of events leading up to it. My fiancé broke off our engagement, I was fired from my job in Portland, Maine, and forced to move back home to New Jersey due to the insufficient job market there, and I had a new relationship start and end, all within a year and a half period. Writing music is the only thing that keeps me grounded when I'm feeling completely out of control of every other aspect of my life, so I was just getting high and constantly writing during this time. I had a lot of pent-up anger, and this is one of the tracks where I tried to let it out. Was there a particular story or message you wanted to convey with the video? What are you aiming to get across to viewers? The song is about anger and depression, making you feel totally outside of yourself like you've lost what makes you you. I was a big fan of Danny Elfman's video for "Happy", so I got to thinking about how I could incorporate these "unreal" versions of my friends and me. Something that looked familiar but felt off. I also thought that AI made a lot of sense for this video thematically to really push this idea of unreality. The final piece of the video was about finding someplace to shoot that wasn't in my apartment living room, where most of the stylized lighting performance stuff was shot. Double Trouble State Park made perfect sense. It's a place close to home that I've been to dozens of times growing up, and it's also part of the Pine Barrens, which is a huge part of Jersey Devil folklore. Being stuck with yourself and your home, even claustrophobically so, is a feeling I get when I listen to the song, and I get a similar sense when I watch the video, so I feel pretty good about that. How long did it take to conceptualize, shoot, and edit - and how important is the visual experience to you in terms of connecting who you are as an artist overall? From zero idea to finished product, I think it was around 2, *maybe* 3 weeks total. The ideation is always the part I stress the most. Not because I can't think of any good ideas but because I typically can't think of any good ideas that are free to produce. We had no budget, so we had to be creative. Before this, I'd never used Blender, so just creating the 3D models of my friends' heads was a huge undertaking in itself. I had to manually map the 7-10 images they each sent me to a head model and then figure out how to use a separate app to capture my facial motion while performing the song so I could upload that to each of the models. Then I had to figure out how to use Stable Diffusion, the AI application that I used to create the surreal animations in the video. I was on Youtube constantly figuring out how to use these things I was totally unfamiliar with. But that's how it goes when you don't have the money to shoot some big production. Instead, I'll just punish myself on my computer, which can hardly even handle the workload because at least that's free. The Double Trouble stuff was all done in a day. I was so fortunate to have my best friend and drummer Biff Swenson and his uber-talented partner Melissa McLaughlin help shoot that day, or else I'm not sure how it would've gotten finished. We got super lucky with the weather and had all of the lovely fall colors the Northeast is known for, which looked great on camera. We just walked through the park and set up wherever we thought it looked nice, and it worked out. The edit was a gigantic fucking pain, the details of which I won't bore you with, but my editing setup was really struggling to keep up with all the layers I had going on. I like to take a kind of collaging approach when it comes to editing, and that's typically where I discover the video I'm trying to make. I just get high and mess around until the rhythm starts to feel right. As far as the visual experience, it's incredibly important to me and how I present my music. The photos, the album art, the videos... it's a whole world you're building when you make an album. I want it to feel like one cohesive vision. Filmmaking is the art form that contains all other art forms, and I went to school for film, so outside of making an actual movie that no normal person can afford, creating these visual worlds for albums is the closest I can get to scratch that itch. We'd also love to know how your upcoming album, The Lyre, compares to previous releases? It feels like a big moment to us. We're excited about it! I honestly feel like I can split my musical career into two distinct halves -- before The Lyre and after The Lyre. The years before were just me fucking around with no real direction. I loved recording, so I recorded. It really wasn't anything more than that. I self-recorded and released 4 LPs as Static Sex, which was a solid foundation to build upon when I was ready to take things more seriously. In late 2015, I heard the only song ever released from the ill-fated Meadowlands follow-up from Jersey greats The Wrens. It is no hyperbole to say that Three Types of Reading Ambiguity totally rewired my musical production brain. The textures and layers on that song are more creative and interesting than most bands' entire careers. By this point, I had all the musical ideas that would become The Lyre demoed in Voice Memos, and this song gave me direction regarding how I wanted to approach tracking and mixing. The Lyre also marks the first time I wasn't just doing an approximation of singing. I've always had a pretty decent ear for melody, but being