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An artist to watch, indeed. Singer-songwriter and dynamic pop-rock recording artist Cal Stamp unleashes his second magnetizing solo EP entitled DENIM. Cal Stamp has received vast praise from media publications, from Rolling Stone to Chrous.fm, dubbing him an act to watch this year. He's proved himself as a force to be reckoned with through his blend of pop and rock, leading him to share the stage with acts like America, The Struts, Fitz & the Tantrums, Third Eye Blind, Incubus, and The Cult. Now, the pop-rock artist is continuing the momentum with the second entry of a trilogy of EPs; DENIM follows the May 2022-released EP NYLON, showcasing Stamp's fresh take on vintage guitar work, sing-along choruses, and character-driven lyrics about lovers and losers. The DENIM EP kicks off with the upbeat introductory track, "Run Right Back to Me," where Cal Stamp jumps through the speakers with his radiant vocals and lush acoustic guitar. The song's infectious beat gets our feet tapping while Stamp blesses us with hopeful lyrics of rekindling a flame with someone special. It's a sonically-delicious song that invites listeners to kick back and turn up the good vibes. Jumping into track number two, "American Wasteland," Cal Stamp continues the energy with lively pop-rock instrumentals that glitter and gleam through the speakers. As Stamp serenades us with his melodic vocals, he discusses the American Wasteland we live in, where broken hearts run a muck in search of someone to love. This ear-pleasing song takes us back to the simplicity and passion of 1980s pop-rock but with modern production flips and flairs. Landing on the EP's third and final track, "Don't Make Me Wait," Cal Stamp slows things down while turning up the emotion with his picturesque and loving lyrics. The song's lush instrumentation floats through the speakers while Stamp chills listeners with his persistent lyrics of promising to return for someone special. This feel-good and spirited song is the perfect way to close such a brilliant EP, fueling listeners with good vibes left and right. It doesn't get much better than the radiant pop-rock stylings of Cal Stamp in his sophomore EP, DENIM. Find the refreshing new project on all digital streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Cal Stamp. We loved every second of your refreshing and passionate sophomore EP, DENIM. Was there a particular theme or concept you wanted to tie into this project? Thank you! DENIM is my heartland rock EP – think Tom Petty, John Mellencamp, and Bruce Springsteen. Growing up, my family would take long road trips, and I would hear songs like “Free Fallin,” “Jack & Diane,” and “Born in the USA'' on the radio. I wanted to make something like that for the modern palate. What life experiences inspired the many passionate scenes and lyrics in your EP, DENIM? What would you say was the driving force of inspiration behind this project? Ironically, I wrote “American Wasteland” on a beach in Nicaragua. I was paired with Kevin Rudolf at this songwriting camp in Maderas Village called Jungle Cuts. Kevin is best known for his 2008 mega-hit “Let It Rock,” but he’s written and produced many big songs for artists ranging from Cobra Starship to Keith Urban. Anyway, we started kicking around ideas, but we were a little stuck, so I pulled out an acoustic guitar and showed him this chorus I’d been sitting on for a while: “Just another American wasteland/Broken hearts and cracks in the pavement/We’ll sing it out at the tops of our lungs/Everybody wants someone else to love.” He immediately connected with it. He came up with that big opening acoustic riff, and we were off to the races. Once we tapped into the heartland thing, the song pretty much wrote itself. When we finished, he looked at me and said, “You should do a whole record of stuff like this.” And that’s more or less how the project was born. Does DENIM continue the story of your debut EP, NYLON? How do these two projects relate to each other? NYLON and DENIM are the first two installments in a trilogy of EPs. The third, LEATHER, will kick off in January 2023. All these songs were initially conceived as part of one record. Still, as I worked on the sequencing, I noticed they fell pretty neatly into three distinct categories: NYLON’s more synth-heavy yacht rock, DENIM’s acoustic-driven heartland rock, and the straight-ahead rock ‘n’ roll of LEATHER. It all draws from 1980s pop-rock, inspired by artists like Tom Petty and Don Henley, but once I realized I could break it down even further, the left side of my brain couldn’t resist. What was your favorite part about creating the personal and passionate EP, DENIM? What did you appreciate most about the process? I don’t love framing it this way, but this project largely came together during the pandemic. After that writing camp in Nicaragua, I came home and set up sessions all over the place – New York, Nashville, LA, and Miami. One of the people I wrote with was producer Ryan Petersen. He offered to help me put the record together and produce it when I was ready. So when the pandemic hit, I went down to his studio in Nashville, slept on an air mattress on his floor, and we recorded the whole thing in two weeks. What inspired you to create a trilogy of EPs? Should we expect similar passionate and upbeat pieces on your upcoming EP, LEATHER? One of my core songwriting philosophies is that every chorus should feel like a burst of sunshine hitting you in the face. That holds true for the songs on all three EPs. The production and verse melodies on LEATHER might feel a bit darker and moodier, but they always give way to some kind of uplift in the chorus. It’s just the way I like to write songs. I can’t help myself. Website Instagram

