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Blazing his way through the scene from Lake Worth, Florida, is a singer-songwriter and alternative-punk recording artist Dominic DeLaney with his gripping 9-track album, 'The Marrow In My Bones.' Dominic DeLaney's broad musical style comprises sounds of punk, alternative, and a dash of acoustic alongside folk-like storytelling. It's expansive, to say the least, and fans from Chicago to Denver have all raved about the recording artist's thrilling live performances and ability to keep the audience engaged. Dominic DeLaney's 2021-released album, 'The Marrow In My Bones, brings that same energy and grit.' Dominic DeLaney's debut album peels open with the intro track, "Chubby," a hearty serving of foot-stomping punk rock with a western, country, folk-like edge. The introduction takes us by surprise with pounding punk drums and Dominic DeLaney's angsty, exciting vocals that beam like the first ray of sun. The song's lively instrumentals keep us hooked with groovy guitar licks and driving rhythm guitars. All stress is relieved when reaching the glimmering hook, which comes through with the brightest synths while maintaining that gripping and exhilarating rock atmosphere. Onto track number two, "From the Start," Dominic DeLaney opens this song on more of an emotional alternative-rock tone with radiant and expansive electric guitars alongside thrilling drum breaks and a plucky, soft acoustic guitar. As DeLaney begins pouring his warm and melodic vocals through our speakers, he asks 'P' where she's been, how she's a bitch, and claims that everything he says is from the bottom of his heart. An underlying sense of energy and relief comes with this exciting banger, perhaps a sort of acceptance to move onward and upward. The third track, "Have My Back, " slows things down and softly opens with a soothing electric guitar that quickly transitions into an acoustic-guitar heavy verse that pounds our speakers with heavy drums and Dominic DeLaney's vibrant energy. This song takes on the theme of wondering if someone will be there for you through thick and thin, and DeLaney's portrayal of those thoughts and emotions is spot on. We love the anguish and wonder Dominic DeLaney sings with; he has this incredible way of placing the listener deep within his concepts, almost as if they're experiencing it first-hand. Pumping up the grit and power is track number four, "Seen It All Before," which takes listeners deep into the 'crazy college tuition drug binge,' the repetitive nature of addiction, and admitting that sometimes we all get high (and we all get low too). This song has a mysteriously-sounding verse that quickly transitions into a blistering and anthemic hook to further enhance the listening experience. There's so much energy and passion within this album thus far, and Dominic DeLaney's wailing guitars, raspy vocals, and shoutouts to working at Subway make the experience worthwhile. The album's mid-way track, "Play Hard Play Honest," opens with samples of an excited crowd alongside Dominic DeLaney's high-energy drums, familiar vocals, and punchy guitars that set the passionate tone. DeLaney later goes into those difficult emotions of playing shows and living in the moment but feeling terrified that his special someone won't be around once he's home. Although his lyrics come from an honest and emotional place, this song is drenched in drive, relentlessness, and passion for his craft. We can only imagine the experience that comes with witnessing this banger live in concert. Reaching the album's sixth track, "Sad Songs," Dominic DeLaney takes the energy back down and opens the song with his bright acoustic guitar and minimal piano melodies. While reminiscing of younger, better days and watching life get harder, Dominic DeLaney expresses that although he's cried more than he should, sad songs just make him feel good. That lyric is vastly relatable, take it from us, and we're sure listeners will appreciate DeLaney's ability to navigate life through such meaningful lyrics that truly move mountains. This song is wildly cathartic; it's packed with release, anguish, and perseverance. There's a recurring theme in this album that reappears on the seventh track, "My Way Home," where Dominic DeLaney touches on how he misses someone singing along to his songs while wondering if they miss him in return. This song is very uplifting; the beaming acoustic guitars alongside soft synths and driving drums never fail to pump up the party and give listeners the relief they're looking for. All in all, Dominic DeLaney is sure that he'll find his way back home; even in the darkest times where loneliness waves over like a dim shadow, there's still a light at the tunnel's end. Another toe-tapping tune bolts through our speakers with "Pay Me (feat. Andii Styron)," which takes off with tight drum breaks and the grooviest electric guitar riffs to launch the song's energy. As Dominic DeLaney makes his way in, he energetically sings of those dreaded questions like 'did you get a job yet?' or 'did you get a car yet?' yearning to leave it all behind and never think twice. Andii Styron's added female flair gives the song a rich punk edge that oozes equal amounts of energy, stimulation, and attitude. There's so much to hear in this track, and all aspects are definitely worth listening to. Taking us to the soul-soothing outro track, "Life On Mars," Dominic DeLaney and his tender acoustic guitar gently open this piece, singing of waiting for a chance where things get better while floating on a rock in space. As the lush piano melodies and soft electric guitars make their way in, DeLaney takes us through the first verses to end the song on this radiant and cathartic note. The instrumentals pound through our speakers on the bridge to serve us the last few ounces of energy, closing the album with profound introspection and the need for better, brighter days. Do some needed soul-searching with a bit of help from Dominic DeLaney's engaging and deeply personal 9-track album, 'The Marrow In My Bones,' now available on all digital streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Dominic DeLaney, and congratulations on the release of your debut album, 'The Marrow In My Bones.' When did you begin writing lyrics and executing ideas for this album? How long did it take to create? Thank you very much! Some of these songs were written around 2018, and some were even featured on my first acoustic EP “Chubby”. I’d say about half of them came from that EP and we’re then touched up to be the full band songs they are now. The other half was written during 2019/2020. The album took a bit to be made as it was made during the lockdown of 2020. Recording remotely was a weird process that I hope to never have to repeat again! The learning curve was very sharp by necessity. It took a lot of hours figuring out how to essentially turn my living room into my personal studio, and then I would send files back and forth with my producer. What inspired the entire album 'The Marrow In My Bones'? What led you to create it? I think when I started playing live shows again in 2018 the natural progression led me back to songwriting. I knew I didn’t want to be a cover artist, and thankfully I’ve still never had to play “Brown Eyed Girl”, or really any song I don’t want to play thankfully. The first song that was written for the album was “Play Hard Play Honest”, also where the title “The Marrow In My Bones” comes from. The song was directly inspired by a quote Frank Turner had signed on my dad’s guitar, telling him to do just that - Play Hard, Play Honest. That hit home for me and is something I try and capture in every song I write. All of my songs are true, and tell people, myself included, who I am. As the songs started to come more frequently and I released the 'Chubby EP' I knew I wanted to pursue a full-band studio album and when the pandemic hit, the opportunity presented itself and I jumped at the chance. I’m glad I did. What was your main goal with the release of 'The Marrow In My Bones?' What impact and effect did you want the album to have? I think the main goal for me was just to have these songs out there with their full potential realized. I love playing them solo, and still do solo shows, but there’s something about the full band arrangements that really grab me. I love the energy of playing full band shows and this gave me a great foundation to start doing that more regularly. As for impact and effect, I think I want