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Hailing from the UK, Nia Ekanem is an accomplished singer, songwriter, and musician whose music has gained support from various platforms such as; Beats1, BBC Radio, Capital Xtra, Lost Culture, Clash, and more. Releasing music as an independent artist has allowed Nia to support the likes of Mica Paris, JP Cooper, and Berlin artist Noah Lee. He has also worked and written for other artists. His most recent collaborations are with Fleur East, on her latest album, 'FEARLESS,' and Samuel Jack, on his recent EP. Today we celebrate the release of Nia's new single, "Feels like home," where he displays his captivatingly deep and soulful sound. "Feels Like Home" can easily become one of the soundtracks of our lives. Opening up with profound and heartfelt piano keys, the song is full of warm textures and beautiful vocal layers. The production is open, airy, and powerful. "Feels like home" makes us feel the music in our bones, and the rock elements of the single bring out its cinematic appeal. Nia's authentic vocal tone has our senses stimulated as he takes us on a love story of a journey. "Falling deep, falling deep into you." Nia's lyrics and performance match the mood of the song so perfectly, enchanting us as we fall deeper into the beautiful, emotional, and refreshing world Nia has created for us. Listen to "Feels Like Home" on all major streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic Nia Ekanem, and congratulations on your captivating new single “Feels like Home.” We adore the honesty that emanates from this song. What moment or story inspired “Feels like home” to be created? Thank you very much, I am glad that you enjoyed listening to it. ‘Feels Like Home’ was inspired during the lockdown, being away from home (Birmingham) & having to spend 2 years in another city, that’s what birthed out the song. I’m sure a lot of people during this period are able to relate. “Feels like Home '' is very cinematic in its ability to strike imagery. For us, the song triggered scenes of driving through the mountains and traveling across an ocean. What kind of environment did you write this song in and is there a specific feeling you were trying to get across to the listener? Haha, I wish I was on a mountain when I wrote this, that would be great! No, I wrote the song in a bedroom with my guitar. I wrote the chorus first & just sat on it for weeks/many months. The rest of the song came about in a zoom writing session where I presented the song to my friend ‘Lexi Berg,’ luckily she loved the idea. To me, the song is very comforting, pensive & really dwells on how someone can make you feel at home. It was important that we captivated this feeling through the production too. We love how truthful and relatable your lyrics are! What inspired you to start writing songs? I am not much of a talker, I can hold a conversation perfectly okay, but when it comes to communicating how I feel in a conversation, I am useless. I really just needed to find a way to express myself more effectively & clear & writing was a way for me to do that. Listening to people like John Mayer or Sam Cooke & how they communicate their feelings towards a situation of love, inspired me to do the same thing in a simple but effective way You have such a strong, unique, and timeless tone of voice. When did you realize this gift and who are some of your biggest musical inspirations? Thank you. I realized I could sing when I was a child, I tried to sing in the choir but I was too shy so I would just sing at home lol. But I grew up around different music, mainly gospel, but I would also listen to soul music, reggae, grime, hip hop, etc. My influencers would be Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye, Samm Cooke, Nina Simone, Emeli Sande, JP Cooper, etc. What's next for you? New music, gigs, headline shows, and collaborations. Instagram Facebook

Formerly known as Saint Scheriff, Kenneth James is an American DJ and record producer from Long Island, New York. As an independent artist, Kenneth James has connections to multiple genres of music. Kenneth is not like many artists, he shows us that with his uptempo instrumental and huge "wow" factor that he really cares about his craft. Kenneth James is the new and improved version of authentic music production, and shares with us his latest smash single, "Lost In The Rain." In his recent single, he teams up with Birmingham songwriter and vocalist, Conor Robertson to showcase the potent new single that has us all dancing. "Lost In The Rain" talks about his feelings towards a special woman and how he feels every time she calls him up. He says that he doesn't want to waste any of the precious moments and wants to live and appreciate the 'now' with her. Conor sings about how he overthinks a lot, but when they're in each other's arms again he feels so much better, safe and perfect together. "Lost In The Rain" is where they see each other being free and they wouldn't waste their time spending their love story any other way. "Lost In The Rain" feels like an analogy for freedom, bliss, romance, and life. The roles switch in the second bridge lyrically, when the woman's feelings correlate with exactly how he's feeling in the first verse. Conor pieces the love story together effortlessly as the two characters in the love story collide for the record's high climaxes and immense drops. With record deals lined up for 2022, Kenneth James is eager to see his growth over the next year and so are we. Press play on "Lost In The Rain," today. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Kenneth, and congratulations on your latest release, the "Lost In The Rain" concept, and how did you choose whom you were going to collaborate with? Thank you for having me! 'Lost In The Rain' was a concept inspired by the modern sounds of today's dance music. As a music producer, I've really connected with that classic M1 Piano sound, and I wanted to fill in the gaps with organic melodic elements. I think this gives the listener a nice balance. My good friend from Birmingham, Conor Robertson! I found out about Conor when he went live on Gemstone Records Instagram. I really enjoyed his voice, and so I followed him. Little did I know how chill we would become. Nowadays, I consider him a great friend having conversations about life more than music. 'Lost In The Rain' was the first time working with Conor; however, we do have two or three more songs on the way. His lyricism is out of this world, and his vocals have really pushed me to become more of the producer I strive to be. I can't thank him enough for being a part of this song. Based on your previous records, is there anything you did differently during the creation process for "Lost In The Rain?" As far as previous creations, I've really found my niche under my new name Kenneth James. I think that is what makes me really excited to share more music. The process is very similar, but I've learned how to properly add ear candy to my music, and now I have a great sense of song structure. It's sort of like the scientific method. Once you figure out your style, it becomes that much more fun and creative. I can tell you, though, that most of my songs stem from the chord progression or bass line. Then all the other elements will follow. As a DJ from New York, what were some of the challenges you faced when it came to being recognized as an independent artist in the music industry? As an independent artist, I think the biggest challenge we all face is that you have this expectation for yourself. I've been producing music for nine years now, and I can't tell you how many records label has declined my music. It is important not to be discouraged but to be confident in your music. I've learned the marketing that comes with an independent release, and it's something I rely on when I love a song but can't find a record label that will release it. You've created so many successful records over the years. Which is your favorite and why? I've loved a lot of my previous records, but under 'Kenneth James,' I've really found the quality that I've been looking for. I think my favorite song I've ever created was under my name 'Saint Scheriff.' The track is titled 'Do It Right' with my friend Andrew Shine. It's a real summer anthem and can still be found on streaming platforms. Now I look forward to Kenneth James. It's a new project I've been working on, and these will be some of my favorite releases. I wanted to separate my old music from this new sound I've been working on, and so, Kenneth James was born. What's next for you? I'm super excited to share what's next for me! I've released two independent releases under my new name in order to build momentum for this year. Coming on April 8th, I have a release with Jendex Records, which is a song I really enjoyed making. On July 1st, I have a release with Storm Music Group, which will be my biggest release to date. These are really some of my favorite productions yet. I've also produced a re-make to a popular 90's song who I can't say the record label yet! I'm excited to see my growth in 2022 and to see the support from my fans. Instagram Facebook

Gabriel Eli is a singer, songwriter, and music producer based in Nashville, TN. Blending elements of dynamic and energetic pop vocals with more sultry and emotional RnB tendencies, Gabriel is a multi-genre artist who has worked with DJs and producers all over the globe. Kayln is an American singer, songwriter, and California native. Her pop melodies and relatable lyricism leave you captivated. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, and Taylor Swift, Kayln offers a familiar but refreshing upbeat pop sound. The two met via Facebook in 2020. Gabriel was looking for new artists to work with, and Kayln was looking for the right producer. After a Zoom writing session, they realized their styles were remarkably similar, making working together effortless. During a time of worry and confusion, the two wanted to create an uplifting and hopeful song. Gabriel Eli and Kayln's new single "Hi," is a contemporary pop love song that brings a sense of nostalgia to the listener. It's the kind of record you would hear on the radio or put on during a fun road trip that puts everyone in a happy, excited, and optimistic mood. The track starts off with some beautiful airy chords. As the song progresses, it picks up pace, followed by a beat drop, giving the song a tremendous amount of bright energy. Gabriel's suave male vocal blends perfectly with Kayln's smooth female vocal, creating a true match made in heaven. The single gives off serious California vibes. It's like a vacation in song form. The chorus "All you had to say was hi" is sweet and catchy. The lyrics encourage the listener to approach that special someone and let them know how they feel. Sometimes it takes just one encounter, one precious moment, to completely change our outlook. Sometimes, all it takes is for someone to simply say... "Hi." Congratulations on your new single "Hi"! We love how you've created a vacation for us in song form! Can you tell us a little bit about the creative