uncomfortable with my voice always had me burying my vocals and mostly using "good enough" takes instead of actual good ones. For The Lyre, I took it really seriously. I wanted the vocals to sound just as good as I thought the music did, so I was doing warmups, drinking tea, no cold water, the whole nine. I knew I'd be fine-tuning the vocals in the mix later on, but I didn't let myself move on from a section until I knew I got the best take I was capable of. I didn't want to just be trying to do shitty-takes work, and I wanted to polish great ones. This part of recording was the hardest but also the most rewarding. The Lyre is the biggest album I've made yet at fifteen songs and an hour and eleven minutes of music. I know people's attention spans are shit these days, mine included, so it's not exactly a small ask, but considering it was originally a thirty-track album, I'll count it as a win. I poured everything I had into this record over a six-year span, and it's a level up for me in pretty much every conceivable way. One I'm hoping people will sit with once they realize after a single or two that it's got a lot to give. What would you like to say to brand new listeners discovering you for the first time with this album? First off, I'd say thank you. A lot of people like to stick with what they know, and the deluge of stuff coming out constantly is so fucking overwhelming, so I'm incredibly grateful for those who take the time to dive into something unfamiliar. The Lyre is the sort of record that rewards intentional listening and taking it in as a whole. If you'd like the true "director's cut" experience, I recommend getting high, throwing on a good pair of headphones, and letting it take you where it will. If you like what you hear, I hope you'll tell a friend and follow along for whatever's next. Writing and recording is a process of experimenting and finding what excites me and what I can do that I haven't done before, so if you're the type of listener like me who's got a high bar and is always looking for something new to check out, I hope to deliver on that. I already have my next two albums written and half recorded, and I'm super excited to start building out those worlds. Artist Website

Pop artist Heather Mall releases her new single “Games,” a ballad that reflects the best of her intentions with music, “see the soul in everything.” Heather Mall is a singer and songwriter well-known for her exceptional lyricism, capable of telling the most beautiful stories through music. Her songwriting pairs with her vocals which many describe as hypnotic and passionate. They do it for a good reason. It is a matter of listening to her for a few seconds to fall for her music. “Games” is a touching ballad with poetic language and metaphors that say so much with a few words. To seek a love that could last a lifetime. That is a hard mission with no previous knowledge, full of trials and errors. Sometimes you have to turn down a romance after playing your cards. Sometimes it is the person you love who does it. It is full of games. Diving into “Games” starts with a distant and reverberant synthesizer, creating an emotional and nostalgic ambiance full of ABBA’s vibes. Two guitars and a bass accompany Heater’s tender and energizing voice. She builds the hype as she sings, like reading a letter full of memories and self-love. It is easy to relate to her lyrics and connect to the song. When you get to the chorus, it is like a burst of emotions. Heather Mall’s lyrics hurt; love will end, but you know it is for the best. Only a great artist with a talent to show the most vulnerable part of every person can give sound and poetry to such common but hard-to-take pain. Do you want to know what a romantic classic sounds like? Then hit the play button on “Games” and sing along. A warm welcome back to BuzzMusic Heather Mall, and congratulations on your latest single, "Games." What experience took you to write “Games?” At the beginning of 2020, when the pandemic had everyone on lockdown, I was emotionally and creatively drained. I had no motivation to make art, but I wanted to reclaim my energy, so I decided to text my friends and ask them to give me any topic so I could write a song about it. One of my friends suggested board games. Immediately after, I went to my piano, jotted down the lyrics, and came up with a melody for the song. For two years, “Games” was lying in wait. I didn’t know what to do with it, the key wasn’t right, and it didn’t have enough movement. In 2022, I collaborated with Julian Höninger, who co-produced the track. He helped me recognize what was missing from the song, and it finally felt ready to be released to the world. By this time, so much had changed in my life that the song became a source of empowerment for me. What was your most significant musical influence when making “Games?” As soon as I wrote it, I wanted it to have a nostalgic 80s pop-ballad sound. I adore 80’s music, and in the past, I typically released more indie-pop/singer-songwriter styles. It was important to me to transition with this song because I couldn’t imagine it any other way. There are so many 80’s artists that I was inspired by, but to name a few, I would say Roxanne and The Bangles. Other artists like Jon Bellion also inspired me when writing “Games” because of his approach to the creative process that goes into songwriting. How do you expect “Games” to impact your listeners? When writing “Games,” I