to write songs for people like me. I know I can’t be the only one feeling the way I feel or going through the things I go through, so having that relatability in my music is very important to me. For instance, the song “Sad Songs” deals with the loss of two of my good friends due to addiction, and it’s a heartbreaking song to play, but I think it’s important. For one, I remember my friends every time I play that song; and secondly, when someone comes up and tells me they relate to that song, I know it’s touched on something they’ve had in their life, and that connection is very real and intense. I am a pretty goofy person and that comes out in my songwriting, I think. I don’t like to take myself too seriously, but I do talk about serious topics. A good example is “Chubby” where the line is “I barely eat, but I’m still chubby” - it’s a bit of a funny line, but that entire song is about my excessive drinking at that time. It’s a fun upbeat song, but the meanings are a bit more serious. I kind of like that duality. What was it like working with Andii Styron for the song "Pay Me" from 'The Marrow In My Bones?' Have you worked with her in the past? Andii is just fantastic. She’s a great friend, and we were lucky to both sign to the same label and go through the process of figuring out how to work with them, in the middle of a global pandemic, together. The whole process of putting that song together was so natural and felt like the days of two kids just making a song in their garage. When writing the song I purposefully left a verse unwritten so that she could write her own, I didn’t want to be like “sing this, this way or it’s wrong”. I trust her musically and personally and I think she absolutely delivered. She’s an amazing musician and a very talented writer. This was the first time we got to work together on a recording but we originally met when we were both booked at a songwriter night here in Florida. When I met her and saw her perform for the first time, I knew I wanted to be friends with her and work with her in the future and I’m so glad it happened on this album. There will definitely be more collaborations in the future! Did you work with any other musicians or producers when formulating 'The Marrow In My Bones?' Who helped bring the record to life? Firstly I have to shout out to my friend Sara Scully. She sings on the song “From The Start” but because of how the album ended up listed, it doesn’t have her name on it, which, honestly, still irks me a bit. I and Sara are good friends and have toured together and I was so happy to have her be a part of this album. My label Innerstate Music made the whole album possible. I was very nervous coming into a situation where I was working with others, especially in the context of the pandemic, everything is done by email and zoom calls, but in the end, I think we pulled it off. But I think the people who really helped this album come to fruition are the people who continually come out to my shows, send me encouraging emails, and support my art. They’ve pushed me to do this whole music thing to the best of my ability and that support system, to me, is crucial. There are way too many to name, but I hope they know how much it means to me. My goal is to create the best art that I can create, and I think this captured that. That being said, I hope to continue to grow and continue being able to create something new and interesting. Instagram Facebook

Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, MC Zappa is the creator of Bit-Hop, a genre-fusing 8-bit video game music, and golden age hip hop. He is also the founder of Too Much Phunk Records. Zappa's sound is unique and his ability to mix different genres is highly impressive. His newly released single, "Candy Love" is a perfect example of his artistry. The song begins with a simple, 8-bit melody that is catchy and nostalgic. Zappa's smooth vocals flow over the beat effortlessly. He immediately draws the listener in with his charisma and sensual lyrics. The chorus is catchy and infectious, sure to get stuck in your head. Zappa's rap style is unique and his delivery is on point. He rides the beat perfectly, delivering his lyrics with precision and passion. "Girl, you were much more than just a drop of water in the ocean I was lovesick and your body was the potion I needed your love much more than food and air Felt I could do anything if you'd be there Damn baby, you got me open like a 7/11 Not religious, but with you I'm definitely in heaven The feelin' I get witchu is like a natural high There ain't no givin' it up or passin' it by; I need ya Candy love...(Yeah!) (You know what I'm sayin') Candy love..." The lyrics are dripping with raw emotion and passion. Zappa's performance is mesmerizing and his words are sure to resonate with anyone who has ever been in love. The song is a beautiful ode to the power of love and its ability to make us feel alive. MC Zappa is an incredibly talented artist with a bright future ahead of him. Be sure to check out his music and support his artistry. Welcome to BuzzMusic MC Zappa, and congratulations on your latest release "Candy Love." Can you start by explaining to our readers the origin of Bit-Hop and what are its key elements? Strictly speaking, Bit-Hop has its stylistic origins in both Golden Age/alternative hip hop and of course, 8-bit video game music. And if you were to look back even further than both, you’d find that it also has its origins in a funk. Sometimes I just am straight up playing funk with VGM synths. As far as key elements, the crux of Bit-Hop is 1) an 8-bit melody or bassline, and 2) a hard-hitting drumline, preferably sampled from a dusty old record. There are a lot more intangible elements, however; I created the genre, so to a certain extent it is an extension of myself and my mind. Yes, anyone can throw a Mario loop onto a drum brake, but who can EQ, mix, and filter melodies to sound either brighter than the sun or darker than midnight, depending on which is appropriate for the atmosphere? Who can select just the right vocal samples, engineer the perfect transitions, and all the while maintaining a vibe that somehow balances the old and the new? You can have all the sounds you want but if you don’t have the energy, you can never make true Bit-Hop. How did you come up with the idea for Bit-Hop and how did you develop it? Quite simply; in about 2016 I started producing music after watching “Straight Outta Compton”. My heroes all sampled funk and soul records, so of course, that’s what I did as well. However, as any experienced cratedigger knows, even though there are millions of soul and deep funk cuts to be discovered, eventually, the 45s get a little boring, and you start running out of ideas. I already had an odd penchant for casually listening to 8bit video game OSTs, so I decided to start sampling them just like I would a funk or soul record. At first, I was completely green, but then as time went on, I began to study both music theory and the mechanics of 8bit VGM, which allowed me to create my own, accurate-sounding chiptune samples. Remember, you’ve got to thoroughly learn the rules so you can break ‘em. What are your musical influences? Oh, man. That’s kinda hard to answer. Well, in a nutshell, everyone. *laughs* Seriously, there is a VERY long list of artists that I’m strongly inspired and influenced by. Ice Cube, Eric B & Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, MF DOOM, Boogie Down Productions, Biz Markie, Gang Starr, Diamond D, EPMD, the Wu-Tang Clan, the Beastie Boys, Metallica, Megadeth, Curtis Mayfield, Cutty Ranks, James Brown, Tim Follin and of course the legendary Koji Kondo…and that’s honestly just the tip of the iceberg. If you want a shorthand answer, you could just say that my main influences are the entire pantheon of Golden Age hip hop, plus Koji Kondo. I am an amalgam of the Golden Era. How did you get into music production and how did you develop your style? After I watched “Straight Outta Compton” with my mother, I basically said to myself “huh, that looks like fun”, and I just kinda went for it. At the time, one of my aunties had given me an old Samsung tablet. I quickly repurposed it as the basis of my sound system, using it to store samples and recordings, record vocals, and program beats. I remember I had this little app called “Samply”…it was basically a condensed, VERY stripped-down version of an MPC. Honestly, it was a piece of crap, but that was what I had to make do with before I had a