Coming in hot from Connecticut is the genre-bending and thrilling duo Fast River with their latest heavy-hitting and conceptual single entitled "Antisocial Tendencies." Fast River is your best bet when you're looking for a band whose music just hits differently. They're adamant about keeping listeners on their toes with incredibly dynamic tunes that range from indie rock and folk to shoegaze and hip-hop. Their sound is best described as a mystery smoothie, always delicious but keeping you guessing with each sip. Fast River is ready to quake your speakers with fiery rock instrumentals and deftly-conceptual lyrics in their latest banger, "Antisocial Tendencies." It's an anthemic track that grabs your attention right off the bat with killer instrumentals and relatable lyrics we introverts can get down with. Hitting play on "Antisocial Tendencies," this striking new tune blasts open with a fiery electric guitar and heavy, mid-tempo drums that bestow a feisty groove upon listeners. As the lead vocalist's raspy and chilling vocals creep through the speakers, he deep-dives into his "Antisocial Tendencies," like feeling worn down after searching for a solid connection when all he sees is his own reflection. It's an incredibly conceptual and anthemic song that will get any listener on their feet. The song's overall groove and rhythm are contagious; Fast River gradually increases the emotion and grit to bless us with the final, thrilling hook that prompts us to sing along. Their fierce instrumentals and natural attitude aren't something to miss out on. Do you have "Antisocial Tendencies?" Fast River wants you to know you're not alone. Get down and turn up the heat with Fast River's colossal new tune, "Antisocial Tendencies," now available on all digital streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Fast River. We can't get enough of the hard-hitting instrumentals and relatable lyrics in your recent single, "Antisocial Tendencies." What inspired your duo to create an anthem for the antisocial? To us, being 'antisocial' really means taking time for oneself. There are so many notifications, apps, emails, and requests for every human's time in 2022 that being able to hide away and recharge is not something people naturally do anymore. So the 'anthem' is about trying to remind ourselves that taking time away from the world to look inward...is more important than ever. What was your duo's songwriting process like for "Antisocial Tendencies"? Was it easy for you to be so open and write lyrics that many others can relate to? Originally, we had the opening guitar riff for the song & the chorus...the verses came a few weeks later over tacos & a few too many Nespresso. We are actively striving to be more open and vulnerable in our songs, so in terms of lyrics that other people relate to, we're really just trying to write things that WE connect to and feel...knowing that diving into that authenticity will resonate where it needs to! Considering your duo is rather dynamic in terms of genres, why did you feel "Antisocial Tendencies" needed to be backed by killer rock instrumentals? Why did you feel this song needed to be a rock song? Different than the stuff we've done prior, that's for sure. The riff was just so rock/bluesy that we instantly heard the song's arc. Normally, our internal clocks don't rock this hard, so we had to do a lot of stretching and light calisthenics to get us in shape to make this tune come alive. Is "Antisocial Tendencies" the first single from your upcoming album, Chaos Rules? Could you drop any hints on what that project is about? It IS INDEED, the first single from our upcoming album! This record, which will be our 3rd full-length...is an absolute genre smoothie. Throw some rock 'n roll, some indie folk, some indie rock (which is different than rock 'n roll though we honestly couldn't tell you how), some lofi shenanigans...and you've got this record. It's gonna be an absolute blast. Early studies show that people who listen to the songs from this record WILL achieve higher credit scores by about 150 basis points which is also very exciting for us because who doesn't want a new Hyundai Sonata? What can we anticipate to hear next from Fast River? We release a new single on the 1st of every month, so you should mark that date in your calendar. It's also an important date to pay your rent and/or mortgage, so we like to integrate with our listeners' bill-paying habits by saying, "listen to our new single and pay your bills on the same day." We consider it a public service more than anything, so we hope you enjoy that. Instagram

