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From Harlem to New Jersey, singer-songwriter, rapper, and hip-hop recording artist Kenny Boi steps out of his comfort zone with his new sophomore album, 'UNIVERSAL.' Kenny Boi is a breath of fresh share in the saturated mumble and trap rap scene, bringing a range of styles and sounds while adapting to any genre imaginable. As a gay hip-hop artist, Kenny Boi encourages fellow artists to use all the tools in their arsenal, stand for what they believe in, and explore new ways to relate to all listeners. That's precisely what Kenny Boi brings in his sophomore album, 'UNIVERSAL.' He believes that it's crucial for rappers to relate to anyone "who may come across your music and experiment with your sound," says Kenny Boi. For that reason, he created the new album to speak not only to the LGBTQ community but to everyone. "I am 'UNIVERSAL," he says. The album opens with the introductory track, "Who I Am (feat. Killa YHM)." It's an incredibly energetic and dense hip-hop track that quickly bursts with Kenny Boi's explosive flow and swift rhythm. As the intense beat continues scorching the background, Kenny Boi clarifies that although he may experiment with other genres, he never doubt his rap skills. Yonkers powerhouse Killa YHM smacks the track with pure dominance and confidence that leaves us ready to hit the New York club scene. Onto track number two, "Shoot My Shot," this playful and upbeat anthem bounces through our speakers on a confident note with Kenny Boi's rhythmic bars and energetic flow. This feels like the next twerk anthem, especially as Kenny Boi describes his unique relationships with female fans and being the life of the party. We can't wait to bump this exciting bop for our next pre-game. It packs all the punches we were hoping for. Jumping into the groovy third track, "Pull Up (feat. Destiny)," a warm and sensual beat pounces onto the first verse while Kenny Boi touches on some relatable themes. He's quite hilarious; his charismatic vocal delivery about being the ultimate wingman and setting up women with the men they deserve will definitely leave you smiling. In the second verse, Brooklyn native Destiny serenades us with her heavenly vocals that add hints of zest and spice to this upbeat banger. Reaching the fourth track, "FLOW," Kenny Boi makes a B-line from hip-hop and into the passionate and emotional realm of 90s pop-punk. We're so impressed with Kenny Boi's take on this classic sound, especially as he brings some authentic emotion with lyrics about going with the flow in a "situationship" with no labels. We're sure listeners will adore banging their heads to the thrilling pop-punk instrumentals on the hook while relating to Kenny Boi's honest lyrics. Before we know it, we're hit over the head with a hefty beat from track number five, "Big City." This track is a powerhouse ode to Kenny Boi's stomping grounds, New York City. He wastes no time jumping into his hard-hitting and quick bars that describe the busy New Yorker lifestyle and the endless cash flow. We adore the spicy sonics paired with Kenny Boi's attention-demanding performance; he truly makes each second of this song worthwhile. Landing on the album's sixth and mid-way track, "LAYERS," Kenny Boi keeps the energy flowing with a head-bopping beat alongside a squeaky synth that oozes a sultry and gripping vibe. As Kenny Boi jumps into his verse, he blasts us with spitfire bars that assert his dominance and determination to make money in various ways. We can't get enough of Kenny Boi's confidence and playful energy; he keeps us refreshed and ready for action throughout the whole track. Onto the seventh track, "Fly Away (feat. Rikko .009)," Kenny Boi takes us back into the energy and vibe of "FLOW" with boundless emotion and passionate pop sonics. This time around, he serenades us with all his heart while expanding on leaving a relationship that's no longer healthy. Rikko .009's verse continues that emotional theme while matching Kenny Boi's energy with rich vocals, relatable words, and overall honest performance. Floating into track number eight, "VIBE (feat. Bella B)," Kenny Boi quickly opens the song with his upbeat bars and energetic sonics that bring us into an exciting pop/r&b soundscape. This feel-good and passionate song is amplified with help from Bronx femcee Bella B, who adds a passion-packed back-and-forth with descriptive and suggestive bars that bring hot and heavy images to mind. This high-energy song is nothing but a "VIBE." Track number nine takes us to the club, "LIT," opening with a poised and mid-tempo bass line that leads us into the blazing verse. Kenny Boi really didn't have to go that hard, but he did; his performance smokes our speakers with explosive confidence that's sure to help you move and groove all night long. It's an empowering club anthem that anyone can appreciate, especially as Kenny Boi reminds us that it's okay to be "LIT," even when the haters come crawling. Landing on the true album closer, "Bad God," we're met with a soulful hip-hop beat that instantly chills the spine. As Kenny Boi leaps into the feel-good and anthemic verse, he takes this track to rap about his dreams of stardom and his promising musical future. There's so much passion in this track, and we adore how Kenny Boi naturally empowers the listener to go after their dreams by expressing his personal experiences, successes, and optimism. Reaching the final track, "FLOW 2.0 (feat. Rikko .009)," this tune is a remix of the pop-punk anthem, "FLOW." That said, Kenny Boi puts a unique punk-rock spin to showcase his versatility as a recording artist. He unleashes a few punchy and angsty screams while Rikko .009 has us floating on cloud nine with his lush vocals and emotional lyrics. Kenny Boi blasts us towards the song's outro with incredible energy that's truly contagious. There's so much to experience in Kenny Boi's sophomore album, but one thing is for sure, listeners far and wide will definitely appreciate such a 'UNIVERSAL' listening