process behind "Hi"? Where did the idea spark from, and how did it come to life? Kayln: Yay! Thank you! Gabriel had a track that he had started but never finished. So he sent it over to me, and I instantly vibed with it. I had the melody and idea for "hi" in my song bank, and I thought … this would be great for this track! It fit perfectly. Gabriel: Thank you so much! So the song originally started as a rough demo I wrote with a co-writer of mine named Jacob Frish back in 2019. We wrote a song called "pulling me in" with a very different lyrical concept and different production. I didn't end up doing anything with the song for a while until I connected with Kayln, and I sent her a bunch of WIP tracks I had in storage - "Pulling Me In" is one of them! She liked the production and some of the melodies, so we got together over Zoom and basically wrote a whole new song which ended up being "Hi"! Kayln and I explored some different lyrical ideas until eventually settling on the concept of writing around the idea of how sometimes you can look for love unsuccessfully in all the wrong places and often when you finally let go and just stop trying to force things, someone or something may come into your life when you least expect it and change everything. The production behind the single is brilliant! It makes us wanna dance and get lost in the moment. What came first? The vocals or the composition? Did you guys have anyone help you bring all of the musical elements together? Gabriel: Thank you! So we started with a demo production I had produced back in 2019, which I then completely re-produced from scratch after Kayln and I finished writing the initial song over the old demo production. I produced the song myself in my home studio with a little assistant producer help from my good friend and amazing producer Aron Rosing in Nashville, TN. The record was mixed by my friend and phenomenal mix engineer Carl Bahner out of Philly and mastered by the Australian legend Nicholas Dilorenzo with Panorama Mastering. Kayln: Gabriel is insanely talented and has such a keen ear for pop music. I had thought of the hook "all you had to say was hi" one day while stuck in traffic on the 101. So when he presented the track to me, it instantly made me scroll through my voice memos to find that melody! I was thrilled at how well it fit the track. Then we just built the song from there! Gabriel made the track more and more mesmerizing, and Carl's mix and Nic's master made it completely come to life. You mentioned that we can often get overwhelmed by daily life, which may lead to missed opportunities. What advice would you give to someone who currently feels stuck in a cycle? Kayln: Take a step back and really make an effort to observe everything around you. If someone told you.. "Look around you and name all of the red objects that are red…" then without looking around a second time, name all of the yellow things. You wouldn't know what was yellow because you were only focused on finding the red! Opportunities are everywhere, all around us at all times. We just have to be open to seeing and receiving them. Gabriel: Do something spontaneous you wouldn't normally do. Take a drive to a waterfall. Take yoga or jiu-jitsu class. Join a kickball league or go to a cooking class! Getting outside of your comfort zone is the best way to grow, and you would be surprised what kind of friends or opportunities might come your way. You guys have made a beautiful duet of a song. Aside from each other (since it already happened, haha), who would be your dream collaboration? Kayln: There are so many talented artists I admire and would love to work with. But if I had to pick just one, I think it would be James Bay. His songwriting is impeccable. Gabriel: I personally would love to work with Cheat Codes or Lost Kings, but honestly, I would much rather work with artists who are at a similar point in their career as I am. I enjoy growing with the people around me rather than reaching to work with a bigger artist who is already established. What's next for you? Kayln: More and more music! I have some solo releases planned for this spring/summer, and I'm thrilled to share more of my original material! Lots of live shows, lots of collaborating, lots of creativity, and being thankful for every moment I get to spend doing what I love! Gabriel: I have a load of label releases that have come out this year, as well as many more to come over the following months! I am looking forward to branching out more into the EDM toplining world and collaborating with artists from all over the world in different genres. Aside from continuing to put out consistent music, I would love to be able to travel the US more and make music in different studios, and I also look forward to performing live both for myself this year as well as with artists I produce for. GABRIEL INSTAGRAM KAYLN INSTAGRAM