“Never Lose Your Magic” is a powerful rock ballad by Finnish artist Catrina Clemsin. This grunge rock song has potent drums, an alluring guitar, and exciting vocals. Catrina has traveled all around the world, learning about different cultures. She has worked as a street artist in Paris and collaborated with a band from Ghana. Catrina has built up a tremendous cultural background. This has helped her define what she wanted to do. Catrina Clemsin found her path after years of making music and traveling worldwide. She decided to reinvent her career and start over. Now she works as a nurse, but music is her true passion. Catrina decided to focus her music just on Rock. She is heavily influenced by grunge rock bands like Pearl Jam or Nirvana. Her latest release is “Never Lose Your Magic,” where she sings about love. You can hear a lot of grunge's musical influence on Catrina from the beginning of the song "Never Lose Your Magic." The song is all about love, but the aggressive slow drums and the guitar kind of give some angry vibes. A guitar solo at the end of the song may surprise you. This song is perfect for some head-banging. It sounds a bit like Pearl Jam. The instruments are on point, and the solo is amazing. It is pure rock with love lyrics. Add some mysticism to your life today and stream, ‘’Never Lose Your Magic," available on all streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic Catrina Clemsin, and congratulations on your latest release, "Never Lose Your Magic." How would you define your musical style? Why? I would define it as an alternative rock. Because I sure have emerged from indie underground rock planet. How do you expect your music to inspire and influence the alternative rock scene? I wish to bring people more rock songs, and I wish more and more people feel the soul and spirit in my music. Let's just all love rock music and be happy. Can you share the creative process behind writing "Never Lose Your Magic?" I almost always write the lyrics first and did it just like that in this one. After that, I think about the rhythm and decide the tempo and the idea of the style of the song. At that stage, I also think about the chords that work together with the melody. After that, it becomes more about being inspired, being in the flow, and listening to the ideas that come to me about the melody and overall energy of the song. How did you develop the idea for ''Never Lose Your Magic?" I started to write the song after I had this soul connection with a lover of mine, he somehow weirdly touched my soul, and I wanted to honor the soul connections we have with other human beings while we are on this planet. Things don't always go how we expect them to, and then we just have to let go, even if the soul connection still exists. I also drew influence from many movies. I remember seeing one of the newer Batman movies at that time, and somehow it influenced me with the songwriting process; as you can hear, the song has a slightly dark undertone, just like those movies. The chorus was originally a lot longer, and it had a lot more complicated melody, but just before we played it live with my band, I decided to simplify it. I changed the name of the song in the process too. What's next for you? I am currently in the studio; we are working on three of my new songs, and one of them is almost finished and ready to be published.

Based in Los Angeles, YEUX takes influence from Pop and R&B music to create his seductive and chilling new single “Designated Driver.” YEUX was born in Kansas City, where he had times of struggle, wondering about who he was meant to be. Now he is an artist in Los Angeles who creates music as a way to explore life. Through the making of his songs, he is taking his career up and rising while giving people a new perspective on what love is, the seeking of intimacy, and friendship, among other topics. “Designated Driver” tells the story of a person who feels lonely behind the wheel and expects someone to know him better, to be his co-pilot. Both trust in the unknown and let go of control, maybe seeking a one-night adventure or love. In the end, did he make it, or was it just a fantasy of a lonely driver? That is for you to decide. The intro of “Designated Driver” has a strong Hip-hop style, a reminiscence of 90’s drums, and a cornet highlighting the rhythm as the bass follows the pace. Then, synth keys accompany the rest of the instrumentals while YEUX sings. His voice is smooth and seductive, perfect for the song's lyrics. The way the track plays with melodic guitar notes and the reverberant effect on YEUX’s vocals feel emotional and relaxing. The whole song catches your attention and demonstrates great production and songwriting work. No wonder why YEUX is earning the love of so many listeners, and this is just the beginning. Let YEUX caress your ears as you listen to “Designated Driver.” Welcome to BuzzMusic YEUX, and congratulations on your latest release, "Designated Driver." What was the experience that motivated you to write “Designated Driver?” Designated Driver is a song rooted in isolation and stagnation. It's about always having to drive your relationships and never feeling like anyone else is willing to take the wheel. Relationships are a give-and-take, but what happens when no one else gives? I have always been the person that organizes plans, goes the extra mile to make people feel special, and tried my best to nurture my relationships. It gets lonely when no one reaches out, even just ask how you are. This track is not only autobiographical; it's a reminder to check on your people, no matter what, no matter how small you may think it is. How would you describe the process of making “Designated Driver?” Like most of my records, it started with a conversation. It was my first writing session with my producer, and we talked about life, love, and relationships. When I said I felt like the driver in my relationships, he immediately wrote down "Designated Driver". From there, we were shuffling through a bunch of ideas I had in my notes, and we landed on an acoustic guitar and melody idea that I had and started writing. We had the record built around that original acoustic