computer and a DAW. And as far as my style? I’m not sure if this is referring to my musical style or my fashion. As far as my musical style, it resulted from a helluva lot of experimentation. It took me a minute to learn the basic tenets of music production, but once I was secure in them, I then had room to improvise and experiment. Thus was my unmistakable style born. And as far as my sartorial style, honestly, I don’t even know. I’m a geek, so I wear a lot of nerdy stuff. I’m also a huge metalhead/punk, so I wear a lot of clothing inspired by those scenes. In fact, my signature battle jacket is an example of this. Some punks and metalheads wear these handmade garments that are covered with patches representing their favorite bands. Well, I did something similar, except my patches represent Golden Age hip hop and retro gaming, and the biggest name on it is my own. *chuckles* What are your thoughts on the current state of the music industry and the role of independent artists? I’ll be frank: I don’t like it. I don’t like it at all. It’s kind of a double-edged sword situation. On one hand, the advent of the internet and the growth of online music communities combined with reduced prices for home recording equipment leads to a lower threshold and reduced barriers to recording and releasing music to a broader audience, which is ostensibly a good thing. But on the other hand, the fact that there is now practically no barrier to entry, at least in my eyes, has absolutely flooded the market with a surplus of untalented copycat characters. It’s cheapening the art form. And honestly, that may not be so bad in and of itself, but it seems that the industry seems to favor these kinds of people. It looks to me like these days, the more you try to look and sound like the next man and the less creative you are, the more likely you’ll be to be rewarded with a record deal and the financial backing of a major label. I don’t like that. It’s backward. The music industry needs to shine a spotlight on some of these folks that are mad obscure but are also mad creative and one-of-a-kind. But like I said, technological and social developments made over the past 15 years have made it much easier to be an independent artist with a sustainable career, and that is a good thing. I know quite a few cats who are quite frankly musical geniuses, but they are unseen by The Machine. But they have business savvy, so they know how to reach who they need to reach. And that’s what it ultimately comes down to—the interests of the hip hop industry and the hip hop community are WILDLY disparate. The industry doesn’t give a damn about the culture, or the art form. I can almost guarantee that if you were to ask three CEOs and A&Rs from the top hip hop labels what the elements of hip hop were, they’d have no idea at all what you were talking about. Well, it’s been like this for a long time, and as long as the current industry trends continue, we are going to continue to see an influx of nondescript microwaved stars who merely rap for a paycheck, as opposed to people who do what they do for the love of the culture. Remember—if you want to predict a trend, follow the money. Instagram Twitter

From Kosovo to Toronto, 18-year-old recording artist, producer, and raw singer-songwriter Sahati graces the ears with a relatable, softly angst-ridden single, "anything." Sahati began turning heads when she had the chance to open for Miley Cyrus at Sunny Hill Festival. Now, the young singer-songwriter returns with new singles, international multi-language collaborations, and her debut EP, 'post-kid.' Her music mainly ranges between new-wave, grrrl-riot punk, and alternative in Albanian and English. The multi-instrumentalist recently dropped a heart-string-tugging new single, "anything," alongside a picturesque wanderer-esque music video. The visual sees Sahati roaming the cold Toronto streets navigating through life's peaks and valleys all in her head. In fact, she can make just about "anything" in her head. This anthem for post-kid overthinking opens with soft and gentle electric guitar melodies muffled in watery sounds to soothe the minds and souls of any listener. As a brighter electric guitar begins plucking its way through the first verse, Sahati makes her vocal appearance and floats down with silky-smooth melodies. Before we know it, a groovy and alternative mid-tempo dream beat smashes through our speakers while Sahati keeps her cool and serenades us with her relatable words that depict her mind's perpetual noise. This song is incredibly dynamic; it serves a relief-bearing drum arrangement alongside Sahati's cathartic and dreamy vocals to balance out the experience. We appreciate the youthful vibe Sahati brings to the music scene, but a sense of maturity is quite impressive and noteworthy. Do yourself a favor and get to know an artist you'll never forget with Sahati's new single, "anything," now available on all digital streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Sahati. We were honestly speechless after listening to your relatable and dynamic new single, "anything." What moments inspired you to write this piece? Thank you so much. Honestly, "anything" was created to release a buildup of emotional tension. I was 17, just moved to another continent by myself, decided to pursue music full-time while also getting a degree, and still felt like I wasn't doing enough. It felt weird to be constantly working yet still feel unproductive. I know a lot of us to compare ourselves to people on social media who preach about maximal productivity, waking up at 5 AM, and using every second efficiently. It's so stress-inducing. Where's the fun in that? "anything" was my way of coming to terms with the fact that I'm never going to do it all, and that's okay because I want to take my time and appreciate the things I do end up doing. As for the rest, I can just imagine it in my head. Speaking of your songwriting process for "anything," was it easy for you to transform your thoughts into emotions? Was this experience rather straightforward? Ohh yea! I was kicking my feet in the air after finishing the lyrics because it was the first time I experienced words just writing themselves through me. I deleted all of my social media for a few weeks, and that really allowed me to stop feeling like I had to write things that others would approve of. I screamed, cried, and laughed so much while working on the "post-kid" songs. The instrumentals for this I had been working on for a while, and once I went back home to Kosovo, I showed it to the talented Drin Tashi of Sytë band, and we finished producing the track together. How does the music video for "anything" emphasize the song's meaning? Was it meant to represent that you can keep yourself entertained with such a busy mind? Yeah, that's definitely part of it. I really wanted to capture the journey of coming to terms with something – at first, you're scared, hesitant, but then you let it go, and it's not even that bad. Also, I just love dancing in a way that's just letting your limbs move however they want to, even if it's not pretty. I'm over the whole worrying about how it looks thing. Dancing is supposed to be an expression of what you're feeling, and my feelings aren't always beautiful, so why should my expression of it be? My mom likes it anyways, so that's all that matters to me, haha. Should we expect to hear "anything" on your upcoming debut EP' post-kid?' What else should we expect from that project? Yes, definitely. It's the opening track for the EP, and it serves as the first dive into my head. Every song represents a different stage in my life, so there's a whole variety of genres that I think people with different music tastes can enjoy. There are also music videos coming out during the entirety of summer, which I'm so excited for as the recordings take place in Toronto, Montreal, and Europe as well. I just want people to have fun with it – put your headphones on, go to a room where you're alone, and vibe to it. Allow it to take you where it does. What's next for you? Music is definitely my focus, but music to me is also visuals, poetry, and films, so I am constantly trying to connect it with different mediums. I didn't grow up seeing any female drummers or music producers in Kosovo, and that left me with a lot of doubt when starting out. I want to make my artistic growth journey a bit more public, so young girls or anyone who is just starting out can have access to that process and realize that it's a learning curve. I think it's really important to show the "boring" parts of an artist's life, a Murakami-inspired vision that I hope to achieve and turn into something beautiful. Also got lots of upcoming shows and super sick collaborations with artists, which I will be sharing the behind-the-scenes of on my socials, so you should definitely join me on this journey! 