One of Southern California's hottest acts to watch right now is the singer-songwriter Jimmy Swagg. Jimmy's been making waves with his dreamy new single "The River", off his latest 7-track album "St. Mary". By uniting audiences with his wicked live performances and spiritual aura, Swagg is taking his career to destinations he once imagined. Swagg prides himself in conveying the truth. He invites listeners to experience the magic of his music itself and brings a whole new rock edge to his sound - and "The River" sets the conceptual and exciting tone perfectly. Once the gritty and edgy rhythm guitar and drums begin flowing through our speakers, Jimmy Swagg makes his way in and sings a deeply introspective message of washing his sorrows and experiences away in the river. In his recent interview with BuzzMusic, he unravels the inspiration behind such a hit, telling us that the timely passing of his mother drew him close to his creative side Often feeling overwhelmed from all the life and death experiences in his family and the constant starting over, he turned to his form of expression in hopes to dust himself off again. We truly understand why Jimmy Swagg has become such a sought-after act, and we're sure any listeners will appreciate his relatable lyrics, soulful flair, and complex compositions. Check out the full interview with the naturally gifted Jimmy Swagg, here. Instagram Twitter

From Peurto Rico to the United States, r&b/soul recording artist and singer-songwriter lisma gives us a treat for the ears with his latest smooth 7-track album, 'Superhuman.' Born into a musically inclined family, it wasn't long until lisma got ahold of his passions and began delving into the world of salsa music. When landing in the United States, lisma felt gravitated to the r&b/soul scene, and his vocals were a clear match for the genre. Now releasing his debut album 'Superhuman,' let's give you the rundown of what you're in for. The experience unlocks with the introductory track, "Chasing Lies," which shimmers open with bright effects and warm piano melodies alongside lisma's lush and dreamy vocals. While expanding on feeling like a fool for finding love in the wrong places, lisma grooves through this sweet-sounding tune and into track number two, "Chillback, Relax." Just like how it sounds, the album's second track offers a laidback and soothing listening experience that takes us into the depths of modern r&b. While asking his lover how he's supposed to feel when all he receives is disrespect and mind games, lisma makes the experience worthwhile with harmonious sonics and his cathartic, soulful performance. Bringing the groove in track number three, "Caught Up," this song opens with a nostalgic 90s hip-hop drum arrangement that smoothens into a dreamy, ethereal r&b soundscape. Hints of nostalgia still ooze through the gentle sonics, but lisma's performance keeps us wrapped in all the passion and reflection he has to offer. On the album's halfway point, "Feel the Same," lisma takes the vibe down a notch and chills our spines with this smooth-sailing, delicate, and rhythmic soundscape. While lisma opens his heart and displays incredibly vulnerable and emotional lyrics, the song's production and instrumentals keep the groove intact with the utmost soul and wonder. Keeping the rhythm alive in track number five, "Inadequate," this song kicks off with a reggae-like electric guitar riff alongside light conga drums and lisma's chilling vocals. Although lisma uses this song to sing another relatable and emotional message of feeling inadequate, there's no doubt the instrumentation brings us into new, refreshing, and exotic places. The r&b listening experience reaches a peak on the album's sixth track, "Free," which opens with tapping percussion and soft background synths. This entire listening venture leaves us with a desire to escape with a lover and free ourselves of life's trials and tribulations. Hopping onto the album's last and title track, "Superhuman," this song opens with a jazzy and warm piano melody alongside light acoustic guitar strums. Once the organic drums begin tapping in, lisma channels a brighter and more optimistic mind frame while inviting us into a journey of self-discovery, release, and rejuvenation. If there's anything to take away from lisma's debut 7-track album, 'Superhuman,' it's that anyone has the power to become a better version of themself. And with a little hard work, dedication, and some needed obstacles, you too can reach 'Superhuman' status. Find lisma's new album, 'Superhuman,' on all digital streaming platforms. Instagram Facebook

Blessing our ears from Sussex, producer and songwriter Fearn teams up with the harmonious stylings of singer-songwriter Lorphe for their dreamy new single, "Lake Annecy (feat. Lorphe)." Fearn's lush compositions never fail to sweep any listener off their feet. Fearn is the alias of Will Taylor, who took his name from the Gaelic word Fearn: Alder tree, often associated with strength, compassion, and generosity. Through his debut single, listeners can get to know more about Fearn's delicate yet complex creations. Speaking of the new release, "Lake Annecy (feat. Lorphe)," listeners can also hear Fearn's musical influences shine through his tranquil compositions, paying homage to acts like Bon Iver, Orlando Weeks, and Efterklang. What's equally as chilling is the lush feature from singer-songwriter Lorphe, whose vocals are honestly a sonic slice of serenity. Fearn explained the song explores those thrilling and fully encompassing emotions of falling into the initial stages and love and watching it grow. Hitting play on "Lake Annecy (feat. Lorphe)," the song gently begins with a mid-tempo hi-hat, warm piano melodies, and Lorphe's chilling vocal stylings that float and drift with the utmost passion and emotion. We must give props to the soul-soothing, and cinematic production/composition Fearn brings to the table; he perfectly portrays such depth and passion through his transcendent arrangements. As we continue further into the song, Lorphe leaves us in a trance with such a soft and velvety sound. But the true magic happens when Lorphe's vocals perfectly merge with Fearn's delicate composition, a true match made in heaven. We also deeply