guitar for the first three-quarters of the production process until my producers built the percussion piece. It gave the song new life, and from there, it was just about balance. This being one of the first songs I recorded, the process involved a lot of patience and humility throughout the collaboration. What makes “Designated Driver” different from your other releases? Most obviously, the subject matter, but I would also say it's much more Pop forward than some of my other R&B-leaning releases. It's also more upbeat than previous releases. How do you expect “Designated Driver” to impact your career? Designated Driver is only my third release to date, so I hope it gives my audience more perspective on who I am as an artist and the types of subject matter I want to cover with my music. I also hope it will help further connect me with other producers, artists, and fans. What's next for you? I will release a lyric video for Designated Driver on Friday, the 21st. To follow will come to an acoustic version of "Designated Driver," accompanied by a live performance, and my next single, “LOVE DIFFERENT,” dropping later this year. With 2023 on the horizon, I plan to do more live shows in Los Angeles, connect deeper with fans, collaborate with other noteworthy artists, and create more music. Instagram Twitter

‘’Barcelona’’ is a moving single that captures the essence of Maddy Seitles. When you combine talent and hard work, you have a prosperous career that can take you everywhere. A letter to her 16-year-old self, "Barcelona" is one of those songs that musicians make for themselves. It ends up being relatable to a lot of people. Maddy Seitles hopes to inspire others and touch people's hearts with her good lyrics and charming voice. Maddy Seitles has achieved significant situations like the Madison Square Garden and The Apollo Theater after years of pursuing various musical studies, and she is only 22 years old. She moved to New York to continue pursuing her musical career, and ever since she did, jazz and R&B have been her biggest sources of inspiration. "Barcelona," created by Keith Hetrick, who also worked on JLO's "Marry Me," has come to be known as Maddy Seitles' hallmark tune. She desires to share her tale with everyone by singing this song to them. A heartfelt song that Maddy, then 16, would be pleased with. The song "Barcelona" captures the sense of liberation that comes with falling in love with a location that is distant from home. A momentary sense of tranquility before returning to reality. Many people have this sentiment about various locations; in Maddy's case, Barcelona impacted her life. A piano and quiet drums are all that is needed for the song. The emotion that Maddy is attempting to convey is what matters: a feeling of tranquility, liberation, and nostalgia. Think of the location you want to return to while closing your eyes and listening to this powerful hit. A warm welcome to BuzzMusic Maddy, and congratulations on your latest release, "Barcelona." What made you fall in love with Barcelona? When I was 16, I spent a summer living in Barcelona and working on my Spanish. I’m fluent now, and that city has a special place in my heart. It’s so beautiful and old, and I love the people and culture there. What other parts of your life inspired “Barcelona,” apart from your time in the lovely city? I think the song's story is a coming-of-age story above all else. It’s about learning just how big the world is while simultaneously having that 16-year-old mindset of thinking you know everything there is to know about life already. It’s also about looking back and realizing that you didn’t have all the answers then, and you probably never will, but how wonderful it is to live your life and figure out as much as possible on the way! I’m only 22, but it’s exciting to look back on the different chapters of my life, and I think many people can relate to that feeling of evolving and changing as you get older. Is there any other place that has captured the essence of "Barcelona?" Why? I wouldn’t say there’s another place, but I think it can be interpreted differently for everyone. Any place that makes you happy, or brings up memories from a particular season of your life that you loved, is your “Barcelona.” It might be Barcelona for me, but I’m sure it would be somewhere completely different for someone else, and I love that! It’s not about the city but the feeling it invokes in the listener. That’s one of my favorite parts of songwriting, and it can mean something entirely different to someone else. As long as it resonates with you, I’ve done my job and am happy. Where else in the world would you like to explore? Why? It’s really important to me to travel and see as many different parts of the world as I can, so I want to take the time to see it all, whether through touring or just traveling for fun! There are so many countries to visit, and I think it’s really important to be able to experience other cultures and ways of life, not just the ones that we’ve grown up used to. I have a lot of listeners in Sweden and the UK, so I’d love to make it over there and meet them! What message would you like people to take away from "Barcelona?" I originally wrote “Barcelona” as a letter to my 16-year-old self! I was living there for the summer when I was that age, so, believe it or not, a lot of the little pieces of stories in the song are true. After I finished it and it started to come to life, I found that people who heard it related to it in many different ways. I hope my song reaches as many people as possible and gives them an escape – whether it’s to Barcelona or any place where they feel most carefree. I think everyone’s journey is different, of course, but our emotional connection to certain places that make us feel things is universal. I hope my music transports people somewhere personal and emotionally resonant for them specifically. I think my goal with my art is to make people feel something. What's next for you? I’m moving to Madrid in a few weeks to teach English in an elementary school! While there, I plan on playing a ton of music in Spain and, of course, writing more songs. When I get back, I have plans to move to New York City. Instagram Facebook