was going through some pretty big life changes. The songwriting process helped me heal and, more importantly, grow and recognize my potential and self-worth. I hope that listeners are impacted by this song because while it is a fun song, it also has so much depth to it about becoming your true self and not being ashamed to stand up for yourself. What was the most memorable moment from making “Games?” The most memorable moment from making “Games” would have to be when it was almost complete. During one of our production sessions, Julian and I were working on it, and he added an electric guitar, and at that moment, the song felt like it had reached its full potential. I got goosebumps during the session because I was truly happy with how it developed and turned out. It is something that I am extremely proud of. What's next for you? Next year, I will continue to release new music. My next release is set to be sometime in February. I am hoping to have opportunities to perform live shows in different cities! I’m looking forward to what the future holds. Instagram

From Miami to Toronto, the captivating and versatile hip-hop recording artist and compelling songwriter Ricci Bamboo just released what might be his most moving piece yet—the single and accompanying music video for "The Switch." Ricci Bamboo grew up exposed to all different kinds of music. His diverse palate gives him a creative edge to step outside the box and pen lyrics that make listeners think twice. For Bamboo, gravitating towards originality and uniqueness comes naturally, and he's ready to continue creating music that will hold profound meaning for generations to come. His recent single, "The Switch," is seriously no exception. The song itself is a call to action, a call to end systemic racism and do everything in our power to balance the scales. The chilling spoken word performance commands your attention with words that brutally represent the corrupted state of society while reminding us that soon, one day, "The Switch" that has programmed society will be turned all the way off. The visualizer for "The Switch," directed by Thomas Obewu and produced by Selena Ayube, is a masterful body of work that rallies for change through various protests. The compelling signage that reads statements like "No Pride In Genocide" reminds you of the horrific realities. Black lives have faced for far too long. The spoken word performance hits us with all-too-real words that carry the gravity of the situation. "How long do you expect the conforming to go on when you legally get away with murder in daylight?" Words like this only scratch the surface of what our Black community has endured for generations. If one thing's for sure, we've never been closer to turning off "The Switch" than we are now. Righting the wrongs of past injustices is long overdue. With Ricci Bamboo's compelling new single and music video, we can only hope "The Switch" will turn off and be off for good. Find the new music video on YouTube. Congratulations on releasing such a powerful and moving music video for "The Switch." What inspired you to create this movement-type piece? My interactions with people from all over really showed me the disconnect we have with each other. The confusion and fear we digest from the second we wake up are overwhelming. But when you stop and connect with individuals, you quickly realize we are all victims of this chaos in the world today. What was your experience shooting the intense music video for "The Switch"? How did your team help bring your vision to life? This project really came together because the Team was totally committed, and everyone honestly felt their own personal connection with the message. Everyone’s passion for this to reach the people kept the intense momentum right to the very end. I’m truly grateful for them. What was your goal with "The Switch" and its accompanying music video? What did you want viewers to take away? The goal was to bring awareness and wake everyone up. We’ve been desensitized for too long. I really hope the viewers shift their perspective from the lens we’ve been given. Then take that same approach and stand for something that serves the people as a Whole Race. Do you usually create songs that promote the greater good, similar to the theme behind "The Switch"? Is social reform a recurring theme for you and your music? The only theme for my music is Unity. Not rooted from hate, fear, religion, or politics. Just rooted in Love and Empowerment. Not all my music will be for the greater good. I say that because I embrace one's feelings and experiences with music at times. The story could vary depending on the subject. But it’s always for Unifying the people What was the most rewarding part about creating and releasing the music video for "The Switch"? What did you take away from the experience? Seeing how privileged the team and I felt creating another piece of art that could outlive us and positively impact generations to come was amazing. Not too many projects have that potential. What's next for Ricci Bamboo? One thing is for sure, the goal for 2023 is to make people dance. I’m focusing on having fun with a purpose. Instagram