appreciate how calming and relaxed this single is, and we're sure our readers will be quick to add this beautiful piece to their playlists. Feel your heart skip a beat with Fearn and Lorphe's new single, "Lake Annecy (feat. Lorphe)," now available on all streaming platforms. Congratulations on releasing your lush and passionate debut single, "Lake Annecy (feat. Lorphe)." When did you begin creating the composition and production for this piece? Did anything inspire you? Thank you very much! I actually had to check my emails to Iris (Lorphe) to check when we first started writing Lake Annecy together. I sent over my first sketch of the track in December 2021, so we're both incredibly excited to see it being released into the ether. What was it like working with the serene singer-songwriter Lorphe for "Lake Annecy (feat. Lorphe)?" Was this your first time collaborating with each other? I sent Iris a message over Instagram to see what she was up to music-wise as I listened to a few demos she had up on Soundcloud and loved her voice. I then sent her over a very rough and young version of Lake Annecy, and she was really positive about it. Even though we made the track in entirely separate rooms (we only met for the first time in the summer of 2021), it felt like a very natural process, and I felt like we had very similar ideas of where we wanted the track to end up, and what we wanted to convey from the song. How did you manage to create a composition that reflects those passionate initial stages of new love? What was your creative process like for "Lake Annecy (feat. Lorphe)?" The tracks' initial stages began with the reverb guitar sample that plays throughout a lot of the song. With this, I tried to replicate the sound of flowing water (along with the hi-hats). I tried to keep the instrumentals quite minimal in the verses to allow more scope for Iris' vocals. I'm not a natural vocalist, so I'm always blown away by how vocalists create their melodies, and Iris' vocals and lyrics were the perfect fit for the track. How would you say this song represents you and the music you create? How can listeners get to know you better through "Lake Annecy (feat. Lorphe)?" Lake Annecy is a song that I am incredibly proud of and was also one of the first tracks I wrote under this alias. It's a track I want people to listen to away from the noise and busyness of daily life. A lot of the inspiration for my tracks comes from nature and landscapes. What's next for you? For the past couple of years, I've been writing a lot, either for myself or for other projects. The stillness that was imposed by the various lockdowns gave me more time to focus and craft my sound. I've toyed around with a few styles, but I feel that I've finally found the 'Fearn' sound. In terms of release, I've got around seven completely finished tracks. I plan on releasing a remix of Lake Annecy (by one of my pals, Silas Fry) in the next month or so, then will do a string of releases. Plenty more to come! Instagram

North Vancouver-based singer-songwriter and country recording artist Nicole Sumerlyn holds our ears "Hostage" with her powerful third single and debut Canadian country radio release. The talented recording artist has spent the last decade opening for acts like Brett Kisel, performing at renowned venues like the Bluebird Café, and taking the stage at festivals like the Calgary Stampede and SunFest Country Music Festival. Never failing to keep her audience captivated with her fiery and energetic performances, Sumerlyn is continuously proving that she's here to stay. Now showcasing a more emotional and mature side of her artistry through singles like "Hostage," Nicole Sumerlyn mentioned that the song is about being "trapped by your own emotions and being afraid to show your deepest feelings in a relationship that's out of balance." Co-written with Chard Morrison and produced by Taylor Allum, let's begin our venture into this gripping single. Hitting play on "Hostage," the experience begins with Nicole Sumerlyn's powerful and warm vocals alongside downtempo percussion and melancholy electric guitar melodies. As she begins expanding on the inner turmoil she's experienced and the difficulties of being trapped in her mind, the song's instrumentals enhance those emotional scenes with rich and cathartic country tones that allow Sumerlyn to shine in the spotlight. As we continue traveling through Nicole Sumerlyn's deepest emotions alongside the high-energy and sweltering instrumentals, the entire experience develops into this powerful and stimulating space that's bound to make you feel something deep inside. There's no doubt that Nicole Sumerlyn's lyrics will tug on the heartstrings of any listener, especially with such relatable words that move stagnant inner mountains. Free yourself from the mind's trap with Nicole Sumerlyn's new gripping single, "Hostage," now available on all streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Nicole Sumerlyn. We adore the deeply relatable and emotional theme within your recent single, "Hostage." What experiences led you to create this piece? Hey BuzzMusic! Thanks so much for chatting with me and for the kind words! "Hostage" was written back in 2017. During that time, I was just starting out in the whole casual dating world. I saw someone who simply wasn't putting in the kind of effort that I wanted. He wanted something casual, and I wanted more. I didn't want to lose him, so I lied and said I was okay with what we were doing when really, it was really hurting me. This person probably assumed that it