Some songs are made for entertainment, but some seek to reach and transmit feelings, emotions, and thoughts. “Go Long” is a story that speaks to us and takes us on a trip in our heads. It's never late to pursue what you are passionate about, even though you have no idea how to do it. “Go Long” reflects that part of Bryn’s life. Specifically, she chose to try a musical career over what she had done with her life. With this song, Bryn took her personal example to show people how obstacles are not forever and that we are responsible for living the best life for us. “Go Long” wants to make a click in people's lives. This song is not just for listening to; the video is an essential part. The video shows examples of when taking risks can change your life for good. A music video that fits perfectly with the song. Everyday challenges and difficult decisions are encountered by people all over the world. While some of us choose to let our troubles rule our lives, others, like the one in the video, choose to overcome them and live their best lives. Watch the video and focus on all the examples Bryn wishes to highlight, not just the lyrics appearing on the screen. It's never too late to decide to change your life for the better or choose happiness. While watching the video, consider what brings you joy. Welcome to BuzzMusic Bryn Ryan-VanDyke. What motivated you to change your life and dwell in the world of music? I was in Australia for New Years' eve – Everyone was cheering for the New Year, and I walked outside to gaze at the Southern Cross. I had this feeling that I didn’t want to grow old and look back with regret that I didn’t do something with my life because of fear of failure… I didn't know what I wanted to do or be, but I figured that to do something well or to have it be your life's work, you had to love what you were doing. The only thing I could think of that held my attention and moved me was music. Unfortunately, I couldn't sing....if you had paid me a million dollars to sing the entire song in the correct key, I wouldn't have been able to do it. So, I decided to go home to California and put my mind to becoming a singer. I thought I'd learn how by the time anyone gave me a chance. So, the answer to your question is that fear of regret motivated me - I could live with knowing I tried and didn’t succeed but not with not trying at all. Can you tell us a bit about the creative process of creating the video for ‘’Go Long?" The creative process for "Go Long" took less time than with many of my songs. I was having a difficult time with breast cancer treatment and kept thinking of my Dad and how brave he was in his own battle with cancer. I remembered that he always used to tell us, “Nothing’s Really Good, or Really Really Bad, for Really Really Long” I thought, hey, that could be a song. He also told us to just “suck it up” and do what’s right. That was the inspiration for the Chorus. Another theme that had been going through my head at the time was to not let those negative voices in my head telling me that I shouldn't be doing what you feel you should because you're not good enough or, for some reason, I don't believe but makes you doubt yourself. It only took a few weeks to write the song. Then came the work of instrumentation, etc. But the most challenging part is the writing. Is there anything, in particular, you’d like to share with your listeners that you couldn’t fit into "Go Long?" This is an excellent question because you often have pages and pages of thoughts that go into the writing process, with many lyrics need to be edited to fit into a 3-minute song and get the point across. I look at country songwriters and how they make every sentence work to tell a story. The second verse says, "Fear's a sandstorm, burrows deep into your mind if you seek you just might find that there's a pearl there." During Covid, when I wrote "Go Long," I saw the movie "Flight of the Phoenix". It's a movie about survival, human nature, and overcoming the odds of working together. A plane with a group of contractors goes down in the Sahara during a fierce sandstorm. I thought of all that gritty sand getting into everything - and felt the correlation of those negative thoughts and how they bury into your psyche and try to take hold and grow. But, if you can dispel those thoughts by believing in yourself and finding happiness in whatever situation you're in, you can become more robust. Believing in yourself and being happy despite everything is where the pearl metaphor came from; the little piece of grit in an oyster becomes a pearl. What message would you like people to take away from "Go Long?" The message is that you have one life to live and live it to the fullest. Listen to your heart and do what you feel you should - blast past the doubt and make your best life. You may have goals, and life may take you somewhere else, but listen to the thoughts beneath all the doubt to find your path and do your best. Everyone has those fears and doubts; you're not alone. What's next for you? I have several songs ready to be released, and I plan to do another video soon. I've been performing in California and Hawaii; I'm looking forward to it! Instagram Facebook