experience. Find Kenny Boi's new album on all digital streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, KennyBoi. We honestly appreciate such a versatile and relatable album like 'UNIVERSAL.' What inspired you to create this dynamic and honest project? Honestly? I wanted to give people a musical experience down the "rainbow brick road." Like Dorothy when she was journeying to Oz, you never knew what craziness she was gonna encounter next, and that's what I wanted my album to be. Most people know me for only my rap skills. I wanted listeners to expect the unexpected from track to track. I wanted them to see I'm capable of so much and can hit so many different demographics; I really hope I was able to not only show that but also take them on a little bit of a rollercoaster ride musically. A few tracks within 'UNIVERSAL' deliver some punk, pop, and rock vibes. Was this your first time creating songs within these genres? What was that experience like? It was so much fun! And almost therapeutic in a way. Something I've discovered about myself artistically is that pop/punk rock music brings out the emo side in me and allows me to connect with my Kenzies in a much deeper way. On my last album, "Kenny World", I wrote my first real pop song called "Super High," and it was a fan favorite, so I really wanted to dive head first into that genre on this project; that's when "FLOW" and "Fly Away" were born. What I love about pop music is its' duality. Both those songs are about serious relationship issues people go through that I've gone through, but you would never know I was crying while recording it because the beats are just really fun as hell, LOL! What do you hope to make the listener think or realize when hearing the album UNIVERSAL?' What did you want them to take away? My tagline is "locked in, never boxed in," and that is exactly what I wanted my Kenzies to take away from this album. As a male LGBTQ+ artist, people have a perception of what type of music you're going to produce before they even hear you, and I've always said I want to break that stereotype and make music for EVERYONE, not just my community. This is my 6th body of work, and I've been told by so many people that it's my best one yet, and I can't disagree. This album has a little bit of everything, and the fact that it's coming from a male "gay rapper" is what makes it even more special, I think. What was your favorite part about creating the 'UNIVERSAL' album? Which experiences did you cherish most? Oh, that's easy...the features!!! I've been doing music for a lot of years now, and this is the first time I've ever collaborated with other artists, and I love each one of them so much. A lot of the time, you're unable to get together in the studio when you're doing a collab, but I was blessed to be able to actually record in the studio with Killa, Bella, Destiiny, and Rikko. Just the experience of bonding and connecting during the recording sessions really brought out the chemistry between us and brought us closer together so those were definitely some of my favorite moments. On a more personal note, why do you think your music has been so successful? What do you bring to the table that listeners appreciate? Keeping it real...I'm just dope AF LOL! But no, seriously, I always used to think my sexual orientation was gonna silence me no matter how much talent I had, but I've realized it's my confidence in who I am, my honesty, and my fearlessness that listeners appreciate. I don't let me being gay define me in life or my music, and I show that throughout this entire album. No genre scares me. I can rap my ass off on a drill song like "Who I Am," sing on a pop track like "FLOW," and then do both on an r&b/pop track like "VIBE". There are so many talented LGBTQ+ male artists out here, but they don't get heard because unfortunately, we haven't reached a true level of acceptance where "gay lyrical content" in music can be digested by a mainstream audience. However, artists like Lil Nas X and Saucy Santana have created their own lanes for their own audiences, and that's what I hope to do with this album. "UNIVERSAL" is universal. Anyone can listen to it and not feel left out. It was created by an LGBTQ+ artist, but it's relatable to everyone, and I think that's why it's been received so well. What's next for you? Well, it's pride month, and I have a few performances lined up. Also, the first single from the album "LIT" has been doing well, but I think it's almost time to give people another single. They NEED a song of the summer! I've been trying to narrow it down between two tracks, but it's really hard because they're both so good! I definitely have more collaborations coming with some really dope artists. And oh yeah, a VACATION! All work and no play make Kenny a very cranky boi, LOL! Instagram Twitter

Los Angeles-based pop/r&b recording artist and singer-songwriter Rora Wilde doesn't want to say goodbye to authentic love in her latest single, "DLM." Rora Wilde initially hails from the Rio Grande Valley but later took her moody pop/r&b sounds to Austin. Having rocked residencies like C3 at the Scoot Inn while taking the downtown scene by storm, Wilde has since settled in LA with performances at The Mint, SoFarSounds, and Hunnypot Live. Now, the LA-based self-taught musician holds onto what she knows and loves with her new bop, "DLM." Standing for "Don't let me" let you go, Wilde serenades us in her introspective and refreshing stylings that wrap the listener with love and emotion. She brings an authentic and genuine feel to this new single that's hard to come by in the modern pop scene. Diving into the new tune, "DLM," we drift into sonic bliss with warm acoustic guitars and Rora Wilde's lush vocals. As the steady r&b beat rolls in, Wilde hops on board and expands on the feeling she gets when in someone's sweet presence. But there's something in the way. As she grooves over to the hook, Rora Wilde bounces through lyrics like "Don't let me let you go," referencing how someone needs to decide