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From New York to Nashville, alternative-pop recording artist and singer-songwriter Zhaklina teams up with Meg Rilley for their emotional and heart-wrenching new single, "Pluto." After moving to Nashville in 2018, Zhaklina found herself exploring career options which brought her to the creative lifestyle of a full-time performer and recording artist. Her edgy vocals and powerful approach never fail to spark an authentic connection with the listener, especially when she belts her meaningful and relatable experiences. Now pairing up with fellow singer-songwriter Meg Rilley for their cathartic new single, "Pluto," the song brings us into a dynamic listening experience that ranges from heartfelt pop to downright exhilarating rock. Both Zhaklina and Rilley offer incredibly soulful and captivating performances that take us through a relationship's turmoil where self-sacrifice is the only way to keep it afloat. Hitting play on "Pluto," the song kicks off with a moody and bluesy electric guitar melody alongside snapping hi-hats that linger in the background. As Zhaklina makes her warm and powerful vocal appearance, she sets the scene where a lover didn't come through on Valentine's Day while making some relatable realizations that maybe they're better left apart. Around the second verse, Meg Rilley's chilling and equally powerful vocals drift in and sing a similar cathartic message of seeming like a burden around the one she loves. All while this is happening, the instrumentals continue to expand into this exciting and energetic rock atmosphere with blistering guitars, pounding drums, and an overall relentless feel. Both Zhaklina and Meg Rilley bring such passion and emotion into this fiery song, and we're sure anyone will appreciate the powerful, driven, and motivational experience they have to offer. Find "Pluto" on all streaming platforms. We're very impressed with the drive and passion you've brought to "Pluto" alongside Meg Rilley. So what inspired this deeply emotional yet powerful song? Personal experiences inspired "Pluto," which Meg and I have gone through in our lives, teaching us about self-worth and respect. It can be difficult to feel like you are enough from friendships to romantic relationships. I thought Pluto's story, going back and forth between being defined as a legitimate planet or not, was a good metaphor for how being in relationships that don't foster dignity and respect can feel. I believe our song is a good reminder to know your worth, abide in your dignity, and not base your value on what anyone thinks of you. Was this your first time working with Meg Rilley? What was your favorite part about working with her for "Pluto"? Yes, this is the first time Meg and I have written a song together. I met her at a local writer's round in Nashville and loved her style and voice, so I reached out to her about writing together, and she was up for it! My favorite part about working with Meg is that she is another woman! It dawned on me that all of my co-writes up until that point had been with men, and I decided to be more intentional about developing artistic relationships with women in the industry. I think it's really important that women come together more. We are undervalued in the industry and have so much to offer. Meg is a phenomenal artist and person, and I felt honored to write with someone so talented and down to earth. Why did you want to give "Pluto" such an energetic and exhilarating rock instrumental? Do you feel this heavy-hitting sound amplified the song's meaning? So the rock solo was total all the producers' ideas! Leighton Thomas (the producer) is another local artist and is in a band with Meg called "Meg & The Boys." They're also dating- Meg and Leighton, a very cool couple. Leighton did a great job producing the track and crushed the instrumental portion (which he tracked guitars on himself). I'm an Alternative artist and am always up for an awesome rock instrumental. If you were to compare "Pluto" to your first few releases, would you be able to track your growth in both vocals and lyrical concepts? Hmmm, I would say yes and no. I think that each song is different and exemplifies different sides of me as an artist. So in that sense, it's harder to track progress when I value each individual project for what it is versus comparing them to each other. I think I have been growing as a writer and leaning into deeper concepts with creative lyrical expression. I have also grown in the way I tell stories in songs, and I think Pluto does a great job of showing that. Although I think Pluto is very fun vocally, it isn't my favorite vocal I've ever done. And I'm okay with that! I am getting better at writing jams that feel different from what I like and am used to, and that's important to develop as an artist. Working with other artists on songs will always help you grow- everyone is so different- and it's a great opportunity to learn from each other. What's next for you? I am currently working on my third EP for my "17 Reasons Why" series! I plan on releasing it sometime this year and am working on releasing another single between now and then. I have several features that I will also be a part of this year- which is always so fun! And many live shows were coming up. I am always updating my music news on my Instagram and Facebook pages, @iamzhaklina. I have more plans for my mental health advocacy and am grateful to see my brand growing in supporting such an important cause. WEBSITE INSTAGRAM