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Vancouver-based singer-songwriter and lush adult contemporary recording artist Mathew V soothes the soul with his gentle new hit, "Healing," from his Juno Award-nominated EP, 'The Outer Circle.' Mathew V has firmly planted his roots in the vibrant Canadian music scene. At the mere age of 17, he moved to London, England, discovering his signature sound and musical awakening. Now back in Van, Mathew V has had the chance to work alongside names like Dan Mangan, Shaun Frank, Fly by Midnight, and open for Betty Who, MAGIC, Ria Mae, and more. The Canadian recording artist just secured his first Juno Award nomination for his recent dynamic EP, 'The Outer Circle,' featuring the gentle and deeply heartfelt single, "Healing." The song offers an incredibly cathartic theme of noticing yourself healing from past trauma and heartbreak, and while you might not be entirely healed, acknowledging your growth is the needed first step. Peeling back the layers of "Healing," the song warmly opens with lush and delicate acoustic guitar picking alongside Mathew V's blissful hums that float and flutter like a butterfly. As he begins setting the scene with intimate and personal lyrics that ask for someone's embrace, help, and love, Mathew V softly moves his way over to the hook while making some essential realizations. A soothing piano melody meets the ears on the hook alongside Mathew V's elegant vocal harmonies that bring the song deeper into his personal emotions and journeys. This song has to be one of the most authentic and cathartic we've heard this year; there's so much tender emotion to hear in Mathew V's performance, and his dreamy sonics perfectly match the entire delicate and chilling vibe. Do some soul searching and begin your process to "Healing" with Mathew V's latest hit from his recent 6-track EP, 'The Outer Circle,' now available on all digital streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Mathew V. You've left us swooned with your gentle and meaningful single, "Healing." What inspired you to write this uber personal and emotional piece? Thanks so much for the kind words! This song is my personal favorite from my catalog. I typically write music very fast, but this song took me a few years to finish. It has traveled through many different lyrical concepts and titles, but nothing felt right until I landed on “Healing.” It felt like I had finally found the sentiment that matched what I was going through and also matched how the melody made me feel. How does "Healing" fit into the concept and theme of your recent EP 'The Outer Circle?’ During the pandemic, I found myself struggling to write as I had no new experiences coming in for inspiration. I took the opportunity to dive into past experiences that I had bottled up and pushed down. That process made me realize that I had a lot of things that I hadn’t dealt with, and in turn... this EP was very therapeutic. What do you hope to make your audience experience when listening to the six tracks from 'The Outer Circle'? I hope that this music finds people who can relate to it. I think music has a beautiful way of finding us when we need it most. This EP touches on many different events, moods, themes, and feelings that I think different people would relate to in different ways. If I can help one person feel like they are not alone in their experience, that’s super cool for me. How does 'The Outer Circle' EP represent your growth as a person and artist? Would you say this project is your most evolved and mature to date? I think that this project is definitely my most mature. I was more honest with myself on this project than I have been in the past. I also allowed myself to make music that may not have been as flashy as some of my previous, which left me vulnerable. However, I found it super empowering to feel confident in the bare bones of these songs. It was a wonderful step for me, and I’m really proud of this body of work. You were recently nominated for a JUNO Award for Adult Contemporary Album of The Year for 'The Outer Circle' EP. Can you explain how it feels to be nominated and what's next for you? Being nominated for a JUNO is something I’ve had on my career bucket list since I started music. It’s a huge honor to be nominated amongst artists whom I respect and some that I am lucky to call friends. Celine Dion (my idol) was nominated in this category last year... which blows my mind a little. This has been a wonderful nod of validation on a project where I trusted my instincts and took a risk. I’m currently starting a new project that is definitely a big risk for me... but it feels so right. I’m looking forward to that journey, and with some amazing shows coming up, I’m looking forward to sharing musical moments with wonderful humans. Instagram Facebook

Christopher Ramon Wade, professionally known as SonicFluxx, was born and raised on the east coast of Central Florida - the birthplace of many entertainers, musicians, and bands such as Jim Morrison, Debbie Harry NSYNC, and Backstreet Boys. Growing up in the '80s and '90s, SonicFluxx had many musical influences, such as Depeche Mode, Madonna, Freddy Mercury, Britney Spears, Janet Jackson, Elton John, and Pet Shop Boys. Following the lead of such musical trailblazers, the talented young entertainer began, at a young age, to analyze popular music and how it is created. With a fascination with what makes a great pop song, SonicFluxx started his career in songwriting and music production. In 2021, SonicFluxx moved to Los Angeles with nothing but a laptop full of songs and the clothes on his back with the dream of becoming the next worldwide pop act. Fast forward to today and the release of his new vibrant single, "Turn It Around," and you hear just how on the path SonicFluxx is towards his goals. Taking a timeless classic by Vicki Sue Robinson and adding his own unique flair to this rendition, SonicFluxx blows us out of the water with his immersive bop. Playing off such a colossal track can be intimidating, but the way that SonicFluxx approaches it is rather captivating. There's a protruding texture that breaks through the vocal layers and jumps out at us as we take in the mesmerizing melodies sung by SonicFluxx. His effervescent nature and unapologetic persona bring us a bigger slice of himself than we could imagine. Reiterating pieces of the past in this electronic cover has us fully ready to hear what else SonicFluxx has in store for us. Pop needs a splash of nostalgia, and SonicFluxx incorporates this with his styling as if it comes to him effortlessly. Welcome to BuzzMusic, SonicFluxx, and congratulations on the release of your latest single, "Turn It Around." What inspired you to spruce up this nostalgic pop hit? Thank you for the support, and great to be a part of BuzzMusic! My inspiration behind reinventing "Turn the Beat Around" by Gloria Estefan was finding that many melodies throughout the '80s and '90s have been forgotten or never heard of by newer generations. Some melodies transcend time and space. I feel like the melodies of "Turn the Beat Around" are a prime example of this. Times are tough right now for everyone in so many ways. Gloria's version talks about loving the sound of percussion and loving the certain energy instruments give. I wanted to tell a story with my song. When times are tough, all you need to do is "turn the beat around" to something happy, and you'll be okay - even for just three minutes. Music is therapeutic. We all need a little bit of inspiration and hope sometimes. My wish is that my song gives those in need that little boost in their day to get through. Since moving to Los Angeles, what have you learned about your artistry and yourself as a person? This one is a toughie! SonicFluxx is an alter ego of myself, but it is not to say that personal experiences certainly affect my artistry. I won't deny that the past year has been a shit-show for me. Leaving all your belongings and moving to a new city with nothing but the clothes on your back and a laptop full of songs is commendable, not I wouldn't recommend it. Lol. I have learned that there will always