if they're in or out. Wilde brings a ton of energy and passion to her lyrics, and we're definitely here for the ride. All in all, the song keeps our heads bopping with soothing production and Wilde's harmonious vocal layers that feel like a fresh blanket out of the dryer. Don't let go of Rora Wilde's passionate new single, "DLM," now available on all digital streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Rora Wilde. What a gripping listening experience you've delivered in your new single, "DLM." What sort of relationship experiences inspired this track? Hi, thank you sm! I so very often overthink with my heart. It's rare that I fall for someone, but when I do, it's like quicksand and I love the way it makes me feel. Who helped create the groovy production for "DLM?" Do your songs usually capture these upbeat r&b vibes? Yes, Bill Lefler and John Clinebell did production on "DLM," they're so very talented and really get me as an artist on a sonic level. my new sound since my last album is very much in this vein of pop r&b. it's all so sparkly and sounds like the inside of my heart! Did you have any artistic influences or projects in mind when creating "DLM?" Whose sound or music inspires you? I really wanted this song to sound like me so I was very candid and honest with my lyrics in a way I haven't been before. im very inspired by SZA's sound and Amy Winehouse's live approach and candor. Did you want to give listeners a sense of empowerment and confidence when listening to "DLM?" What did you want them to experience? I want people to hear "DLM" and feel hopelessly in love with someone. with no shame or nonchalant nature. to feel in love and feel sexy about it. What's next for you? The visual for "DLM" actually! the visual premieres on June 3rd on youtube. I also have a show on May 30th with my 5 piece band at the mint LA. "DLM" is actually their favorite song in the set so, you should come! Instagram

As a melodic songwriter, producer, engineer, and sound architect whose music could be best described as wave R&B, SUMWHR's edgy approach has him pushing all boundaries. Having grown up in Watts, a city where you could easily be lost in the system SUMWHR learned other ways to express himself due to developing independence at a very young age. After a bright and impactful start as Novelle Vega and being featured on VH1's "Black Ink Crew," SUMWHR has crafted a new melodic texture that takes you on a journey with his endless ear candy, catchy lyrics, and harmonious vibes. His most recent single, "Next," has us feeling the depths of our emotions. With mesmerizing energy that he professes as soon as he begins to perform, SUMWHR has a knack for drawing his audience into the meaning of his records. Each vocal layer emphasizes the creativity behind his songwriting techniques. Swooning over the textured dimensions emitted when SUMWHR's lush timbres cascade upon the delicate instrumentation, a gravitational pull ignites with our engagement. We love the ultimate ambiance that SUMWHR expresses in his artistic style. It allows listeners to be transported to the intended destination that he has set out. Something that SUMWHR doesn't do is hold back, and you hear that in lyrics motifs like, "Runnin' up the tab for you. I just want a slow night. Got to let them candles burn. It's time to ride or die for me." Playing into the same amount of passion he uses to exude his emotions throughout "Next," SUMWHR takes it all to the next level with this overflow of inner sentiments. R&B brings out some of the most animated displays of emotion; SUMWHR's wave R&B does precisely that. Having us eagerly await his next release, "Next" will be sticking in the rotation until then. Instagram Twitter

Nana Kottens, Ghanaian-born hip-hop star, released his latest song "Call Girl'' featuring Lowekey in February 2022. The song hit the playlists of music lovers at the speed of a lightning bolt. The music video, directed by Michael Camphor, has already gained more than 390k views from his fans all over the world. Click here to watch the video. The song will appear on Nana Kottens' upcoming album, "Never Scared of Trying." Call Girl was nominated for " US Based Male Vocalist of the Year, US Based Best international collaboration of the Year and best US Based hiplife/hip hop song of the year" at the Ghana Music Awards USA 2022. Nana shocked everyone with this truly exquisite song filled with love and compassionate lyrics. His amazing vocals do the perfect job of making love rap attractive. Besides his voice, everything about the song is just right: the beats, the texture, the rhythm, the flow, the dynamics, and harmony. The listener is greeted with a tempting beat and a potent groove from the beginning. The majestic vocals of Nana Kottens then enter and brilliantly direct the single along. The fine flow of each hip-hop component throughout the song makes the song catchy. This is not the first time Nana has delivered such a successful project. Nana Kottens, also known as Lewis Kofi Nana Antwi, is a multi-talented musician who is not only a singer-songwriter but also a record producer, the CEO, and Founder of Sound Lion Records, and the founder of Nana Kottens Tunes Publishing. He co-founded the studio with his friend John Ocran in order to promote talented African artists all over the world. Not long ago, Nana began singing rap professionally. He beautifully blends African and American cultures into his music. The effects from Hip Hop, Hiplife, Highlife, R&B, Soul, Pop, Country, Afro beats, and Reggae Dancehall allow you to connect with both continents. He is a flexible songwriter who being a polyglot artist writes and composes his music in different languages. Before "Call Girl", he released a bunch of beautiful songs that gained him a lot of attention such as "Mama Don’t Give Up", "Say No", etc. Now with "Call Girl", he has created an unexpected huge fan base. Nana also launched the piano version of "Call Girl" which is as soothing as the original. All the songs are available on multiple online music platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, Soundcloud, etc. Instagram