Following a series of epic releases, Aaron Andreu is unapologetically unique and always seems to branch out and explore the unknown sonically. Aaron sees himself crossing over to the English alternative scene, showing us that he can express his soul in any language. Aaron Andreu brings us his latest masterpiece, 'Stars Collide EP.' This magical, 4 track EP gives us a true taste of his production and vocal abilities. Within the first track, "Stars Collide," we dive deep into the heartfelt lyrics, explaining how much he needed "peace of mind." Aaron tells us about a woman that he wants to stay in his life, because of how at peace he feels with her by his side. The emotional guitar and production take us on a journey from Aaron's perspective exploring exactly how it felt to be him at that moment. Moving on to the second track, "You Are My Favourite Colour, "is a song that digs deeper into his feelings for the mysterious woman he sings about, becoming vulnerable with his audience as he sings about the unstable, emotional turmoil this love story evolves into. The love story continues on "More Myself. " Aaron shares loving words of comfort at the beginning of the song, giving us a Coldplay ambiance as the sonics whirl around us. Tailoring everything for a breath-taking listening experience, he ends this 4 track beauty with the last track titled "Grey Light," again displaying his soothing vocals over alternative guitars, strumming a mysterious melody with a surprise beat-switch, mid-track. 'Stars Collide EP' is a captivating experience that keeps the audience entranced in a vibe created with soul and honesty by Aaron Andreu. Welcome to BuzzMusic Aaron Andreu. We loved your latest EP, 'Stars Collide,' and what it brings sonically. How long does it take to create a masterpiece like this, and did you produce all the songs yourself? Thank you so much! The recording, mixing & mastering process took about a month. I couldn't dare take all the credit for this record. When I first set out to make this EP, it was with the intent of exploring new ground for me, so I intentionally took a more hands-off approach to the production. As time passes, I've become more open and more eager to hear what other creatives hear when they listen to what I write. When I met with the uber-talented Chris Moore about working together, I instantly knew that he was "my guy" for this project. We vibed conceptually from the get-go. So much so that I felt completely comfortable sending him drafts of the songs with just me and an acoustic guitar and giving him "carte blanche" with the production. In fact, there were moments in the studio where I purposely would sit on my hands and zip my mouth, so to speak, in order to allow things to blossom organically. It was truly a beautiful experience. I couldn't be happier with the result. Creating different genres throughout the years, was there a stand-out favorite to tap into? I suppose I've always leaned towards "alternative," altho really nowadays, music categorization has become so funny to me. With the "death of rock," what is "alternative?" Anything with a guitar? It's almost like you have "money-making" and "everything else." Hopefully, this record lands somewhere in between. You're always re-shaping and exploring new avenues. What fuels your inspiration? What is the first thing that you do when you feel inspired to create? Wine. Lots of wine. *laughs* Seriously, though, I listen to pretty much every type of music in any language, whether I speak it or not. The vibes and sonic textures are what speak to me. I've actually found myself getting choked up to some music sung in Italian. I don't speak Italian. Reading helps keep me stimulated. Spending time outdoors does wonders for the process as well. Of course, my muse always keeps me good and inspired too. Then when inspiration strikes, I stop what I'm doing and let myself feel it. I give myself over to what I feel, whether it's "crazy" or not. Then I reach for my notebook (app) and start writing down everything that comes bubbling up. Too often, I believe we suppress inspiration because we're overly critical of ourselves and afraid of judgment. How does your romantic life affect the music you create and the choice of genre? Beck said it best when he said, "You can't write if you can't relate." For me writing music is as much therapy as it is entertainment. The choice of genre is like the experience's tone of voice, sometimes intentional, sometimes not. What does 'Stars Collide' mean to you? For me, it's about two independently brilliant beings meant to be drawn to each other across the great cosmic expanse and "colliding" into a glorious messy union. What's next for you? I'm concurrently working on pre-production for a new Spanish EP with my good friend John Garza of the Chris Perez Band and on my next English EP with another talented friend of mine out in Austin, TX. Hopefully, we'll be releasing those projects in mid to late 2022. In the meantime, I've got another single or two up my sleeve for immediate release! Instagram