be someone more successful than you are, and don't compare your career to others. I have also learned that you cannot take no for an answer. Many will say "no" before even listening to your work. Move on. Don't get stuck on who doesn't want to hear you. Focus on who DOES. While my music is generally speaking very upbeat and inspirational, I am working on a mini album that will showcase the darker side of SonicFluxx and address my experiences over the past year through music. What does "Turn It Around" say about you as an artist? I think "Turn It Around," says quite a bit about my personality, actually. I am a leader. I am strong-willing. I command. I tell it how it is. I think this song is one of the most dominating records I've got on my roster at the moment, which was a bit different for me to bring out. It shows my love of pop music, my love of the '80s and '90s music, and the constant drive to stay happy. I actually do listen to my own songs when I am down. In fact, many of my songs came straight from my own personal diary. In each line of my song, I have a personal connection. I have taken my own emotional dialog with myself and put it into song form for the world to hear. What message do you have for your audience looking to get into a music career themselves? It is one of the toughest industries to get into. You will be told you aren't good enough. You will be told you aren't pretty enough. You will be tasked to perform for free in lieu of the "opportunity it brings". You will be asked by record labels to pay them for a contract. You will be scammed. Stay true to what you are doing and why you are doing it. Don't be a sheep if you want to get into this industry and play with the wolves. You will get eaten alive. Become a wolf. You'll thank me later. What's next for you? The next single is called "Starlight." All original track was produced by the same team as Lady Gaga's Born This Way. Can you take a child's lullaby and turn it into a commercial pop/dance song? That was the challenge I gave myself. And the answer is: Yes.....yes, you can. Stay tuned! Instagram Facebook

From Kingsbury, London, heavy-hitting rapper, songwriter, and creator of his own empire, MKHL, graces our ears with a punchy, groovy, and conceptual new self-titled album, 'MKHL.' The new record isn't to be taken lightly; it comprises everything a modern hip-hop record should and a whole lot more. After releasing his debut album 'Oh-Sama' in 2017, MKHL has been hard at work developing his craft, collaborating, and selling out famous venues. Without further ado, let's dive into the sweltering vibes of MKHL's sophomore album, 'MKHL.' The record sets the tone with the ominous introductory track, "Distant (feat. Jadakiss)," alongside producer Jayweb. As the broad and heated production begins ramping up the energy, MKHL makes his dominant vocal appearance and dives into bars that dissect the grind, the fast-paced lifestyle, and the fakes he's met along the way. This track is as dark as night, and Jadakiss' powerhouse feature is everything we need to grab our attention right off the bat, foreshadowing a bang-up listening experience throughout the entire project. Onto track number two, "A Lie," this song opens with cinematic strings that leap into a robust hip-hop beat where the crispiest hi-hats pierce our speakers alongside MKHL's deep and attention-commanding flow. The production in this track is top tier, and it perfectly matches up with MKHL's dominant and energetic performance that raps of not seeing eye to eye with someone special and knowing their 'relationship' is far from over. We love the party-like vibe of this track; it maintains the energy the entire time while feeding us the power, tenacity, and rhythm of timeless British rap. Continuing through the album, we meet the third track, "That's Deep," which brightly opens with shaker-like hi-hats and Spanish-like brass to bring out a more radiant and uplifting feel. However, MKHL's familiar profound, and gut-stirring production maintains its slight darkness and gritty edge to keep the vibe alive. MKHL's performance in this track is another treat for the ears that showcases his solo talents while he touches on the passion and lust he feels for someone's daughter. We admire the humor that MKHL adds to his bars, showcasing that it's not all seriousness in the studio for this British trailblazer. Completely switching up the vibe is the fourth track, "Vibes (feat. OneDay Ryan)," which kicks off with bouncy synth-like keyboard bursts that spin us into the realm of electronic music. Right off the bat, MKHL turns heads left and right with his smooth, confident, and laidback flow that tracks his fast-paced lifestyle and his perpetual plans to reach success. About halfway through, the deep and poised stylings of OneDay Ryan pour down from above while he fuels our fire with cohesive bars that flow like a sharp winter breeze. This song is incredibly dynamic and probably our favorite so far. Onto a track we're really excited about, "Or 2 (feat. Wiz Da Kid & Xavier Jacobs)," this song takes us straight to the islands with the glimmering and warm Afrobeat production to transform the album's vibe once more. MKHL's familiar vocals open the song, singing about making a mili (or two) while paving the way for Wiz Da Kid's prideful and radiant bars that touch on the past, present, and future. Before we know it, Xavier Jacobs smashes through our speakers to close the song with his charismatic and witty bars that bring us a completely unique and intriguing listening experience. Reaching the album's halfway point at track number six, "Baddie (feat. OneDay Ryan)," this smooth and passionate tune kicks off with a tender electric guitar melody alongside mid-tempo drum breaks. OneDay Ryan is the star of this track, as he blesses our ears with his stunning vocal stylings that perfectly match the song's easy-listening and blissful production. As he continues expressing his passion for a baddie he has his eye on, OneDay Ryan lifts us to the song's outro while letting us lose ourselves in the dreamy electric guitar melodies. Onto the album's second half, we meet track number seven, "Dessi (feat. OneDay Ryan & ILLVMINATE)." OneDay Ryan tears this song open with his airy and soft bars that expand on similar sensual and sexual scenes, paving the ground for MKHL to make his way in. As he takes the track by storm, MKHL topples us over with his heavy-hitting and punchy flow that leaves us hooked from top to bottom. ILLVMINATE jumps in on the hook to drench the song in his high-energy and Don Toliver-like vocals, belting suggestive scenes while fuelling us with a passionate and desirous fire. ILLVMINATE tackles the production for track number eight, "Yard (feat. Compton Menace)," which begins with a melodic piano alongside soothing brass samples and quick drum arrangements. MKHL jumps into the song without a dull moment and takes us into the fiery depths of his work ethic and need for success. This is also the first track where we get to know the powerful flow and bars of rapper Compton Menace, who takes the track by storm with his alluring and bouncy delivery to keep the party, grind, and energy high and mighty. There's so much to hear in this track, and it might have taken the spot as our #1 favorite on the album thus far. Jumping into track number nine, "Accent," MKHL takes this song solo alongside the detailed and complex production stylings of Jayweb. This song bursts through our speakers with tender vocal samples, energy-packed synths, and glittering keyboard melodies that quickly shift into a powerhouse hip-hop beat. We can't help but compare MKHL's dominant flow to other British heavyweights like Dave, and not just because they're both British, but because they both embody a particularly authentic and charismatic performance style with tight bars that leave any listener in awe of what they've just experienced. Hitting play on track number ten, "DM Me," MKHL takes this track solo once more and heats the energy from the jump. There have been production and sonic nods to the late great Pop Smoke throughout the entire album through his staple sub-bass, choppy drum breaks, and ominous atmospheres. It's safe to say that anyone who adores Pop's tunes will find their solace in MKHL's music, especially this anthemic banger. This track carries all the heat and energy to blast at any party, and MKHL's charismatic flow and catchy bars will definitely have all listeners chanting alongside the talented and dedicated