Toronto-based country-pop recording artist and singer-songwriter Jason Maxwell returns with his latest emotional and relatable tune, "For Now." Jason Maxwell is no stranger to the music scene, having garnered over 70 million views across social media platforms. Maxwell's stylings have been featured in a whole wack of playlists, and he's had the chance to perform as a supporting act for familiar names like The Washboard Union, The Reklaws, Chad Brownlee, and J.J. Shiplett. Now, Jason Maxwell asks some necessary and mind-boggling questions in his new single, "For Now." To Maxwell, the song is a straight-from-the-heart letter to his ex-girlfriend. It was recorded at the renowned Blackbird Studios in Nashville and featured vulnerable lyricism packed into a densely emotional country-pop soundscape. "Even though we had been broken up for a long time, I felt that things weren't fully over between us," says Maxwell. Listening to "For Now," the song peacefully opens with a warm country-pop acoustic guitar alongside steady drums and Jason Maxwell's tender country twang. As he begins expanding on how he sees straight through someone's lies, Maxwell asks a collection of necessary questions to either give him peace of mind or break his heart. We love the relatable factor of this single, but it's nothing new to Maxwell's discography. He brings such inspiring perseverance in this sweet single, representing that second chances may be hard to find, but they're out there. However, the question stands, is this new lover good enough for her, or is he just good enough "For Now." Experience the sonic, and lyrical vulnerability is Jason Maxwell's heartfelt new tune, "For Now," now available on all digital streaming platforms. Welcome back to BuzzMusic, Jason Maxwell. We love the vulnerable and passionate energy in your new single, "For Now." What experiences with relationships led you to create this piece? Thank you, I’m glad to hear that type of energy resonated with you! The song was inspired by a past relationship that ultimately failed - very much a case of ‘right girl, wrong time.’ A year or so after our relationship ended, I noticed she had moved on to someone new, and my initial reaction was to immediately question whether her new relationship was as serious or meaningful as her previous relationship with myself. What was it like recording "For Now" at the renowned Blackbird Studios in Nashville? Who at the studio helped bring the song to life? I’ve been lucky and fortunate to have had the opportunity to record at Blackbird on multiple occasions, and every time has been a surreal experience. To be honest with you, I feel very out of place there - it’s truly a humbling experience to record in the same space as some of the greatest artists and bands of today and of all time. Everyone at the studio constantly pitches in to provide top-notch hospitality and assistance, and that really helps to eliminate any potential distractions that could hinder the creative process. When it comes to bringing the song to life, my producer Shawn Moore always plays an integral role in shaping and engineering the soundscape I envision. In addition, having a tracking band of top-level session musicians really allows for creative flexibility in terms of trying out several different ideas in a timely manner while still maintaining flawless execution. What was your songwriting process like for "For Now?" Was this a challenging process, or did your words flow with ease? It sounds contradictory, but I’d say that it was a challenging process; however the words did really flow with ease. The challenging aspect was the unnerving awkwardness of opening up to my co-writers (Elias Edlund and Shawn Moore) on a subject that still stings and communicates the story in such a manner that’s more negative/toxic than it is positive/happy with respect to emotional health. Most writers/artists want to write/record songs that will perform well commercially, and there's an industry-wide unspoken assumption that negative/toxic songs are less likely to succeed in the commercial space. I want to write and record the best songs I can create. I'm less concerned with which boxes the songs will fit into - I want to create timeless music, so in the long run, I feel like it's better to create something genuine and relatable opposed to creating something that merely ticks the boxes of today's criteria checklist. Once Eli, Shawn, and I were in agreement on the song’s concept and writer/listener perspective, we were able to write the lyrics with relative ease. How does "For Now" contrast your previous releases? How does this song stand out in terms of lyricism, sound, and concepts? The song is lyrically-unique because it’s my only song with a significantly modified final chorus. In this case, the modified lyrics alter the entire direction and meaning behind the lyrics' message and, in turn, change the perspective of the listener. Sonically speaking, this song is quite a departure from my usual bright and happy sound, but I think it’s necessary to explore all areas of the spectrum in order to fully develop my artistry. From a conceptual standpoint, this is the first time I've told a story that shines a negative light to some degree and done so in a somewhat emotionally-unhealthy manner. I understand from a commercial perspective why most songs portray everything in a positive light, but I also know that I can’t be the only one who’s ever felt this type of way over a failed relationship. I know I’m not perfect, but for better or worse, I’m going to tell real and authentic stories from experience, and I hope there are people that can relate. What's next for you? I'll be back in the studio this Summer, so I'm currently attempting to narrow down which songs will make the final list. Meanwhile, I have a bunch of unreleased songs that are mixed, mastered, and ready for release this Summer and Fall. I've got some shows booked for this Summer, and I'm beyond excited to get back to performing live. Last but not least - it's not confirmed yet, but I'll put out the energy here to try and manifest another appearance, performance, or sync placement if Netflix's Full Out movie series returns for a third installment. I'm a big believer in putting out intentional and deliberate energy because you never know when the universe might be listening. Instagram Facebook