Sharzie has been writing, singing, and rapping since her early childhood days. Her melodic records are inspired by her New York roots. Sharzie is a visionary who admires every aspect of her artistry, and with the unique sound she brings to hip/hop and r&b, we know it's a guaranteed vibe every single time. Coming from a deeply rooted New York background, she cites her father and older brothers as well as many other hip-hop and R&B artists as her musical inspirations. Her influences include artists like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill, Jay-Z, Biggie, Kanye West, Pharell, Method Man, DMX, Jadakiss, Outkast, Lil Wayne, Brandy, Toni Braxton, Amy Winehouse, Whitney Houston, Ne-yo, Usher, Chris Brown, Christina Aguilera, Wanya Morris, and Teddy Riley. As Sharzie takes us on her journey with her latest fan-favorite single, "Location," she takes us to a futuristic time in hip/hop and r&b with its eclectic production and catchy melodies. "Location's" wavy ambient feel gives us exactly what we're looking for in any successful hit song. Sharzie shows us how versatile she is as she raps and sings, demonstrating her prowess in each area. "Location" definitely exemplifies the hard work that's been put in to bring the vision to life, and we are so excited to showcase it to the world. Welcome to BuzzMusic Sharzie. We love "Location" and the feeling it brings. What inspired you to create this record, and how did you choose whom to collaborate with? Thank you so much! So, it's kind of a long story. Fun fact: "Location" was actually written in 2017, and Speatz, the featured artist, actually came to me with the idea for the song. I met Speatz through a mutual friend who I met in college. We ended up figuring out that we both made music, so he showed me a few songs that he had, and I didn't really have any quality music out, so I think I might have just shown him me singing on Instagram or something, but naturally, as artists, we were like "we should work together!" A couple of days later, he sent me this beat produced by Letthatboycookbeats, and he was like, "let me know what you think. You said you wanted to do a song... I thought about you singing the hook and maybe part of the song," and I'm like "I'm down!". So I had him lay out his idea for the song, basically a "ride or die" concept and I sent him the finished hook the very next day. He sent his verse the day after that, and my verse was done the day after that. And that's how the collaboration came to be. It was funny because Speatz thought I was just a singer, so when I sent my verse, and I was rapping, he lost his mind. And when I think about that, that's sort of the reaction I want from the world too. I'm definitely not a person you can put into a box because I'll have it bursting at the seams every time. The inspiration for the song was just me honestly wanting to find the love of my life. My verse is literally a love letter to my dream guy, and I'm basically saying, "I don't care where you are, I don't care how I have to get there, let me know so I can come to find you." I honestly hope my future husband hears it and is like "Yeah, that sounds like me, and that's definitely a vibe I'd like to be a part of" because enough is enough. Being an artist and performer, are there any other ways you've found that help you be more creative and get you into your creative space? Learning. Learning about any and everything and everyone I can, listening to and watching my favorite performers, taking an interest in different cultures, languages, genres, eras, etc. Because the more you know, the more you have to talk about and the bigger your creative window. Also, any place where I'm surrounded by other creatives is my happy place. I'm inspired by other creatives. Whenever I see or hear art, where I can tell the person really loves what they're doing, and they're being authentic and original and telling their story, it makes me want to create something that makes me and other people feel the way they made me feel. Growing up, what were the moments that made you realize this was the right path for you? I've been writing since I could hold a pencil. I used to write stories and poetry as a kid that made adults tilt their heads, so I always knew I had a way with words. And music is in my blood. I could never avoid it. I can never escape it. I get my musical talent from my dad (Even though my mom can definitely hold a tune, too!). My dad is a star. He has one of the most legendary hip-hop flows ever. I get my lyricism and ability to create melodies from him. He and my big brothers are my biggest inspirations when it comes to music. They're all GOATS, so being exposed to the best parts of all of them my entire life, there was no way I wouldn't choose this path and become a monster. I'm so grateful to my entire family, especially my mother, for supporting and nurturing that beast inside me and encouraging me to follow my dreams, whatever they may be. Are there any artists you grew up listening to that you would like to collaborate with in the future, and why? Oh my goodness, there are SO many artists I grew up listening to that I want to collaborate with or meet at the very least. I'm only naming artists that came out before, like 2008, because after that, I can't really say I grew up listening to them. A lot of them aren't with us anymore, like Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, Whitney Houston, and DMX, but for the ones who are still here, I'd say, first of all, Stevie Wonder. I just love everything about him as an artist. He's an AMAZING songwriter. I love his melodies, his unique vocal techniques, his instrumentalism. He's a living legend, and his music is timeless. I would love to get a chance to meet him while he's still here. Then I would say Wanyá Morris from Boyz II Men because his voice has the key to my soul. I I'm not going in any particular order, but I want to work with T-Pain because he's a beast, and he's so underrated and underappreciated. Not so much recently, but for a long time, people weren't really paying attention to the levels of his artistry. I want to work with Kanye West because, for one, he's one of my favorite rappers and producers and the reason I love sampling. He's one of the most confident artists