didn't affect me as much as it did, furthering the struggle. "Hostage" came from an emotion of feeling trapped in what I wanted to say but not being able to act on it. I felt like I was being suffocated in a loop of lies that was making everything worse. We truly appreciate your powerful lyrical content within "Hostage." How did you and co-writer Chard Morrison go about the songwriting process? Was this a therapeutic experience? Thanks! Chard is a great friend and an amazing writer. I've known him for many, many years; however, this particular song was one of our first writes. I'm an open book, so I started venting about this relationship thing that I was going through when we were catching up before our write. I kept talking and talking, and eventually, I clued in that he was typing the whole time. He had been writing down little things I was ranting about and putting them into song ideas. 10 minutes later. We had the bones for "Hostage." The song came naturally for both of us in the best way. What was it like working alongside producer Taylor Allum again for "Hostage?" How did Taylor make your experience easier and more enjoyable? Taylor is the best. We have been bandmates and buddies for so long. So us 'working together' hardly feels like work. It just feels like a hang. He really knows my sound and how to work with it. He understands my story and is willing to do creative and cool things to push both of our boundaries when creating a song. With "Hostage," we tried to pull more unique and different sounds that we normally wouldn't gravitate towards in a country song. We were taking some vocal inspiration from artists like Billie Eilish and musicality inspiration from the original Alicia Keys stuff. So it was fun blending everything together to make "Hostage" what it is. How is "Hostage" different than your previous two singles? What makes this song stand out? "Hostage" is the first ballad that I've released. My first two singles were light, fun, and more upbeat. I've branded myself throughout the years of being kinda this 'party girl' energy. As much as I love that style, life ain't all beer drinking and big city dating. I thought It was important to share a deeper side to my songwriting and show that vulnerable side of me as well. From a musicality and vocal standpoint, this song shows more of my vocal versatility and range, which I don't show often. I feel like everyone has their own "Hostage" type of story. Unfortunately, I think at one point or another, everyone has felt this way. I think some may interpret it differently than others. However, I think that at the end of the day, we have all been on the losing end of a relationship that wasn't going anywhere good. I want people to scream out their feelings when they hear this song, just as much as I do when I sing it. What's next for you? I am letting "Hostage" have its time to shine, with a Canadian radio release (my first), a really exciting music video, as well as an acoustic version possibly! Additionally, I'm, of course, always working away! We are starting to book live shows again. In preparation for a full-length album, I'm hoping to get my butt back down south once more before making a move to Nashville in the next year. Exciting times are ahead for sure! Instagram Facebook

With his alternative edge and passionate dark-pop vibe, Rick Christian's unexpected flair makes sure you're always on the edge of your seats. You're never sure what you're going to get with Rick, and his approach has us captivated. Rick takes pride in putting extra time into his projects, exploring the depths of his sound to create his monstrous masterpieces. In his interview with BuzzMusic, he talks a lot about the mystery he liked to leave the listener with, but in his latest pieces, he chooses to take a more personal route and expose himself directly through these records. He said at times he felt so exposed by the creative process because of how honest with yourself you need to be to express it properly. He explained how time-consuming it was to keep evolving with every end result and release during the interview. Rick is constantly sharpening his creations and wants to uphold the unexpected, mysterious aspect of his brand while still being personal and honest with the records he'll be releasing in the near future. We will definitely be keeping an eye out for Rick's new releases. Check out the full BuzzMusic article for Rick's "Contagious" here. Instagram Facebook

When Indie Pop is mentioned, we hope that you're thinking of the powerful artistry of Chaz Kiss. "I bet you thought I was less than I am," sings the talented songstress on the tense, smoldering verse of her 2021 single, "Goliath." Chaz Kiss is putting her best foot forward and has lately been playing and singing better than ever. Writing and arranging her songs with the fearlessness characteristic of significant stars, we can hear just how Chaz Kiss has shaken herself free of genres on her E.P titled, 'Dead Moths In My Sugar.' Forging a genuinely unique sound that matches her restless soul: a sizzling fusion of alternative rock, theatrical emo, lounge jazz, and leftfield art-pop is what we're left with when taking in the virtuoso of this emerging starlet. "Goliath" has us swimming in the harmonious darkness that is introduced with utter charisma. Her unapologetic demur has us chiming into the punchy and sharp piano melody, cruising right before we explode into a chorus of poetic chaos. As we allow our eyes to linger on the brightly decadent patterns of Chaz Kiss' eclectic fashion sense, we realize