recording artist. Onto the album's final track, "By Myself," which turns down the vibe with haunting brass samples that kick us into a bass-heavy hip-hop beat. This track represents the culmination of MKHL's vast success while also capturing the old days when the constant grind helped him get a feel for the intensity of his blossoming music career. And you guessed it, MKHL did it all by himself. We love the confident and boss energy this track emits; it's the perfect way to close such a dynamic and tightly wound album by letting us know that with some hard work, passion, and talent, you can make a mili (or two). Feed your ears with the anthems of success in MKHL's killer sophomore album 'MKHL,' now available to get down with on all digital streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, MKHL. We are honestly delighted to feature such a thorough and talented body of work with your latest album, 'MKHL..' When did you begin feeling inspired to create this powerhouse project? What led you to do so? Thank you, my album was a work of about three years as I continued to explore my horizons in music. I always want to explore new sounds and create my own twists on crowd favorites. Being from England myself and seeing so many UK artists finally breaking into the mainstream on an international level inspired me. NYC found this crazy love for drill, and I just saw this as a chance for me to show the world how I would take a genre like that and make it my own space. Were there any core themes or concepts you want to push to listeners within the 'MKHL' album? What did you want them to take away? The album is more of a personal journey. Im not really sure what people will take from it. My main goal was to create a vibe, the music you can listen to while you drive or have played at a party, and everyone is just feeling it. One of the main goals of this album was for me to give each of my producers the biggest feature I could, im glad to say between Jadakiss and Compton menace, I not only did that, but I also managed to get 2 OG's from both coasts on an independent UK artists album. What was it like collaborating with the many talented artists and producers on 'MKHL?' What was that experience like? Working with the artists, legends, and producers that helped me bring this project together created a safe space for me to express and be critiqued. We all wanted every song to feel like it was perfect but not so perfect that it lost its humanity. A big part of the process of creating this album was reflection and honesty. I decided to use my natural accent this time, and the flow and words just came to me like never before. There's a clear focus on joy and enjoying the moment that I wanted to feel from every note sometimes. Other times I wanted to capture that feeling of London at 3 pm when it's raining and grey out. Is there a track from 'MKHL' that's your personal favorite? Which song stands out to you the most and why? "Accent" is one of my personal favorites, tied with Distant. The song "Accent" is one of the oldest songs on the project, and it was the first song with my natural accent that I heard and thought, "I actually really like this." Distant, well, I have Jadakiss opening my project thanks to Distant. Do you feel that 'MKHL' is your most evolved and skilled project to date? How does this album contrast your debut record 'Oh-Sama?' My first album, 'Oh-Sama,' was my first time recording a body of work that I could call "listenable." That album was like me saying hello, but 'MKHL' is the mission statement. This project started with about 32 songs, cut that down to 20 and then 10. I then scraped everything and created all-new songs, went back to the old songs, and it took almost a year to find its balance. It was an incredibly taxing process that forced me to look at my craft in a whole new way, and thanks to that, I can easily say this is the best body of work I've made to date. I'm proud to call this project my name. Instagram Facebook

The up-and-coming talents of laura. come to us from New Zealand as she professes her sweet vocals over top of melodic creations that have her audience hooked. With her latest single, "Safety In Numbers," recently gracing all streaming platforms, this is the first time since 2019 that laura.'s fan base will be exposed to new music. Her audience has much to look forward to with this release. They have the lighthearted and playful energy that laura. seamlessly casts out to feast upon and the ability to pick up on glimmers of this authenticity with her music video release on April 29th, 2022. The captivating essence of "Safety In Numbers" gets visual representation as the artist's momentum curating record reaches new highs. Be sure to tap in on her new release, where you'll get the chance to take in all that laura. has to offer. Facebook Instagram

JJ Rosa, a London-based artist that has recently signed a global distribution deal with Sony/The Orchard/IMA, showcases her self-produced track "Rockstar," with its unique sound and punchy grooves drenched in attitude, raw emotion, and drive. JJ Rosa has many notable moments, from performing as an opening act for Stevie Wonder at BST in Hyde Park, supporting Dionne Warwick in Carnegie Hall in NY, rocking the US Ambassadors Party in Regents Park, and has wowing crowds at Isle of Wight and Glastonbury (where she was featured as both ONE TO WATCH and TOP 10 ACTS OF THE WEEKEND). As she introduces us to her latest creation, "Rockstar," we are greeted with an uptempo and captivating instrumental that allows us to submerge ourselves within the lush soundscape. The vocals are vulnerable and earnest as JJ Rosa talks about a time in her life when she experienced someone that didn't appreciate her worth, casting her own self-doubt. Well, boy were they wrong. JJ Rosa stands tall with her message of valor, in lyrics like "Look at me now, rising up now." JJ Rosa's feature choice, LEXY P adds a swagger and serenity to the track, using hypnotizing rap flows, he defines his perfect match; independent and always willing to go the extra mile. LEXY P verse transitions perfectly into "Rockstar's" powerful chorus sung effortlessly by JJ Rosa, and by this point, we are up on our feet with both hands in the air. JJ Rosa's "Rockstar" showcases her expertise as a guitarist, with intricate Hendrix-esque bursts of guitar resonating throughout the track, we can't wait to what JJ Rosa comes out with next. Stream "Rockstar" today on all streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic JJ Rosa! We cannot get enough of your new single, "Rockstar." Give us a breakdown of your process behind creating this record and what sparked the idea? Hey! Thank you very much. I'm so so pleased you like the tune! This was actually a song I co-wrote with two wonderful writer friends Chris Markey and (ex-Sweet Female Attitude, known for hit 'I Bring You Flowers') Cat Cassidy (previously known as Catherine Cassidy). Put two Mancunians and an Irish man in a room together, and it's an explosion! "Rockstar" is a personal representation of my past experiences, difficulties, and prejudices getting signed as a young female artist in the music industry (I was 19 when I first signed a record deal over in the US). I wanted to write something empowering for the listeners and for myself. Creating this song (every musical element, not just writing the lyrics) has felt like therapy. Self-producing a record is super impressive. How long did the journey take to produce a record like this from scratch, and were there some challenges you've faced while creating it? When myself, Chris and Cat wrote’ originally wrote the song, I managed to get all the musical components down in literally one day. We wrote the lyrics and initial top-line melodies incredibly fast as well. I then lived with the song/production for a few months to give my ears a break (sometimes you can become a bit cloth-eared after working on a song intensely). Then prior to deciding it would be the first single, I thought I'd do a re-visit on some of the melodies, but I was still very happy with the production, so apart from a bit of a tidy up and refining, I kept the production as it is now. It was pretty last minute that I then decided to extend the middle section in order to feature incredible rapper Lexy P. Originally. The idea was for him to appear on the song live when supporting The Streets last summer at the South facing festival, but I loved his rap addition so much that I absolutely knew I needed Lexy as an official feature. He's absolutely smashed it and really helped to bring my influences of rock/pop meets hip-hop together. Over the years, performing and moving around, what was your favorite experience throughout your entire music career and why? I've performed SO many shows over the years. I've lived for playing live. However, the ones I have as the top favs in my memory bank are probably opening for Stevie Wonder a few years back alongside other supports such as Rag n Bone Man, James Bay, Jack Garratt, and Paloma Faith + loads more. I also performed at The Apollo/Carnegie Hall over in NYC with a legend of an artist called Lloyd Price (known famously in the states as the first black guy to go to number 1 ever, way back in the 50s!), he's sadly passed away now, but I was fortunate enough to perform with him, supporting Dionne Warwick, Mary Wells, and Lulu as a tribute to The Beatles - mad! Supporting The Streets last summer was still one of my favs on-stage experiences, too, but I think that was because we'd all been locked up indoors for two years over Covid so getting on a stage again felt bloody amazing! What's the message you'd like to deliver through "Rockstar?" 