ever, and he doesn't let anyone get in the way of him fulfilling his purpose. I want to work with Usher because he's one of the best to ever do it. I've been listening to him literally my entire life, and he makes nothing but hits. I want to write to Beyoncé. It could be something fun, or it could be something where we're really singing, but I just want to witness her process because I know she likes to be very involved, and I feel like we could make magic together. I want to work with Missy Elliott & Timbaland. They're both geniuses by themselves and have their own flavor, but they're a great team together as well. I identify a lot with Missy with how you can't really box her into one genre and skill set. She's just Missy. And she's just fire. Ne-Yo is a gem. I love Ne-Yo. I want to work with him because he's one of my favorite songwriters. I can recognize a Ne-Yo song from a mile away. I love his melodies, his concepts, and his attention to detail where it seems like he's telling a story or having a regular conversation, but it always sounds fire and sort of poetic. I want to work with Chris Brown. He has so much life and creativity inside him. I feel like I could learn a lot from him about being a young lit multitalented artist. Chris Brown has been around so long he can officially be considered a big homie. I also want to work with Busta Rhymes because he has great energy, he's a monster STILL, and he always embraces the younger generation, which means so much to me. Someone else who always embraces the younger generation is Jadakiss, one of my favorite lyricists. I love Jadakiss. And he's so chill and so NY. I want him to be my uncle or something. I love the entire Ruff Riders. That's my favorite crew because everybody was just firing lyrically and just full of positivity and good vibes. I always thought Eve was so cool. She was my favorite growing up, and she was one of the first black female rappers of my time to that I was exposed to. And the fact that she was holding it down as like the only girl in a group full of guys, had her own show and everything, was SO beautiful, and into fashion, it let me know that I could do anything I wanted to do. Jojo is another artist who has been severely underrated my entire life. She started out extremely young, and she's been an incredible singer her entire career. She's one of the best voices in music, and no one can tell me otherwise. Jay-Z is my goat. He's another living NY legend, a lyricist, a mogul, a mover, and a shaker who also makes timeless music. Everybody who's worked with him has a legendary Jay-Z story, and I want to be able to tell one of those one days. All these people I've named so far have made their own lanes. They really weren't the next anybody else. They were just them. That's what I'm inspired by, and that's what I'm trying to do. I could keep going, but I would be naming people forever. I just love music and real artists so much. What's next for you? "Location" is the first official single from my upcoming LP "Love Languages." Speatz is also dropping a project in April where "Location" will be featured as well. I may drop another single or two from my LP before releasing the entire project. The release date is still TBD, but it is coming soon, and the project is full of vibes for every mood. There'll be singing, there'll be rapping, there are slow songs you could play on a date, there are more upbeat songs you could play in the club, there are songs that you can vibe to alone or with friends, but they're all songs about love and the topics surrounding it delivered in a way no one's ever heard it before. I'm also going to start doing shows soon, so that is also something to be on the lookout for. Check the AKASharzie Enterprises website for merch and updates on everything Sharzie. You can definitely expect more from me and Akasharzie Enterprises, my company and label, in the near future. And you can expect infinite vibes always. Instagram Facebook

Florida-based alt-pop recording artist and singer-songwriter toast release his highly-anticipated 14-track debut album entitled 'marcus, why's your name toast??' Somewhere between the realms of alt-pop, hyper-pop, rock, and electronic lies toast's vast sounds and crafty penmanship that's as honest as the voice in your head. Expanding on the overall listening experience of his debut album, 'marcus, why's your name toast??,' toast creates this youthful and dynamic landscape that mostly surrounds his devotion for someone who's no longer in his life. The yearn and desire he feels and performs with, especially on tracks like "sour patch kids," "5am" alongside JOE L, "dreams," and "cherry blossom," must be experienced. By far, these four sounds tugged on our heartstrings the most with toast's relatable and expressive lyrics that bring listeners a feeling of comfort and release. Although toast uses most of the album to confess his ongoing love, reminding someone that a few songs were made for them, he spices things up right off the bat with the introductory track. That escapade, "SHE"S GOTTA GO," blasted off into the exhilarating sounds of hyper-pop meets alt-rock and energetically led us into the following three tracks "stuck in my head," "spaceships," and "we moved on" with JOE L. These songs all carry this melodic and nostalgic pop feel that takes us right back to the 00s--we also get to meet JOE L's similar energetic, confident, and playful performance stylings. Perhaps the most refreshing point of the album was the short interlude type-piece, "tysm," which introduces us to Marcus and Joel, who thank us for listening to the album thus