JCarter is a Singer/Songwriter, & Artist from Los Angeles, CA. He is currently working on his New Album "ᵀᴴᴱ CΔRTΞR 𝓅𝓇𝑜𝒿𝑒𝒸𝓉" due out in early 2022. Ahead of the album and after 8yrs. Carter is finally ready to present New Music w/ a Buzz Single called "7ᴛʜ ᴅʀɪɴᴋ" Prod by Grammy nom producer KNOTCH; who's worked with the likes of Chris Brown, Diddy, Ray J, and Eric Bellinger just to name a few. Following the release of his buzz single "7th Drink," JCarter is back with a follow-up single "CHEATIN." JCarter opens up about his deepest feelings towards his current lover, speaking about their trust issues and how they affect the relationship. The record speaks to a relationship that has run its course, and both parties are holding on to what was, which leads them to "Cheating." Unfortunately, she broke the trust early on when they were both loyal, JCarter just feels he played the game better. JCarter feels he's not to blame for the way things went between the two of them. "Girl you're not the one I'm needing," shows how independent he wants to be after their relationship has been holding him back for quite some time. They both still have a love for each other, but can't keep continuing to hurt each other. JCarter really brings the concept of "CHEATIN" to life with his R&B flavored backings and soothing vocals coating the track perfectly! This record is a true anthem for people going through the most in their romantic life. Welcome to BuzzMusic, JCarter, we're so pleased to have you with us today. Your new record "CHEATIN" is a smash! Could you tell us more about the moments that fueled this record to its entirety? I would say the moment that fueled this record; was the track. R&B vibes w/ a HipHop undertone. Written by myself & Grammy Nom Producer, Songwriter, & Artist KNOTCH whose credits include Ray J, Chris Brown, Eric Bellinger, just to name a few. Definitely a song for the summer. Your vocal production and overall sound on "CHEATIN" is well polished! How do you go about creating the production to suit your song concepts? This song was produced by Lil Will and Co-produced by KNOTCH. I can't produce music to save my life LOL. if I hear a sound; I'll put my 2 cents in but other than that, it's a no LOL. I can however Vocal Produce, which I did on this song along w/ KNOTCH. "CHEATIN" is a record for all people going through the highest highs and lowest lows of romance. What would you personally like your listeners to take away from this record? Well "CHEATIN" is about holding on to a relationship/love that's over; and probably has been over for a while. I think this happens a lot in relationships and friendships. People hold on for kids, comfort, control, etc. I would say the takeaway is, to be honest, be aware, and know that just because you may love someone; that doesn't mean you are meant to be together. The ambient vibe set on this track sends us away into space! Do you create the production or do you create based on the production chosen? I create based on the production that's chosen.. melodies, lyrics, and energy all come from how the track makes me feel. From there "the song writes itself" most times. What's next for you? What's next for me? Shooting the visual for "CHEATIN" coming soon, of course, the project which will be out at the end of the year, and hopefully some Brand Collaborations & music features. Instagram Facebook

Chilean drummer, composer, and producer Cristián Tamblay is a true jazz fusion artist, and he brings that to the table in his new 6-track EP, 'Exordium.' Cristián Tamblay's name has swept the international jazz scene. He's collaborated with a ton of renowned names like Derek Sherinian, David Fiuczynski, Jesus Molina, Chuck Rainey, Lalah Hathaway, and many more. One could describe his sound as a unique blend of r&b, Jazz, rock, funk, Latin, pop, and classical. On Tamblay's new EP, 'Exordium,' he takes his jazzy past and revives the genre with original compositions and lively, cinematic energy. Hopping into the EP, we're greeted with the introductory track, "El Quinto Relato," which brightly opens with a stunning and energetic string arrangement alongside quick percussion breakdowns. This song feels like it's straight out of a movie soundtrack, not only because it's eight minutes long, but because of Cristián Tamblay's densely skilled composition abilities that feed the mind, body, and soul. Moving into track number two, "Epiphany," Cristián Tamblay ups the groove and energy once more. This time around, he grooves his way through upbeat bass licks, jazzy piano melodies, a bright brass section, and offbeat percussion arrangements. It's quite a catchy piece that will definitely have listeners looking for the dancefloor. It also helps that Cristián Tamblay added a few breakdowns to really amplify his diverse production skills. Drifting into track three, "Narrative Of Delusions," Cristián Tamblay takes a different approach on this track, similar to some sort of jazzy and upbeat sonic daydream. The theme of delusions is present without the need for lyrics, and Tamblay spins a web of exhilarating sonics that leave us in sweat. This diverse halfway track packs a ton of emotion and could be the soundtrack to someone's chaotic dreams. Onto the EP's second half, we're met with "Spontaneity," alongside vocalist and rapper Tristan Simone. This song is a feast for the ears, not just because Simone's high-energy bars pound our speakers with heat, but because it all blends into this cerebral and cohesive mix. Cristián Tamblay tackles the sonic foreground with perfection while keeping the jazzy energy alive as Simone feeds us