'I'm a Rockstar, yeah, so look at me now is a metaphor representing anyone (female or male) that's ever felt discriminated, used, cast aside, or treated like shit in any industry across the board or simply in life! Rockstar = Great/Strong/a Hero or heroine… There's a message at the end of the music video that sums up what I mean. It says, 'Dedicated to all those who were ever screwed over by their record label, boss, corporation, friend, lover, and the like.' What's next for you? I'm looking forward to confirming the date for supporting The Rolling Stones at Hyde Park festival this summer (date TBC) - I feel like this could be one of the last times they perform together (although these guys don't seem to stop, haha!!), so to be able to have graced the same stage on the same day as The Stones is truly incredible and definitely another one to add to the top favs in the ol' memory bank! I am also set to release multiple more tunes, perhaps as an EP or individual singles. I have so many songs I'm excited about and just want them out there now being listened to! JJ Rosa Instagram LEXY P Instagram

Proudly hailing from the South Side of Chicago is a hip-hop recording artist, songwriter, and rapper M.A.C., showcasing his journey of growth in his 10-track album, 'Mountains.' M.A.C. has spent the last decade dedicated himself to everything hip-hop, taking time to hone his craft with help from influences like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Big K.R.I.T., Jay-Z, Lupe Fiasco, and more. Always striving to "change other people's thought patterns and their approach to things," M.A.C brings this mission to life in his conceptual and personal new album, 'Mountains.' Jumping into the record, we begin our journey with the intro and title track, "MOUNTAINS," where the empowering spoken word stylings of Anita Riddle take center stage. Alongside choir-esque chords and warm piano melodies, Riddle continues to set the tone for the album, powerfully reciting what sounds like a hopeful and compelling Bible verse. This gospel-like intro track covers the trials and tribulations we humans see on our lifelong journeys, leading to the outro where Riddle declares that we were made to tread mountains. Track number two, "Ten Trey," featuring 7 Metrix and Jimiece Jasmine, continues with those same soulful piano chords. Moments after hitting play, we finally get to hear what M.A.C has been waiting to deliver to his audience through his heavy-hitting bars that get our heads bopping right off the bat. As he continues expanding on making something out of nothing and reaching his dreams, Jimiece Jasmine's harmonious and lush vocals begin pouring through our speakers. Jasmine's stunning and chilling vocals touch on her devotion to home; not only is it where the heart is, but it's where M.A.C and many others learned priceless lessons. Things get much deeper when greeting track number three, "Bullet Fly," alongside the gorgeous vocals of Ell Virtuoso. The song opens with a news broadcast reporting a shooting while quickly transitioning into another mid-tempo, drum-heavy hip-hop arrangement drenched in minor tones to emphasize M.A.C 's message. Listening to his tightly-wound bars, M.A.C continues explaining the normalcy of hearing bullets fly but stating how taking away someone else's life never makes you any better. This powerful anthem for peace is everything we needed and more. M.A.C continues empowering the listener on the album's fourth track, "The Vision," featuring the same powerhouse vocals of Ell Virtuoso. As the soothing strings open the song, we swiftly drop into this midtempo and cinematic old-school hip-hop arrangement with added brass for a boost of power. M.A.C uses this track to praise the most-high while continuing to speak the truth in hopes he doesn't end up like other peace, equity, and truth-seekers (Martin Luther King Jr.). Ell Virtuoso's confident vocals on the hook bring the song full circle, leaving us feeling ready to bring M.A.C's vision for peace to life. Ramping up the groovy and atmospheric vibes is the fifth track, "Cookin,' alongside Ell Virtuoso. As the plucky bassline, punchy drums, and soothing synths begin oozing through our speakers with the utmost passion and soul, M.A.C makes his way in while explaining how he's hard at work cooking up tracks to make a bigger impact. Ell Virtuoso perfectly backs him up with soothing and deftly-melodic vocals that offer similarities to some of r&b's biggest names like Queen B herself. We're stunned by M.A.C's conceptual bars thus far; he's made such an impact only within the five songs above. Moving past the album's halfway point with track number six, "Where The Bars At," this 48-second-long interlude-type piece tracks the conversation between M.A.C and AUX, discussing AUX's distaste with 'lullaby lay me down music,' or the 'soft stuff' that puts you to sleep. As AUX asks, 'where's the boom-bap, where's the rap at?' M.A.C promises that the album 'Mountains' will bring the bars AUX and everyone else has been waiting for. For the first time on the album, we jump into track number seven, "The Memo," where M.A.C takes the stage entirely solo. He quickly spices things up with tremendous energy while stating how God's vision of his dreams and ambitions was destiny to help M.A.C promote change with each venture. He states, 'I'm a lyrical treasure,' and we couldn't agree more; this fiery and drum-heavy tune offers all the heat and power we expected from South Side Chicago rapper M.A.C. He makes it clear that his talent, skill, and mission aren't anything to take lightly. Soothing the soul is the album's eighth track, "Good Thing," alongside 7 Metrix and Jriggg. 7 Metrix kicks off the song with his charming and warm vocals that send us into an r&b daydream alongside the groovy and tender production. This time around, M.A.C. pays tribute to the Eve to his Adam, the Mary to his Joseph, and everything else this someone special embodies. Jriggg perfectly adds this dense and passionate edge through his high-energy bars and deeply passionate vocals that leave us hooked from top to bottom. Continuing that same loving theme is track number nine, "You Mean The World," where M.A.C offers another profoundly introspective and emotional song, but one that's much closer to home. This six-minute tribute helps us get to know M.A.C on a more personal note as he dedicates the experience to his family and their everlasting impact. The song's gentle production and instrumentals maintain the same steady flow while M.A.C and what sounds like his sister Sheena express their precious memories and endless love for their late father. Landing on the album's tenth and outro track, "Gods Way," midtempo hi-hats anticipatingly open the song while flocks of seagulls hover above, sending us into the powerful drums we've been grooving to throughout the album. In this punchy and go-getting track, M.A.C does what he does best and reminds us that he's here to make a change, truly fulfilling God's purpose. This anthemic heavy-hitter perfectly closes the record on such a personal and empowering note, ending off with nothing but strength, dedication, and a perpetual mission to make a difference. Get to know the South Side of Chicago and the many lessons M.A.C has learned from his stomping grounds and the Creator above with his