Emvee Harlan, the emerging artist from From Baldwin Park, California, released her cover of “I’m Set Free,” the liberating song from the 60s’ rock band Velvet Underground. Since she was nine years old, Emvee Harlan had a close relationship with music, learning to play the cello and violin. She continued to learn when she performed as the first chair in the local orchestra and joined a choir. Now, she is immersed in her songwriting and learning by playing covers with her friends. You can tell she is having fun and feel it when listening to her. Her cover of “I’m Set Free” is a great example of it. But it also has a personal and powerful message, the death of the version of her that she no longer recognizes. This cover is part of her process of overcoming emotional hard times, and her expression while singing reflects it, allowing you to relate to her passion and vulnerability. Emvee Harlan’s version of “I’m Set Free” starts with an acoustic rhythm guitar and Emvee’s vocals, which are enough to create a touching ambiance. Drums show up just at the most climatic parts of the song, keeping it simple and allowing it to breathe. That’s an amazing design of instrumentals. Thus, when an electric guitar does its melodic and chilling solo melodic, you can only close your eyes and wave your head with it. Emvee Harlan does an amazing job with the sound and visuals. She wants her craft to have audible and visual quality, so she produced the video. The colors and movements make listening to her cover such a pleasant experience. Break the bounds to yesterday's clouds and sing along listening to “I’m Set Free.” What motivated you to make your own version of “I’m Set Free?” It randomly came up on my playlist one day while I was reading a book. I've listened to The Velvet Underground thousands of times, but this was the first time I heard this particular song. The words sort of melted me, and I just knew I had to do something with it. What does making “I’m Set Free” mean to you? It marks the start of rebuilding my life, honestly. I actually recorded it back in February but was focused on working closely with my therapist. I've experienced so much trauma in my past, but I've worked hard to maintain some sort of emotional balance. This song represents the moment I realized how simple and happy I can finally be. Freedom from my dark past and the ability to move forward with it. Carrying it with a smile on my face and controlling it whenever it decides to rear its beautifully ugly head around. It's a great feeling! What was the most frequent emotion while recording the video of “I’m Set Free”? The only way I can describe it is happy pain. I wanted the song to be as stripped down as possible. We stuck with the guitar, minor drum beat, and vocals throughout the entire song then added an electric for just the solo for that naked feel. We did very little pitch correction and no auto-tune just to make it sound raw. All that kind of drove the simple theme of freedom and vulnerability. Who are the people that supported you the most while recording and making the video for “I’m Set Free?” In production, Zach from Big Bad Sound LA, who I worked with, closely captured the best personal version of the song. Scarlett, my vocal coach, not just during rehearsals but for being a beautiful friend. Cody from Squyres Productions for the videography. Lastly, Alex, my best friend, my companion, my rock. No matter what the future holds for us, he will always be the Hero of my story. What's next for you? I've taken a step back in some of my solo projects and working with friends in another band. For now, my focus is to get better as a musician. As much as I love the big picture and production stuff, I'd like to get back to just playing. Just to play and have fun. Break out of my bubble and maybe finally do some shows. Fear sure is reducing, so it's more possible than not. Instagram Website

Manhattan-based group The High Plains Drifters are back at it again. This time, drifting into synth-infected pop rock with a dash of sexual mystique in their recent music video for "He Remind Me of You." The High Plains Drifters have racked up millions of views, known for their clever, engaging videos and genre-bending tunes. In particular, their stunning clip for "The One That Got Away," directed by Lars Skaland, landed the group 3M views on YouTube. Now, the group continues releasing new music videos for songs on their recent EP, Songs of Love and Loss. We've had the chance to feature the dynamic project, which includes the passionate and conceptual single "He Reminds Me of You." The High Plains Drifters invited director Lars Skaland back to create the song's new music video, a sexy and captivating visual experience with a storyline like no other. The music video for "He Reminds Me of You" opens with vocalist Christina Benedetto, distracted by her boyfriend blowing up her phone during a college lecture. As she gazes at the professor, we can start to tell where things are headed. However, it looks like there's trouble in paradise. In true Skaland fashion, the 180s script shows us a different side of Benedetto, who's now in full dominatrix mode with her professor. Did her professor remind her of her boyfriend or vice versa? Was it all a dream? One thing's for sure; there's some undeniable chemistry between Benedetto and prof. For a song as thrilling as "He Remind Me of You," it's only right that The High Plains Drifters pack a heavy punch in their music video. Or should I say, crack a whip? Find the new music video for The High Plains Drifters' "He Reminds Me of You" on YouTube. Welcome back to BuzzMusic, The High Plains Drifters. We love the engaging concept within your recent music video