just how confident the cobalt-haired artist carries. Amplifying each emotion as it coincides with the sonic rhythm of the song, each scene has us seeing a different version of the bold Chaz Kiss. As the music video's protagonist underestimates her strength as a lover, there also remains a message to listeners who may know the artist under her former name, Ameliarose. Taking the same determination into her newfound journey in the music industry as Chaz Kiss, it's safe to say that the fortified precision she is establishing reflects the past artist within as much as it does the present. The Upstate New York rocker Chaz Kiss has found a new, more powerful gear that we're encouraging you to explore. We love the eclectic and electrifying visuals that come with "Goliath." Could you please take us into the song's deeper meaning? What was it like filming the music video for it? Filming the video was a blast! The video was directed by my family friends, Lorelei and Brian Edwards, which made the creation of the video even more fun, being surrounded by my closest friends! "GOLIATH" is about discovering inner strength after being repeatedly knocked down by someone. We really wanted to incorporate this meaning into the visuals by contrasting body language, colors, and angles! Being known for the bold and colorful looks of your sport, you bring forth a sense of confidence and happiness! How do you allow this to affect you on your down days? Do you ever feel that Chaz Kiss embodies your traits apart from the artistry? I've always been a very colorful person, I think. However, my day-to-day is spent mostly in sweatpants and sweatshirts (I love being comfy)! However, one of my favorite things about performing live is picking out an outfit to play in. The majority of my clothes are from charity shops, second-hand, or hand-me-downs from family and friends, which typically end up looking quite interesting! I love combining typically 'masculine' and 'feminine' items to introduce a contrast to my style. Another contrast I really love is combining vintage elements with hyper-modern ones. What similarities and differences have you noticed from going by your old moniker to your new one? "Chaz Kiss" is a bit easier to spell, haha! I got the moniker by taking my grandfather's first name, "Charles," but he went by "Chaz," and combining that with the second half of my grandmother's maiden name, "Kiss," hence, Chaz Kiss! What would you like your audience to take away from your messaging in the music video and song for "Goliath?" I hope people can realize that they can overcome almost anything if they want to. Obviously, situationally, some things are more difficult than others. But there is always a way to become a stronger individual, even on your own. What's next for you? I'm going on my first DIY tour this spring! I and my bandmates and team have worked tremendously hard to be able to book some shows across the country! I'm excited to play in Nashville, Atlanta, and even a festival in North Carolina with Everclear and Lit! More info on that is available on any of my social media, @ChazKiss. I'm also a live-streamer on Volume.Com/ChazKiss, and I perform virtually twice a week! As well as, in the past year, I've been working on my debut album scheduled to be ready late summer, called "Dead Moths in my Sugar!" Instagram Facebook

Michelle Hopkins is here to motivate & advocate. Her single "Have Hope" is the latest anthem for youth going through a tough time in need of words of motivation. Currently, a senior in high school, 18-year-old Michelle Hopkins is an advocate for change and an ambassador for hope. She uses her voice to sing and speak up for youth and adults supporting rare disease awareness. Michelle is a true example for the younger generation. She has received airplay nationally and internationally, including in Switzerland and Australia & appeared on the "Mark White Show '' and "Radio Active Kids''. In her recent single, "Have Hope," Michelle reminds us that even if you are experiencing difficult times that feel like a battle, a specific problem that might seem so big, you simply have no idea how you will get through it. Well, she encourages us to do it and carry on if we simply just believe and be positive. With her catchy chorus and her emotional, encouraging lyrics, she ensures us that we need to keep believing even when it's really hard to do. She speaks from a place of experience, and we can tell Michelle advocates for many people all around the world that are simply too shy or afraid to say anything. Thank you, Michelle! Michelle talks about releasing the music video to the single, "Have Hope," on Youtube, gathering together 80+ personal photos of supporters of her movement...they all had a sign displaying "Have Hope" to spread a beautiful message to people all around the world need. Her single shows us that she's overcome a lot and keeps on pushing through all the trials and tribulations, with lyrics like "Have Hope," "Keep Trying," and "Don't give up" shows us that she definitely has everyone, including her own best interests at heart. Michelle expresses that she isn't defined by the rare disease she has. She's much more than that! - and proves so in her latest single, "Have Hope." Welcome to BuzzMusic, Michelle. We're so pleased to have you. This single is so motivational. What keeps you inspired to motivate, and what are other things you do to stay motivated? Looking back on writing Have Hope and getting to listen to and see the Have Hope music video today, my family and friends who love and support me