with fiery and conceptual bars. Reaching track number five, "Ataraxia," Cristián Tamblay continues that same intense and heated jazzy energy with a few gentle woodwind breakdowns. This cinematic piece is a tad mysterious and floods the listener with moody emotions as Tamblay heats the scene with impressive jazz arrangements. A minimalist feel to this tune makes listeners focus on each instrumental on their own, offering quite a unique listening experience. Reaching the EP's sixth and final track, "Opus Of A Fantasy," he wastes no time and feeds us all the energy and grooves our heart's desire. Tamblay uses all sorts of instrumentals in this piece, from drums and piano to brass and woodwind; it's truly a refreshing experience. This song feels like the end of a movie, knowing all characters got what they wanted, while an upbeat and jazzy soundtrack carries us to the credits with love, emotion, and authenticity. Experience the musical mastery of Cristián Tamblay's new 6-track EP, 'Exordium,' now available on all digital streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Cristián Tamblay. We're truly impressed with the diverse arrangements you've delivered in your new EP 'Exordium.' Did anything or any moments inspire you to create this cinematic project? Thank you for having me and for the kind words. Excitement and a certain feeling of unpredictability were definitely two of the main things I experienced when coming to Boston for the first time to study music, which motivated me to write this music. After my first year, back in 2018, I had time to process all the experiences lived, and probably one of the best things I did was translate those experiences into music. I already had some ideas laid down before starting writing, and that was certainly very helpful. It made the whole writing process a bit easier, and it gave me some time to be quite selective with the musicians I wanted for this music, who happened to be friends that I had just met back then at Berklee. Musically this record was strongly inspired by the music of Chick Corea, who I grew up listening to, and the music of Bela Bartók, whose music I was exposed to when I was finishing high school between 2015 and 2016. I attempted to blend some characters and some qualities from their music in terms of the arrangements and in terms of the styles of the whole record. Did you want the listener to feel or think about anything after experiencing your new EP, 'Exordium'? What did you want them to take away? I wanted the listener to hear an epic opening that would drive them into completely unknown stages within the passage of songs. Since it was my first record, I was approaching it with a sense of first exposure, the first “discourse” I was giving to the listener. Exordium is, in fact, an ‘introduction’. It is the very beginning stages of argument construction. One can, hopefully, hear the uplifting excitement with a combination of some doubtfulness, an implicit binary that is most times present at the commencement of a story. What was it like working with Tristan Simone for "Spontaneity" on the EP Exordium?’ Why did you want to add an upbeat rap to the project? Working with Tristan was an absolute pleasure. It all started when the amazing guitar player Pritesh Walia, who happens to be playing an outstanding solo on ‘Spontaneity’ and in many other tracks as well, had the idea of including a rapper on a vamp I was playing for him on the piano after a rehearsal we had for another project. I had some fundamentals, the harmony, the feel, the groove, except the melody, and I knew it needed something a bit different, but I didn’t know what that was exactly, not until Pritesh said, “that would sound great with a rapper on it”, then it clicked me. Back then, I was working with Rocket House, a Fusion band led by keyboardist Riccardo Gresino and guitarist Francesco Staccioli, and they had called this rapper Arturo (Tristan Simone), who I did not know, for one of the shows we were playing. I immediately loved his feel and swing in our first rehearsal, and I knew that, after Pritesh’s suggestion, Tristan had to be on this new song I was writing, and so it happened. A few weeks later, we had our first session, and it went pretty well. I had sent him a demo of the song a few days before the session, and he, later on, came up with the lyrics, and then the magic happened. It was all “on the spot” and very spontaneous, hence the song title. What was the most challenging part about creating the 'Exordium' EP? What was difficult for you? The whole recording process was probably the most challenging aspect of producing ‘Exordium’. I had the fortune of working with one of the most professional and dedicated engineers/producers I had met in Boston, Ivan Cheung. He really put a lot of love and effort into this entire project. Ivan engineered and produced the whole record as well as mixed the track ‘Ataraxia’. We even had to work remotely for some of the post-production processes once the pandemic hit, and that became another challenge for us. Nevertheless, we still made everything work. Although it took almost two years of mixing and revising each track, it was totally worth it since, sonically, the record ended up being amazing. Which song from 'Exordium' is your personal favorite and why? It is hard to pick a favorite. Each song has its own personality, and the whole purpose of the record was to present Jazz mixed with multiple other styles. However, if I had to pick one, it’d probably be ‘Ataraxia’ primarily because it is the only one that develops more dynamically and also because of the meaning behind it. Although the ancient Greek concept of Ataraxia varies among each philosophical paradigm, the main definition has to do with a state of absolute imperturbability from distress and worry. It is a necessary state to achieve Eudaimonia, what we know as happiness, which used to be understood as the ultimate purpose of an individual’s life. The song proposes a problem with this: the impossibility of achieving a state