Based in Melbourne, Australia, alternative artist Bel Kil knows the hurtful feeling of being disappointed or, in other words, being the “Backup Plan” of someone. Bel Kil, also known as Annabel Kilpatrick, is a multi-instrumentalist artist who constantly explores and learns the sounds of diverse genres to create music that could accompany you in every moment. Her chilling and dynamic sounds are something you could whistle all day long and relieve the heaviness of daily life. “Backup Plan” is the result of a disappointing experience that Bel Kil had when she was going to meet someone who was really important to her but called off and let her down. Then she channeled the pain and turned it into lyrics as she went home. The result is an upbeat, dreamy song that sounds like hope and good vibes. When hitting the play button, you sense that “Backup Plan” has an instrumental combination that makes an intense summer ambiance, focusing on melodic and slow guitar chords and a waving bass. The slow beats make you feel like you are floating as you listen to the soft Bel Kil’s vocals leading you into an almost psychedelic trance. You could describe the experience of listening to “Backup Plan” as cinematic, and it has a nostalgic touch that brings you the feeling of memories you never had. However, it is easy to relate to her lyrics. Bel Kil’s work is accurate and as relaxing as climatic, and we hope to see more of it in the future. Listen to “Backup Plan,” a song that can make your mind travel to the beach, almost like hearing the wind and waves behind it. Welcome to BuzzMusic Bel Kil, and congratulations on your latest release, “Backup Plan.” How much did making "Backup Plan" allow you to diversify your music? It was nice to take a step away from producing more electronic songs in Ableton and go back to how I used to write with a guitar before I knew how to produce. I was much more focused on guitar and bass tones with this track than in the past. While 'Escaping' allowed me the freedom to turn an electronic acoustic song, 'Backup Plan' gave me the room to hone my recording and production skills and explore more outside of the electronic world. How do you manage to create such a joyful ambiance from a painful experience? This is a lighthearted song about how we look forward to little things and build them up, only to feel let down when a friend bails at the last minute, opting for a better plan. I guess it's about finding the mindset to turn the situation around in that moment of deflation and not let yourself wallow in disappointment. It's raw, heartful, contemplative, uplifting, and anthemic. I wanted the production to reflect this. It's about feeling like you're the backup plan but finding the mindset to turn the situation around and create your own backup plan. How would you describe the making process of "Backup Plan?" The song came about when I was walking home from the studio on a balmy Friday afternoon, excited to have a beer with a friend, only to receive a text saying he couldn't make it. I thought, 'bugger you and before I knew it had sung most of Backup Plan into my voice memos by the time I got home. I was much more focused on guitar and bass tones with this track than in the past. It was nice to take a step away from producing more electronic songs in Ableton and go back to how I used to write with a guitar before I knew how to produce. I wanted to capture a slower, contemplative, dreamy, and slightly psychedelic feel. I started with the guitar chords and built the production around there, using midi drums initially and my guitar as the bass. I added virtual strings, synths, and layers of vocals. I played around with panning and effects. I worked backward, producing the whole track in the box, and then overdubbed my friends Tristan Courtney on bass guitar and John Vassallo on drums to achieve more of a 'live feeling'. What was your greatest challenge when making "Backup Plan?" Hmmm, probably mixing the outro… There are layers upon layers of virtual and recorded instrumentation, vocals, and effects, and allowing each element to have its own space and cut through the mix was a little challenging. It's straightforward to mix for too long and think it sounds good until you bounce it out, go for a walk, and realize you've gone down a rabbit hole. I can't tell you how many incremental saves I did, sometimes only to go back to an earlier version… In a way, the outro feels climactic and chaotic, but it's intentionally ordered chaos, the way my head felt as I reasoned with myself and didn't let the disappointment get me down. I wanted it to feel like a journey. The song starts out reflective, but by the time we reach the peak, there's this epic hopefulness. What's next for you? My Debut EP, 'My Year', is out on the 10th of November, followed by the Launch at The Toff In Town on Friday the 9th of December, live with my band. I finally put my heart and soul into writing, recording, and mixing this EP throughout lockdown, and I'm so excited to release it. The EP blends electronic production with acoustic instruments and has been described as emotive, uplifting, unique, and distinctive. These songs are incisive perceptions of life, love, and dreams laid bare on a backdrop of cinematic, rousing, spirited beats. The EP strikes a balance between youthful nostalgia and hope for the future, making My Year the perfect soundtrack for summer. Instagram Facebook