are inspiring me to stay motivated. They make a difference in my life, and they inspire me to keep trying, set goals, and make the most of each day. I focus on what I can do and what is possible to stay motivated. Right now, I find school very motivating. It is fun to learn new things, and I work hard at doing well in my classes. I also find joy and motivation in being around people, especially my family, who help me celebrate life and my accomplishments. They help make a difference in my life, and I know they also like to make a difference in other people's lives. You worked with co-writer Kathryn Cloward on this single and many other band members & background vocalists. What was that process like? I had so much fun recording Have Hope, and it's a bonus when I see other people enjoying it. The process was a fantastic journey, and I appreciated the dedication and determination it took from many people to have it all come together. And I am very grateful how Kathryn made everything pretty easy and fun, especially since I was learning so much along the way. The day I got to be at the recording studio to hear the other band members and background vocalists doing their recordings was energizing for me. Everyone was engaged. They were each amazing at their parts. It was great being part of a team with a common goal. The recording studio was extra special because I got to invite my family to be there to share in that unique experience. I loved sharing time with Kathryn to write all of the songs and then seeing how she made them come to life. I learned about the layers, details, time, and dedication it takes to complete a song. She kept setting goals for us to accomplish to keep moving the project forward, and the next thing I knew, I was recording my vocals, listening to how it was all mixed together, and having the opportunity to name the entire album Have Hope. As I look back, what is amazing to me is how much we accomplished during 2020, in the midst of a pandemic, so we could release Have Hope in March 2021. I feel lucky that I was able to have the support of many people to create my album. When I see people enjoying my music, and especially my family, it makes me feel good. You've mentioned that you're an advocate for change. What are two things you'd like to change, big or small, in today's society? I think it is important for everyone to keep an open mind and be willing to learn new things and to change. I would love to change people's perceptions of others who have physical challenges. I am almost 18 years old, I stand 4 feet 1 inch tall, and I use a reverse-Kaye walker to help me get around independently. Because I have some physical challenges, it can be challenging to meet people, and this can feel a bit isolating. People who meet me today are always surprised to learn that I used to be able to walk, dance, and even run. I would like to encourage people to reach out to others, especially people who may be different because everyone might be surprised by how much we all have in common. I would like to change how much people know about rare diseases because the more people know, I believe the more we can find cures to improve the quality of our rare patients' lives. Today 10% of our population lives with a rare disease, and today there are no cures. Thankfully, there are many smart and caring people dedicated to the rare disease community, but it will take time, money, and awareness to create change. The rare disease is something I live with every day, and while I try not to let it be the only thing in my life, I hope I can help shed light on the efforts of our rare disease community through my website www.MichelleHopkinsRare.com or through my music. How did you enjoy the process of creating the "Have Hope" music video, and who helped bring the vision to life? Being a part of the Have Hope music video and watching it come to life was amazing. Kathryn created the vision for the video. With the power of social media today and since the pandemic was a factor, she had the idea to reach beyond all of the people we know and spread a message of Hope and awareness. There is no reason not to think big, so we started a #HaveHope Campaign. We asked family and friends to simply make a #HaveHope sign, take a picture, post it on social media, and then ask others to do the same thing. It was amazing to see so many people helping and sharing their signs. I love seeing all of their photos and knowing this message is super important and bigger than all of us. We all need to have Hope in life no matter who we are in this world. Everyone's small actions together helped us achieve our bigger goal of creating a video full of #HaveHope images. All good things take a lot of people working together and being willing to give to each other. What's next for you? As a high school senior, I am focused on graduating, and I am looking forward to attending one of the colleges I have been accepted to. Right now, I am looking into being a Hospitality Major. I love planning parties and believe that celebrating life's milestones and accomplishments is really important, so I am hoping to turn that into a career. It would be terrific if I could make a difference by working on a career that is fulfilling to me. I would welcome another opportunity for more music, but in the near future, I see myself hitting the books in college and continuing to help create awareness about the rare disease community through my music and my website www.MichelleHopkinsRare.com. I can't thank everyone enough that has made all of this possible. WEBSITE