far. And then there's the brilliant and vibrant pop-punk track, "hey, i miss u xo," which fires through our speakers with toast's lingering passion that places this exciting anthem deep in our hearts. When drifting into songs like "oat milk" and "pink," toast turns it down a notch and opens his heart. As he continues displaying his endless devotion, both songs offer smooth and glimmering production while "pink" brings a more groovy and rhythmic feel. The track that stood out the most on this album was definitely "the loser song," which gives listeners an anthem for deadbeats, college dropouts, and disappointments. Anyone can relate to this track, especially within the verses when toast explains how it's been a whole week since smiling with his teeth and wondering when things will turn in his favor. This mid-tempo alt-rock tune has a certain inclusive feel, which helps us further understand toast's broad stylings. Making our way over to the outro track, "it's all over now," toast closes off the album with a bright and feel-good listening experience that sings of fearing someone will forget him but knowing his friends will be there to pick him up. This is another feel-good tune that perfectly ends the album with a sense of hope for a brighter future while toast waves goodbye to the love that once was. If there's anything to expect from toast's debut album, 'marcus, why's your name toast??,' it's that you'll finish the album feeling better than when it started. Experience the passion and energy for yourself; find toast's 'marcus, why's your name toast??' on all streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, toast. You've honestly wowed us with the expressive listening experience from your debut album, 'marcus, why's your name toast??.' How long did it take for this album to come to life? When did you begin feeling inspired? I've felt this inspiration since late 2020. The entire transition of me dropping out of college and being in my 20s is the wholesome sound of this album. But production and recording began last summer, and we finished mixing just a month ago. For the sake of your debut album, 'marcus, why's your name toast??,' we'd like to ask, Marcus, why is your name toast? toast was always my username in all my video games because I could not think of any other words or phrases to use for years. In the beginning, I thought it would be a funny gag to put music under such a silly random name. But what started as a joke is now a world that I've learned to embody and express myself freely in. How did fellow artist JOE L add to the album' marcus, why's your name toast??' What was it like collaborating with him? Joel is one of my best friends and is the sole producer, mixer, and co-songwriter in the toast stuff with me. Because of that, every song feels like a collaboration. He's a genius and brings out the best of me when we work together. He also runs his own original music, and when we find it appropriate, we'll turn a track into a feature for him to hop on. He added so much vision to the album that complimented my heart behind it, and he helped pave such a clear way when releasing it. Which song from 'marcus, why's your name toast??' is the most personal and meaningful to you? Why is that so? The last song, "it's all over now," means the most to me because it's about all of the closest people in my life who most of which, if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't even be here today making music. They continue to inspire me and make me feel so loved and happy, so I wanted to make sure they got all the credit they deserved for the impact they have had on my life. What does 'marcus, why's your name toast??' represent for you? What personal meaning and significance does this album hold with you? marcus, why's your name toast?? represents the hardest, scariest, and most awkward times of our teenage/young adult lives. I didn't want to create something to make you relive those moments but rather an escape for you to embrace and enjoy them for what they are and what they make of you. The main significance of it is that it lets me feel nostalgic, and I can carry around that bit of joy with me everywhere I go without letting me lose touch with who I am today. Instagram Twitter

Alternative Rap artist Raivon Don'tez is back at it again, this time releasing his hard-hitting, energized track, “Cutthroat Fantasy." Raivon’s love for music has stemmed from a very early age. He grew up in a household constantly filled with music from legendary rap artists around the house, inspiring him to pick up a pen and paper and begin writing his own poetry and song lyrics. Raivon Don'tez began officially recording music back in 2018 and has released several standout singles and projects since. Throughout his artistic journey, he has drawn inspiration from artists such as Busta Rhymes, Tyler The Creator, Eminem, Nicki Minaj, and Rico Nasty. He also draws inspiration for his music from Comic Books, Anime, Video Games, and Horror Movies, which we can definitely hear in his latest track, “Cutthroat Fantasy." Now, we’ll take a deeper look at his captivating new single. “Cutthroat Fantasy” hits you in the face with an intense energy right from the get-go. Opening with a quick and light piano line, it immediately dives into the heart of the song. Heavy distorted vocals and production combine with forceful drums and guitar to propel the song forward as Raivon Don'tez’s vocals ring out overtop the hard-hitting musical soundscape. "Cutthroat Fantasy" is infused with elements of Rap and heavy Punk, and we can’t get enough of it. It’s packed to the brim with