for "He Reminds Me of You." What inspired this good-girl-turned-dominatrix theme? Larry: The song’s theme was inspired by the fact that, despite having lived a long single life in Manhattan, I never met a gal who offered to tie me up and spank me, much less whip me or pierce me with needles and pins. So, I wrote a song about missing a hypothetical ex-GF who was into that stuff. As I was working on the lyrics, Christina Benedetto (one of HPD’s backup singers) was regaling me, on rides to and from the recording studio, with stories of her crazy dating experiences as a single girl in NYC, some of which veered onto the BDSM landscape. So, I decided to tap Chris to be the lead singer on this one. I re-wrote the lyrics to fit. I am not saying that Christina is a dominatrix, but I think most gals probably yearn to be in the driver’s seat of a relationship. At least some of the time. Christina: We didn’t want to hide from what the song is about. It’s about a woman taking charge! Plus… you have to admit… it's sexy. What was your group's experience working with director Lars Skaland for "He Reminds Me of You?” What made you want to collaborate with him again? Larry: Just look at the awesome videos that Lars gave us before this one – for “Since You’ve Been Gone” and “The One That Got Away”. They are way more creative, visually stunning, and interesting than most on YouTube these days. I can’t imagine that The High Plains Drifters will work with anybody else on our videos. Christina: He delivered such a stellar video for The One That Got Away; we had to work with him again! Does your group usually create music videos with in-depth and conceptual themes, similar to "He Reminds Me of You?” Why is this important to you? Larry: Not always. For instance, the official video for our Xmas 2020 single release, “Santa! Bring My Girlfriend Back!” isn’t telling a story like Lars’ three videos do. It’s much simpler, but still an excellent video. However, when we can get treatment for a video with a strong dramatic narrative, that’s what I prefer to greenlight. Most of my song’s lyrics seek to tell a short 3 to a 4-minute dramatic story. So, I like videos that do the same. The last thing that most music fans want to see onscreen is a bunch of guys and gals singing a song. There are exceptions – like Robert Palmer doing “Addicted To Love”. But for every great video like that one, there are probably a thousand where watching the singers is just too painful – like the Bowie/Jagger video for “Dancing In The Street”. Christina: It’s the most dramatized music video we’ve done. But I think it’s fitting because it’s also the first song the group has done with a lead female singer. We wanted the story element to pop. Will you continue releasing music videos from your Songs of Love and Loss EP? Is that what your group is mainly focused on at the moment? Larry: Nope. This video for “He Reminds Me Of You” will be the last one from the EP. It’s time for the band to move on to making new music. Christina: We have so many things in the pipeline right now; what we’re prioritizing is up in the air. What's next for you? Larry: Well, we’re an NYC-based band, and winter is coming. Winter here is a great time to spend long evenings and weekend hours in the recording studio. And that’s where we’re heading. We have half of our second full-length album in the can. We’ll probably look to knock out another 8 or 9 songs between now and sometime in the Spring and then pick what will appear on Album 2. But there’s a chance that, just so we don’t disappear from YouTube, we’ll go back to our debut album and see if Lars, before next summer, can produce a video we’ve long discussed for the song “Summer Girl”. Christina: We’re always working on new stuff! You’ll just have to stay tuned. Instagram Facebook

‘’Losing My Mind’’ is very close to Jennie Laws’ heart. The song merely scratches the surface with what it’s saying; there’s so much more, so much more profound. For World Mental Health Day, Jennie Laws of Toronto collaborated with Juno Award-winning producer SLMN on this ominous ballad. As well as providing backup vocals for INXS and Michael Buble, Jennie has performed as an opening act for Bruno Mars, Andy Grammer, and Common Kings. The singer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist tells eloquently about her lifelong struggles. She has had to deal with anxiety, OCD, and depression. Jennie says ‘’it’s therapeutic for me to finally begin expressing what I’ve been going through for my entire adult life. In this crazy world we live in, almost everyone I know is losing their mind on some level.” Jennie's publishing of this essay aims to raise awareness of the pervasive mental health problem. Of course, she hopes to give those who listen to this song solace and an opportunity to flee. The rhythm is slow and sexy, making the song a very alluring track to jam to. You can hear the strings, drums, and Jennie’s enticing voice. The lyrics are a good mix of singing and some rapping, which give it an added boom. The song reflects this to perfection. Feel drawn to the music, sway from side to side and feel everything this song offers. The song is an absolute banger, loaded with emotion and motive. Welcome to BuzzMusic Jennie Laws, and congratulations on your latest release, "Losing My Mind." What are the most present emotions in ‘’Losing My Mind’?" In my song "Losing My Mind," I address feelings of social anxiety, obsession, and