incredibly personal 10-track album, 'Mountains,' now available on all digital streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, M.A.C. We were truly moved when listening to your personal and in-depth album, 'Mountains.' What inspired you to create a record that tracks your journey of growth and growing up in Chicago? I am listening to other artists who make such great music. I wanted to create a classic album like them that was lyrical and soulful. I was definitely inspired by music from Lupe fiasco Kendrick Lamar's big krit, and that's the type of music I aspire to make. When did you begin writing songs and executing ideas for the 'Mountains' album? How long was the entire album in the making? What was it like collaborating with the many artists on 'Mountains'? Have you worked with these names before? The album was started as far back as 2017, and I ended up putting it on hold for a while to work on an album with my group, The God Hour; most of the features on my album are artists I worked with on our album and people I know and love. One song from 'Mountains' really stuck out to us. What was it like creating the incredibly personal tribute to your father, "You Mean The World?" That was the hardest song I've ever written and recorded. I had the concept for a while; it took me a while to complete the verses and get through recording without breaking down, but it's the song on the album that means the most to me. I'm extremely happy with how it came out. Finally, since your music mainly covers making an impact on the listener, what message or key realization did you want listeners to take away from 'Mountains?' Honestly, love, love yourself, your family, where you come from, love your journey. I made each one of these songs with love in one-way, shape, or form, and through everything, remember to love in whatever place you are in life. Instagram Facebook

Before there was the #MeToo movement, Devine Evans stood on the front lines of the fight against gender-based inequality. The five-time Grammy Award-winning songwriter, producer, and industry veteran showcased his dedication to all things equality through an essential 2016 book 'Sheet Music: The Diary Of A Songwriter.' In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Evans is shedding light on the many tragic occurrences within the music industry. He also released the accompanying album of the same name, which comes with the book and features 63 female artists, musicians, and sexual assault survivors from around the world. The book carries over 124 powerful women with quotes from names like Janelle Monaé, Queen Latifah, Dania Ramirez, and more. He hopes that women in the entertainment scene will feel empowered to speak their truth while letting them know they're never alone. Six years after launching the book and releasing the album, Evans continues to join the fight for gender-based equality by pairing up with New Orleans native Recording Artist Stephanie Marcellé for a new project. The 'H.U.M.A.N.' project is said to be an acronym album that provides five songs exposing the harsh realities of sexual assault and surviving the trauma. Devine Evans recently teamed up with a new Black-owned printing company, which is currently taking pre-orders for the new edition, which should be shipping as early as June. For more information about Devine Evans' book and album, 'Sheet Music: The Diary of a Songwriter,' click here, and donate to the fundraiser: gofund.me/f85b4ff2 Welcome back to BuzzMusic, Devine Evans. We were moved to hear your initiatives and dedication toward gender-based equality. What inspired you to write the book 'Sheet Music: The Diary of a Songwriter?' Unfortunately, the inspiration behind The Diary of a Songwriter project came from a real-life encounter with my extended family. I got a disturbing text message from my sister Sophia saying she wanted to meet with me to talk. When she asked if we could have the meeting in a public place, I immediately knew something was wrong. We met up on a jazz night at the W hotel in Hollywood, and that’s when she told me that she was raped. The news set fire to my heart and soul,, and like anyone who loves someone, my natural instinct was to track the person down. Instead, I took the vision I had from a dream where I pictured a map of the world where all of the continents were black. On the map, California had a single light that flickered and in my mind, I imagined that light being Sophia's story. I woke up and thought to myself, If this light reflects her story, how many lights would it take to light up the world? How many more “Sophias” are out there? I hired a team of 8 people and we began a social media conversation with about 1500 women worldwide. Out of those 1500 women, we gathered a collection of stories from 124 women from every continent on the planet. Everywhere except Antarctica lol. I asked each of these women to either contribute a real-life experience or, if their personal encounter made them feel uncomfortable, I asked them to write a strong piece of advice that Women of all ages could follow. Some of the advice that is most notable came from artists like Janelle Monaé, Queen Latifah, Vanessa Simmons, Kristinia Debarge, Dania Ramirez (X-Men), Nora Arnezder (Army of the Dead) What was it like recording the album 'Sheet Music: The Diary of a Songwriter?' Did it feel empowering to work alongside so many powerful, artistic women? The album was one of the most incredible moments of my life. The entire album was inspired by a photoshoot that we did at Henson recording studios inside of the legendary Studio A where the iconic song “We are the world” was recorded. I chose this room on purpose because of its history of fighting for change. We did a Photo themed after one of the Chapters in the book titled Warrior. The concept of the photoshoot had 30 plus women from the book dressed in all black and painted with what we called “Devine’s Tribal Paint.” When I saw the final image, it was crucial that we did a song to accompany the photo. That song naturally inspired me to push to create an entire album. The album features 63 of the women from the book that all were directed by myself and my artist www.elleed.com. I had keyboardist Bonnie Mcintosh (Khelani’s current keyboard player and Selena Gomez’s former player, that’s where she and I met). The song also has live guitars by female guitar player Jo Jo Draven who plays for the blue man group. The song features live drums recorded in Paris, France, by drummer Alix Ewandé. The album features live violin by violinist Ash Myers who has played for Kanye West, Chris Brown, and wiz khalifa. The entire album was recorded on five continents Africa, Australia, Europe, South America, and North America. What should we expect from the 'H.U.M.A.N' album with Stephanie Marcellé? How is this project different from your album 'Sheet Music: The Diary of a Songwriter'? The 'H.U.M.A.N.' project is going to be a 5 song Ep that will dive deep into the pain and trauma that my dear friend Stephanie Marcelle encountered when she was raped in her college dorm. The entire story behind this incident will be included in the new edition of the Sheet Music: The Diary of a Songwriter book that will be released this summer. Why did you want to create a new edition for 'Sheet Music: The Diary of a Songwriter?' Does the new edition aim to continue spreading awareness of sexual assaults in the industry? I am a father to two daughters. I have two young female nieces, and I owe my entire career to women. Only one man contributed to the rise of my success. I owe it to my daughters, my nieces, and the women who birthed life into my career to fight for them. Lisa “Lefteye” Lopes from TLC, Joyce Irby from the band Klymaxx, Queen Latifah, Outkast’s A&R Regina Davenport, Mary J. Blige, and Janelle Monaé all took a chance on me when no one else would and 5 grammy award-winning projects and one NAACP Film composer award later, It is only right that I stand on the front lines for them. What's next for you? Currently, I am preparing the live music Intro for the highly anticipated Janet Jackson Essence Festival Performance. I consider the live music world my side hustle. My main priority right now is my artist Elle E.D. Together, she and I are pushing to give the female voice in Rap music a presence that we haven’t felt since Lauryn Hill blessed us with her debut album. We are putting everything we have into this, and We are excited to share this new vision with the world. Instagram