energy throughout the instrumentals and production, while also allowing Raivon’s powerful and dynamic vocals to punch through and steal the show. Let Raivon Don'tez take you on a journey through his “Cutthroat Fantasy” in his latest single, available on all streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Raivon Don'tez, and congratulations on your latest release, "Cutthroat Fantasy?" Can you tell us a bit more about the inspiration behind this song? The inspiration behind "Cutthroat Fantasy" comes from the conversation of character growth and rebellion. As someone who has changed so much since starting music and grown into his own skin, I've dealt with occasional "what happened to the old you" conversation. And with that conversation, I started to realize that sometimes people would talk about old you. Because that's the version that made them comfortable, and that's the version they were comfortable with, was just a placeholder for the true you. And this song represents taking ownership of the true version of yourself and telling those people that this is who I am, so deal with it. We love the energy created within "Cutthroat Fantasy." What sort of atmosphere and vibe did you want the instrumentals and production to give off in the track? Who helped bring the sonics to life? The vibe that I wanted this track to give off was crazy, rebellious, and confident because that's the headspace that I was in a while writing this track. The atmosphere that I wanted to give off was kind of an alt skater meets alleyway punk. From the guitar riffs to heavy drums, I feel like that's what it truly embodied. I, of course, have to thank Cristalbeach for producing the beat for this wonderful track of mine. And My amazing engineer at Timelessstudio, Trey Clue, for seeing my vision and helping me bring this song to life. You have an amazing knack for blending multiple genres from Metal to Hip Hop, Rock, Punk, and more. Is there any genre you haven't yet explored that you want to tap into more with future releases? Thank you very much! I think it would be fun to dapple in hyper pop or some future bass down the line. I feel that not only would it challenge me, but it would also give off kind of a cyberpunk type of vibe. And I would like to dive deeper into the metal part of my craft as well, mainly instrumentals. Did you have a specific idea in mind of you who hoped this song would resonate with the most? What do you hope listeners will take away from this song while listening? I hope that this song resonates with someone who feels that they're being held back, whether that be family, outside forces, or their own fears. I hope that this song lets them know that its ok to break out be the true you that you really want to be. And to be unapologetic about it. I want my listeners to leave with the mindset that you are it, that you built this version of yourself that you're proud of, and that if someone doesn't like it, then that's on them and not you. Instagram Facebook

Toronto-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Johann shows us that mental exhaustion is even more debilitating than physical lethargy in his latest single and music video, "Time Killer." Johann's artistic creations stem from his drumming foundation and distinct vocal talent. Having spent a few summers living and working in Jasper, Alberta, Johann felt inspired to write songs about being away from home and his loved ones for his 2020 project, 'Johann, Demos.' Influenced by Toro y Moi, Tame Impala, and Beach House, Johann captures a unique sound with themes of honesty, solitude, and the loss of love. As he continues making the most of 2022, Johann kickstarted the year with his latest single, "Time Killer," and an accompanying music video. Shot and directed by Ethan Mitchell, the song's music video sees a bloodied and tired Johann in a Muay Thai gym facing the heat of someone's fist. Towards the end, Johann realizes his mental exhaustion might be what's holding him back, inspired by the films of David Fincher (Fight Club) and Gaspar Noé (Lux Æterna). Touching on the single itself, "Time Killer," that audio experience opens with nostalgic and clean-cut vocal harmonies that serenade us with clarity, emotion, and honesty. Listening to Johann's lyrics, he repeats the same four lines that ask someone to take away his pride and strip him of what's unnecessary while he recollects his thoughts about losing time with a loved one. The drums don't kick in until the 40-second mark, which offers this organic mid-tempo arrangement with added piano and chiming effects to enhance the emotion. Once that wailing electric guitar kicks in, Johann carries us to the outro of this introspective and vulnerable listening experience. Do yourself a favor and look at the bigger picture with Johann's latest single and music video for "Time Killer," available to watch on YouTube and stream on all digital platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic Johann. We admire the relatable and emotional theme you've brought with your recent single, "Time Killer." What inspired you to write about mental exhaustion surpassing the weight of physical exhaustion? Like some of my other songs, I feel like Time Killer tackles the loss of love in a relationship. In this case, it doesn't necessarily talk about a romantic one, though it totally can. It's just a matter of how one can feel when you waste time (and therefore energy) on someone else. For me, this mental and emotional exhaustion within a relationship setting is more draining than anything physical. Could you elaborate on your four-line lyrical content