depression that I've been battling for most of my adult life, especially as a female in the music industry. I sing about how regrets, over-perfectionism, comparing myself to others, and sometimes feeling like a failure can take over and make me feel like crawling out of my own skin, so to speak. Time flies, and when we spend too much of our time wallowing in these emotions, we can look up and find that we've wasted our lives on regrets and self-loathing. Putting it into a song feels like taking the poison out of my wounds so they can begin to heal. What inspired you the most in your journey to create ‘’Losing My Mind?" At first, I had written the song about my grandma's depression and mental health issues. Her older sister Adelaide had died in the diphtheria plague in London, England, and her mother's grief caused her to mistreat my grandmother as she was growing up. This made her a miserable human being for the rest of her life...it was very tragic. Her sad story inspired the original version of the song. But then, during the pandemic, I found myself wanting to rewrite the verses from my own point of view. I needed an outlet for all of the thoughts spinning around in my head, and the new verses just poured out of me. Reflecting, healing, and growing a lot during the pandemic inspired me to finally write about some of the emotions that so many of us struggle with daily in terms of anxiety, depression, and OCD in today's crazy world. What do you picture when you listen to this incredible song you’ve created? Visually, I picture a band and small orchestra playing behind a tortured woman with messy hair and mascara running down her face, playing her guitar and telling her story vocally with a manic expression in her eyes. Viscerally, I can see the poison dripping out of wounds created by years of constant stress, misogyny, social pressures, misconceptions, bad decisions, and self-destruction. What's the main message you'd like people to take away from "Losing My Mind?" Mostly I want people to know that they're not alone in these feelings of sadness, regret, panic, obsession, self-judgment, -hate, and -sabotage. Unfortunately, it's a ubiquitous and all-pervading feeling for most people. However, while we're all "losing our minds" daily and slowly going crazy in this insane, backward world, we must also find a way to lose this old mind that has been unwittingly programmed with pain, fear, inadequacy, and lack and replacing it with a new mind that trusts the timing of the universe, forgives ourselves and others, love ourselves as we are and has faith that we have everything we need and are exactly who and where we need to be in this very moment. Talking to our friends and family, having constructive outlets of release (for me, it's making music and dancing/exercising), and taking care of ourselves by doing things that light us up are all good ways to counteract these negative feelings. What's next for you? Well, now that I've got that out of my system, I'll continue to bring awareness to this subject of course, through podcasts, interviews, and artistic content. But musically, I'm going back to creating and releasing more uplifting, upbeat music at the top of the new year with one or two singles before dropping a full-length album. I have a few visual projects in the works for my recently released songs, including this one and some live shows I'll be doing in order to keep up my performing chops in the meantime. Also, I already have some interest from a Hollywood film producer to use "Losing My Mind" in his upcoming movie, and I'll be working on getting it placed in other shows and films. Instagram Facebook

Hailing from an island off the coast of Alaska, singer-songwriter and alternative r&b recording artist Corey Hunter floats into the celestial abyss with his newest single, "Let Go Control." From growing up in church choir to releasing his own music, Corey Hunter prides himself on creating ethereal meditations about life and love. His intimate, emotional, honest songwriting celebrates tears and joy as equally beautiful and inseparable parts of the human experience that we all share. With inspiration from acts like SOHN, Emmit Fenn, and Ry X--, Corey Hunter creates sounds that range from indie folk and electro-pop to vapor soul and alternative r&b. Listeners can experience this ethereal and lush sound through Corey Hunter's newest single, "Let Go Control." It's a dreamy and haunting sonic creation reminding us that at our core, all we are is love. Diving deeper into '"Let Go Control," the song opens with tender vocal chops and vast synths and pads that set the moody and introspective tone. Corey Hunter enters the song with the utmost emotion and vulnerability while his crooning vocals solemnly bask in the emptiness of loneliness with nothing but his heartbeat. It's a profoundly reflective song accompanied by chilling electronic/r&b production to ramp up the cinematic feel. Corey Hunter's production and performance in this song are mesmerizing, and his lyrics remind us that it's okay to let go of those who don't serve us. We love how easy this song is to listen to; Corey Hunter makes it effortless to lend your undivided attention and lose yourself in this mystical experience. Do yourself a favor and float amongst the stars without a care in the world with help from Corey Hunter's new single, "Let Go Control," found on his breakthrough EP, 'Metamorphosis of Love." Instagram