of absolute freedom from worry and disturbance. These are some crucial states of mind that give us the chance to perceive the wrong in our actions and then, hopefully, do something about it. So, there is this desire, a hope, that Ataraxia could eventually be possible, and this song impersonates that hope through its lyricism. This is what would make ‘Ataraxia’ my favorite track, but, again, each song has a lot to say. What's next for you? This year I’ve released two singles, ‘Sergio’ and a Sonata in D minor by Scarlatti. Now, I’m moving on to recording jazz standards featuring some of the best players I know and some excellent singers as well. I want to share with people how versatile musicians can be when playing ‘straight ahead’ or when accompanying a singer, and that is why these songs will have some very interesting arrangements. I’m also writing more original music for jazz ensembles and arranging some contemporary pieces for string quartets with a drum set, something that I’ve already done before, but this time I want to write some originals for the quartet. Personally, I’ll be moving to NYC for a year by the end of August to continue my music studies and to play with musicians around the New York scene as well. It’s been something I’ve been looking forward to lately. Very exciting things are coming up, that’s for sure. Instagram Facebook

Bringing us a nomad of an album from Toronto, Berlin, Montreal, and Boston, is Vox Rea's highly anticipated debut project, 'Vox Rea: Self-Titled.' Vox Rea is Kate Kurdyak, Lauren Kurdyak, Kaitlyn Hansen Boucher, and Mitchell Schaumberg. Together, they create soundtracks for navigating life in the 20-something stage through euphoric and honest creations. The group's new album, 'Vox Rea: Self-Titled,' gives listeners a sliver of hope in this raw and chaotic digital world. The record was recorded in the snowy forests of Quebec, Canada. It uses a unique digital and analog recording hybrid that fuses electronic elements and real, human connection. Listeners can also get a visual representation of the album through Vox Rea's breathtaking short film entitled 'The Beast,' available on YouTube. The new album features some familiar and popular tracks from the group, such as the chilling anthem for forgiveness, "Dose Me Up," and the free-spirited alternative tune, "Reset." From Vox Rea's point of view, their debut self-titled album was "born out of a fascination with the contradictions inherent in the human experience." They add that it's a celebration of living freely and an ode to the nature of choice. At its core, the 'Vox Rea: Self-Titled.' debut album tracks the journey of Vox Rea "trying to come to terms with their generation's place in the human story." It covers early adulthood themes like self-doubt, lust, identity, independence, grief, and discovering what freedom truly means. Once you're ready to dissect the meaning of life as a 20-something individual, look no further than Vox Rea's conceptual debut album, 'Vox Rea: Self-Titled.," now available on all digital streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Vox Rea. We love the meaning and concept within your debut album, 'Vox Rea' What inspired these authentic and relatable themes of early adulthood? That means a lot, thank you. The album was written over a few years while we were all in our early twenties. So much of it was processing the existential angst of being a twenty-something trying to find your place in the world. Especially these days when we and so many of our peers are questioning how to live in what sometimes feels like a dying world. The concept of freedom is a theme that permeates the record. There’s this Kierkegaard quote that goes, “anxiety is the dizziness of freedom” and that beautifully sums up what this album is about. How does your short film, "The Beast," represent the album, 'Vox Rea'? How does it dissect what the album is about? The Beast was a medium where we wanted to represent some of the themes on the album (grief, escapism, fear, identity) using abstract imagery. We tell the story of our progression as a band and as people through all these interconnected parallel universes. More generally, it's a story about the fight against nihilism and the pursuit of meaning in this life. What was it like recording such a personal record like 'Vox Rea?' Was this a cathartic and rather spiritual experience? 100%. For us, music is a modality that creates a sort of container for these otherwise overwhelming feelings that are moving through us. There is so much catharsis that comes from processing in this way. The work of the artist is so empowering in that it takes something hard and turns it into something tangible and beautiful. What impact do you want the 'Vox Rea' album to have on listeners? What do you hope they learn, think, and feel? One of our guiding principles as artists is to get out of the way and leave room for people to map their own stories onto the music. Subjectivity is what we love most about the power of art. The beauty of the relationship between artist and listener is that you hand over the power of interpretation. We actively try not to say too much about what art means. We can tell you where it came from, but ultimately when you put music out into the world, there’s an understanding that it is meant to take on whatever form or story the listener needs to hear. What's next for you? We have our short film “The Beast” coming out on May 31st. Then we’re touring for most of the summer. We’re also about to record some new music that we’re really excited about. Instagram Facebook