within "Time Killer" and what messages you wanted to get across to your audience? Funny enough, this is probably the first time I've ever started songwriting the lyrics first. At the time, I was listening to "White Winter Hymnal" by Fleet Foxes a lot, and that song has the same set of lines repeating in its entirety, so I got inspired to do something similar. I guess repeating the lines in Time Killer is just a way to emphasize how tired I am of the situation, more so for listeners to feel and share my exhaustion instead of taking in what I say. What was it like working alongside director Ethan Mitchell for the "Time Killer" music video? How did he help make the overall process easier for you? Ethan is one of my oldest and closest friends, and probably one of the most talented. Time Killer was finally the project that seemed fit for the both of us to take on, so we did. We love the same types of films and directors, so conceptualizing this whole thing (with our producer, David Candelaria) was a lot of fun. During the shoot and throughout post-production, that same sentiment was carried over, just a bunch of guys geeking out over David Fincher and Gaspar Noé, attempting to get those inspirations into a music video. Would you say that vulnerable and intimate songs like "Time Killer" are a regular occurrence for you? What do you hope listeners take away from such personal songs like this? To an extent, yes. Thematically and lyrically, these are the only types of songs that I know how to write, for now at least. The only difference with Time Killer is that it features a powerful guitar solo by Erin Espinosa, which is striking yet vulnerable at the same time–mirroring what I sing and how I'm feeling. I hope listeners can find a safe space to look inwards, acknowledge how they feel about things thoroughly, and hopefully, have a group of loved ones to whom they can confide their truths. I'm lucky and honored to have those people in my life, which definitely gives me the agency to write songs like these. What's next for you? Time Killer is the first single off of the next project I'm releasing, hopefully sometime before the summer. The guys and I plan to drop more videos and other material beforehand. I'm excited to share the rest of the project with everyone. Instagram Artist Website

Albertan singer-songwriter Cody Hall aims to help remind us all to not give in to “The Dark” in his latest single, as brighter days are on the horizon. This Country/Folk artist has infused his heart and soul into this track, showing off his vocal prowess and incredible songwriting abilities along the way. Hall’s songwriting radiates authenticity throughout “The Dark.” Cody Hall’s lyrics tell relatable and uplifting stories for listeners to lay back and feel at ease while singing along. His soothing and twangy vocals guide us along through his tales, as comforting and uplifting soundscape radiates Country flare. In his exclusive interview with BuzzMusic, Cody Hall let us in on some of the inspiration behind this standout track. Written during the pandemic, Hall was facing his own slew of challenges and watching many people around him face hard times as well. He divulged how he wanted to provide listeners with relatable experiences throughout “The Darl,” inspired by his own personal struggles that he knew others also faced. We applaud Cody Hall for his vulnerability throughout this track, and his ability to paint an honest picture infused with uplifting sentiments for listeners. The future is looking bright for Cody Hall, as 2022 is already filled with summer shows, music videos in the works, and plenty of songs to be recorded. Keep an eye out for this rising star, you won’t want to miss out on all he has to offer. In the meantime, continue singing along to the passionate and inspiring track, “The Dark." Check out the full review of “The Dark” and exclusive interview with the talented Cody Hall here. Instagram Facebook

Calgary artist Kuzi Cee paints away and voices his rollercoaster personal life while bringing forth a unique, emotional, and energetic mix of R&B, Pop, AfroBeat, & Hip Hop. Kuzi constantly touches on his feelings and personal experiences in his music, whether that be the various hardships in life, the feeling from a night out with friends, or navigating the ups and downs that come with love and heartbreak. “Did You Find Love” captures the sentiment of trying to find an emotional connection in a world of physical love. “Did You Find Love” is spoken from the perspective of someone who’s been broken and hurt so many times in the past, that the thought of love itself no longer entices. In his recent interview with BuzzMusic, Kuzi said that the inspiration behind this song came from times when he went through the, I've got to put myself first phase. Kuzi tells us that he wouldn't say that it was hard being vulnerable on the track, but it is challenging to put yourself out there for the world to judge. 2022 is looking bright for Kuzi Cee, with all his previous accolades received and milestones achieved, there's no telling where you'll see the name "Kuzi Cee" surface. Check out the full review and interview with the talented, singer-songwriter Kuzi Cee here. Instagram