Singer & songwriter iBleazy takes us on a journey as he sings a declaration of love in "F4U". iBleazy has musically come a long way. His journey started at high school, and since then has given music an important place in his life and has grown over the years as he improves. Now he is creating songs to sing bluntly about life, mental health, and love. “F4U” is a romantic and feel-good song you would like to sing to that special one. iBleazy uses his powerful and emotional vocals to say that love matters and talks about how it transforms your life, and he does a fantastic job expressing it through the sounds of tender pop. As we hear the electric guitar playing nostalgic chords, it brings sweet memories as iBleazy’s voice flows in. It is gentle and melodic, making the lyrics run smoothly to your heart, almost like he’s reading a handwritten love letter. iBleazy is an extraordinary storyteller; it's simply amazing how he put his emotions in such sincere words. While he demonstrates his vocal abilities, he sings about how he is willing to spend his life with his beloved. Well, that’s true love for you. Catch iBleazy recent review and interview for his current single “F4U” here. Instagram Artist Website

Punk Rock has to be loud and badass, and that is what you get when listening to the new single of Lipstick Stains, “Discoteca.” Lipstick Stains is what Punk Rock is meant to be the genre where hardcore expressions of rebellion meet sensibility through music. They are not afraid of writing and performing songs with a strong socio-political message using their incredible skills as instrumentalists and the powerful voice of their female singer Xanthe Mumm-Saucier. “Discoteca” is full of non-stop action. From the moment it starts, you get an ambiance of constant euphoria emanating from the instrumentals and Xhante’s voice. The hype increases every second, your body demands movement, and you must at least bang your head at the compass. Listening to “Discoteca” starts with the fast-paced drums emerging from the silence to the bass stomping the air with powerful notes accompanying the distorted guitar’s riff. The instrumentals welcome the fierce vocals of Xhante, filling your ears and getting into your mind. You can feel the energy running from your spine to your limbs. The lyrics talk about meeting someone you can’t forget when you only wanted to ‘dance the demons away.’ It invites you to be free from inhibitions and discharge your impulses as “Discoteca” is playing, as only the most cathartic Punk Rock songs can. Lipstick Stains’ instrumentals and vocals are passionate and energetic, making you feel the song. Get to know some of the essences of Punk Rock by hitting the play button on “Discoteca.” Welcome back to BuzzMusic Lipstick Stains, and congratulations on your latest release, "Discoteca." How would you describe the creative process of writing “Discoteca?” The music came first, much like most of our song ideas begin. This technique has become a staple in our creative process while writing new material. We sat on the music for a good couple of months before we came up with the lyrics and melodies. We knew from the get-go we wanted Discoteca to stand out from the rest of our catalog but still hit you with that Lipstick Stains punch. What was the most rewarding moment that “Discoteca” has given you? We premiered the song at our live shows a few weeks ago, and it's been incredible to feel the energy that it brings to the crowd. This song makes people want to throw down at a show and go hard in the pit. How do you expect “Discoteca” to influence your listeners? We think this song will make people want to get up, dance, and release the emotions we all seek to release at a live show. How do you picture a party where “Discoteca” is being played? We picture folks grooving to the song like Jamie Lee Curtis and John Travolta in that movie 'Perfect.' What's next for you? We'll close out 2022 with a few upcoming dates and plan to hit the ground running with touring in 2023. We also have potential new music on the horizon. Follow us on all of our links to stay updated! https://linktr.ee/lipstickstains 10/21/22: Memphis, TN - HiTone 10/29/22: Jackson, MS - Hal & Mal's 11/19/22: Little Rock, AR - Vino's 12/10/22: Nashville, TN - Punk Rock Flea Market @ Eastside Bowl 12/30/22: Little Rock, AR - Fourth Quarter 12/31/22: Memphis, TN - HiTone Facebook Instagram

You probably know him as the bassist of multi-Platinum selling Vancouver pop-rock band Marianas Trench. This time, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist MIKEH (Mike Ayley) is stepping into the spotlight of his solo career with a shimmering debut EP, Golden Hour: First Things First. Mike explains that much of his musical inspiration comes from the creative world Marianas Trench exists in. Everything from Josh Ramsay's distinct and wicked vocals to the band's ability to push the envelope with each record. However, his musical career was put on hold when the pandemic struck. This brings us to MIKEH's debut solo EP, Golden Hour: First Things First. Co-produced by Pedro Dzelma, the new project celebrates the daily victories we overlook far too often. It examines how Ayley often felt contemplative during his