The Kumari is an energetic heavy melodic rock band from London. The trio consists of Claude Pelletier (Vocals/Guitar), Hughsie (Drums) Gage Ardagh (Bass). The Kumari have six critically acclaimed singles under their belts and have been regarded as the ones to watch within London’s fledging live music scene and by journalists. The Kumari pulls through with another heavy smash-of-a-single, "Grit." They begin the single with a skit set on a road, and a car comes flying past; that's when the guitars start to electrify the atmosphere. The band lights up the track for a full minute and a half with their uptempo drums and melodious guitars, without a single vocal insight. Then bam! The soothing and hypnotic sounds of the vocalist and his poetic literature grab you by the neck, and you can't help but enjoy the experience. "Lost my way that much is true, Isn’t a lot that I can do," expresses how hopeless and lost he felt at the time. Even though he tries harder every day, he can't seem to escape his town, "Rising up and coming down." He feels trapped in a vicious cycle that's putting a mental strain on him; his only option is to try and not give up. The Kumari does a phenomenal job of delivering a melodic yet grungy record, "Grit." We are looking forward to hearing more from The Kumari shortly. Welcome to BuzzMusic, The Kumari. Your new song"Grit" is brilliant. We love everything about it, from the electrifying guitars to punching drums! So what sparked the idea for the direction of it all? Thank you. It was supposed to be an extension of our last release, ‘Hugo from East to the west,’ but it will probably be mixed in like that on our next album if we do one. The storytelling on "Grit" is top-notch. Have you always had this poetic approach with song-writing and approaching records, or was it something that improved over time? The idea and feeling came first with the song. In your face, apocalyptic drone. At the moment, we are writing more film topics, soundtrack instrumental-type songs arranged in weird bits rather than the standard format and maybe don’t even need lyrics… As a band, how do you collectively decide which records to create? Could you explain a bit about production decision-making as a band? The songs come sporadically most of the time. It starts with an idea from myself, and it gets played to the band, and we create from there. Usually from a riff most of the time. What would the central message be for listeners to take away from this record or the music you create overall? We hope that the song can move people in any way they feel or take from it. It’s probably not for everyone and takes some deep listening. Turn the lights off and get lost in the drone and intense desperation. What's next for you? We are recording a live session of ‘Grit’ in June for Shed sessions. We will be getting together a set and getting back on stage and playing some more shows in the UK and Europe. Hopefully… it’s been a few years. Instagram Facebook

Eccentric alternative/indie artist Crashing Hotels infuses a natural psychedelic pizzaz into his music. Taking a unique approach to songwriting, Ao Anderson has reached a new peak with his recent release, "For a Sunburn," which captures the very essence of his artistry. Based in Los Angeles, CA, Crashing Hotels is a project that he began with incredible passion. For over 20 years, Crashing Hotels chose to avoid music listening as much as possible in hopes that this would stir ultimate authenticity in his creative mind. As a result, listeners can keep in mind that the music of Crashing Hotels is generated by entirely raw and un-influenced creativity. Once pressing play on "For a Sunburn," we're taken into a world of kaleidoscopic flavor. Crashing Hotels ensures listeners of this song are brought on an explorative, mind-altering journey, which is successfully achieved by beautifully-crafted synths that pour out of our speakers, infusing into our auditory system and stimulating the rest of our senses to release those feel-good chemicals. There's such a unique blend of instrumentals that "For a Sunburn" feels almost hallucinatory. The vocals seamlessly blend into this atmosphere, further attributing to the rarely psychotropic yet calming sound Crashing Hotels collectively produces. Are we impressed? Yes. Crashing Hotels establishes an incredibly strong presence within the psychedelic indie community with his release of "For a Sunburn." His earthly and serene energy can be felt throughout the song, which only leaves us craving more of his anomalous creative edge. "For a Sunburn" is a beautifully-crafted psychotropic journey. Where did the influence for the new single come from? I hate to sound boring, but I don't know. I wrote it randomly one day just out of the need to write. Were there any other artists that helped it come to its fruition? Habbert Cheeks III played drums on this one, and a friend sang the hook, but other than that, it was just me. Can you tell us about your band? When did it form? Who's currently performing live with you? The end of 2017 was the year I started playing serious shows. Currently, I haven't played with a new lineup yet, but I have some friends out here in LA who are going to be getting down with me on stage. How would you describe the impact you wanted "For a Sunburn" to have on its listeners and how did this song impact you when it was finished? I want it to make people feel happy and loved because that's how I felt when I recorded it, and it's how I feel now after releasing it. After releasing this new single, do you feel any different as an artist? Do you feel further inspired or challenged for your further music releases? Yeah, this was a meaningful one for me. After the pandemic being so difficult for me in so many ways, this release has really knocked it home that I have something special that people want to hear. With the world being so totally screwed, I feel inspired to give my music the time and energy it deserves and get out on the road. What can we expect with your forthcoming full-length LP, TROPHIC CASCADE? How will it differ from previous releases? When is it dropping? The album is different from the previous one because I brought in a drummer and bassist to record parts on most of the tunes. This album has a super different feel than 'Exploration Exploitation' because it's not as low-bass-focused. It all feels a bit faster, and I think people are going to be surprised with the sound being so bouncy. Instagram Artist Website