UK-based synth-pop duo Taurus 1984 returns to spark a groove with their latest single and accompanying music video, "Rosebud," alongside vocalist Karl Lewis. The British electro group comprises songwriter/musician Alastair Jenkins and producer/musician Bobby Cole. Together, they work with a regular roster of artists like Shellyann, Dana Jean Pheonix, Synth Siren, and Karl Lewis, who features on the duo's latest single. Taurus 1984 is ready to release their forthcoming third record, 'Modern Romance,' this spring with two albums under their belt. Preparing for that release, we're waiting while grooving to Taurus 1984's newest single, "Rosebud," alongside vocalist Karl Lewis. The song is bound to get you on the dancefloor. That said, the interesting part about the experience is Lewis' cathartic and angsty performance that sings about a past lover swanning the city while he's left bearing the brunt of a broken relationship. Taking the new single for a spin, "Rosebud" kicks off with a nostalgic 80s electronic arrangement through bright keyboard melodies, groovy electric guitar riffs, airy drum breaks, and celestial background effects. As the plucky bass line begins swooning our speakers, Lewis joins the party but energetically takes us through the emotional turmoil caused by someone that still has his heart. There's no denying that Taurus 1984 transports us back in time with this glistening and dreamy tune, especially on the hook when they help us leave our worries behind and get down with the sweet rhythm. The song's music video offers a whole other exciting aspect through neon lights and 80s aesthetics while helping us better understand Karl Lewis and Taurus 1984's extensive performance skills. Feeling down and out? Nip it in the "Rosebud" with Taurus 1984 and Karl Lewis' newest single, now available on all streaming platforms. Welcome back to BuzzMusic, Taurus 1984. We love the groovy feel and relatable concept within your recent single with Karl Lewis, "Rosebud." How did this song's creation come about? Was your group inspired by anything in particular? Thanks for having me, BuzzMusic. It's wonderful to be back. "Rosebud," in my opinion, is a relatable tale of self-doubt and obsession over something that just isn't in our stratosphere or our futures. It is based on a real-life situation that I had conversed about with a dear friend. All of our lyrics are factual and conversational. The song title was influenced by the 1941 masterpiece Citizen Kane, was rather fitting with the lyrical content. Considering how Karl Lewis' lyrics in "Rosebud" offer this angsty and emotional theme, why did you choose to give the song such a bright, cheerful, and upbeat sound? I wrote the lyrics and melody for "Rosebud," Karl masterfully provided his emotive vocal talents for it. I really love the juxtaposition of darker lyrical content wrapped up in a bright pop package. I personally feel there's an added reward when the lyrical content clicks with the listener against a colorful, bright, and rhythmic backdrop. We try and implement this in all the Taurus 1984 tracks. What was it like shooting the vibrant music video for "Rosebud?" Did you want the video to resemble and feel like a classic 80s pop video? It was an absolute blast shooting that video. It was the first video that I shot, directed, and edited by myself in my studio. I wanted to tip my hat to an amalgamation of styles from the 80s to videos such as The 1975's videos or videos by the group Valley. Will "Rosebud" be on your forthcoming third album 'Modern Romance?' How will this record stand out from your previous two? "Rosebud" will certainly be on our forthcoming album 'Modern Romance' which releases this summer on Outland Recordings. This record has evolved quite from the previous two pieces of work. We are leaning towards a more modern Indie synth-pop sound through a 1980s style lens. You can really hear the progression I feel from the first three singles from this new album when listened to next to the previous material. It's been such a wonderful process collaborating with some incredibly talented artists on this Dana Jean Phoenix and Shellyann, to mention just a few. We hope you check out our new singles and the album when it comes out. Thanks for having us! Instagram Facebook

The Low Flying Panic Attack has released a stunning and captivating live performance of their track, “Demons Grow (Live 20112021).” This track comes off the live version of their debut album, 'You Know Nothing About War.' Marta Brandariz and Javier Martín Balsa make up the compelling duo, merging genres of electronica, rock, psychedelia, and other experimental elements to form their unique and enticing sound. Throughout “Demons Grow (Live 20112021),” The Low Flying Panic Attack brings forth hard-hitting energy that jolts you out up and out of your seat. This track combines powerfully haunting vocal lines with thick, heavy production elements to form a unique and intriguing soundscape for the listener to submerge themselves in. It feels like we are experiencing their live set with this track, getting a glimpse at the wild and incredible ride one of their shows would be. Throughout their exclusive interview with BuzzMusic, The Low Flying Panic Attack let us in on some of their inspiration behind releasing “Demons Grow (Live 20112021).” Live performances are extremely important to this duo. Creating another world with a combination of electronic music, conceptual visuals, and lighting, The Low Flying Panic Attack wanted to bring that powerful energy they evoke on stage into their release of this live set. In their interview, The Low Flying Panic Attack hinted at the fact that more tracks are already in the works, as well as a documentary special on the creation of their live performances. We can’t wait to see what comes next from this talented duo. In the meantime, continue blasting their track, “Demons Grow (Live 20112021).” Check out the full-length article and interview with The Low Flying Panic Attack here. Instagram Facebook