favorite times of day throughout the pandemic. So, he was only right to help us celebrate the little moments with this new EP. The project's introductory track, "Walking Hill," gives listeners a perfect sneak peek of what they're in for throughout the entire project. The warm acoustic guitar strumming alongside MIKEH's lush and fluid vocals floats through the speakers alongside soft percussion that leads us to the glimmering hook. MIKEH's soothing and gentle vocals effortlessly send chills up the spine, especially as he expresses not giving up on the hope that a brighter day will soon come. The freeing and hazy electric guitar solo on the bridge blend rock with modern pop perfectly, all while MIKEH sends us to the outro of this sonically-delicious song with a bounty of hope that we will soon live at peace once again. Do yourself a favor and allow MIKEH to be your source of inspiration to seize the day with his recent hit, "Walking Hill," from his debut solo EP, Golden Hour: First Things First. Find the project on all digital streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, MIKEH. Congratulations on releasing your highly anticipated debut solo EP, Golden Hour: First Things First. What inspired you to head down the path of a solo career? Speaking of First Things First, I want to clarify that Marianas Trench is my priority number. The guys in the band and our crew are my family. The band will always be a part of my life! That said, I just started making music during the “forced detention” we all went through in 2020 and 2021. At first, it was making a Christmas song with my wife to have fun and keep busy. However, the inevitable was no stopping once I had the tools to make music at home. Songs just started coming to me. I had no choice but to grab hold of them before they moved on to the next waiting person. I think it was Noel Gallagher who referred to songwriting as going fishing. "I call it going fishing. I sit by the river with the guitar, and if I get a catch, great...And we're all fishing from the same river." Making the music stimulated me so much, learning to record everything technically, coming up with all parts of the music on my own, and thinking about words and melody. In MT, I just “supervise” the bass part and make sure I like what I play, and if I have any ideas, I make sure they are auditioned. With the Golden Hour project, I got to play around with all sorts of creative options. I wrote words while taking long hikes in the woods, then threw them out and started over again many times. I wrote melodies over and over again, too, until they felt they were the best I could do. It was a fun challenge worth every hour invested and every hoop I jumped through to get from A to Z. What pandemic experiences led you to create your debut EP, Golden Hour: First Things First? When the lockdown started, I thought we’d be home for eight weeks and back to life as usual. My first order of business was to spend as much time on the Playstation since I had this rare break. Once I realized we would be in for a much longer haul, I decided to start changing my mind and perspective with the day-to-day attitude and the big picture. I started reading a lot. Every morning I would spend an hour or so drinking coffee and taking in ideas from books that inspired me to think in a new way, be a better person, and even help take away the pressure of working on my music. How To Win Friends and Influence People is a great book everyone should read. It’s been around for generations, but the basic message is about being a good person. Black Box Thinking is a more technical read, and the most basic summary is to take things one step at a time, one attempt at a time, and instead of seeking perfection, just aspire for improvement. Man, that one helped me approach my early recordings with productive and healthy judgment rather than stifling comparisons to some of the best work out there. A good friend gave me a book called Tribe Of Mentors. It's cool too. These are just short chapters with insight from accomplished people in many fields. Why did you choose to place "Walking Hill" as the introductory track to your debut EP? How does this song set the tone for the project? That was less about me and more about the label. I enjoy all the songs. They all have a very personal meaning to me. I think I was too inside the music to have a trustworthy judgment for that choice. That song is the one that seemed to get the most “votes” when we circulated the tracks around the 604 Records office. My most preferred track is Kaleidoscope. It's the last one we put out. I think that is the closest I’ve come to the original vision with the final product so far. It was the last one we recorded, so that’s not a surprise. You learn a little more with every attempt. How do you hope listeners interpret the EP? How do you want this project to impact your audience? You know, it’s hard to even suggest how people could or should take in and process music. It’s such a personal thing. Sometimes we don’t even hear the correct words, and that misinterpretation makes the song connect even more to a listener. Haha! I want people to give it a chance and let it soak in. I suspect the songs' messages will all hit home in one way or another with each person. I did my best to make songs about things less frequently heard in pop music these days. There isn’t one song about being dumped, how I feel about my self-image, or going out to the bar and getting drunk. I dug a little deeper with these ones. Instagram