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American singer-songwriter, musician, and recording artist Travis Shallow encourages us to stay strong and "Let It Pass" in a cathartic new single. In 2012, Travis Shallow left his former band A Few Good Liars to embark on his solo music career. After recording his debut album, engineer Andrew Ratcliffe mentioned that "Shallow is a singer whose vocal personality is ultimately a category unto itself, like a Willie Nelson, an Otis Redding. He could sing anything and make it sound great, make it well worth listening to." We can genuinely agree with that statement, as Travis Shallow's latest single, "Let It Pass," brings us through an incredibly relatable, genuine, and heartfelt scenario. Shallow wrote this song right before the pandemic struck while watching his friend go through a divorce and attempting to put broken pieces back together. "It's like holding onto an electric fence waiting for it to stop hurting you when all you have to do is let go," he says. Listening to the soothing single, "Let It Pass," the song gently opens with tender and layered acoustic guitar melodies to amplify the soulful and heartfelt atmosphere. As Travis Shallow begins to serenade us, the delicate emotion and heart that seeps through his vocals are enough to send chills down our spines, especially as he encourages us to let go of relationships and people that don't serve us any longer. We can't get enough of the song's nostalgic feel, especially as Shallow reminisces on the past and how we seem to look at look behind us with rose-colored glasses. As he leads us to the song's end, we're left nodding in a state of reflection with help from Shallow's dense lyrical content. Move on and "Let It Pass" with Travis Shallow's latest single, now available on all digital streaming platforms. Thank you for catching up with us at BuzzMusic Travis Shallow. We deeply appreciate such a relatable and heartfelt single like "Let It Pass." Did your experience with your friend's divorce solely inspire this single, or did you have your own experiences merged in the process as well? Watching my friend go through that divorce was just the launchpad. It’s easy when you’re on the outside looking in to say “man, why doesn’t she see that it’s over…and it’s time to walk away”. That kind of insight is easy when it’s not YOU going through it. But I think we’ve all been the ones in the eye of the hurricane that can’t see past what’s right in front of us. The song initially took shape from that idea and “if it ain't meant to last, you gotta Let it pass” became the anchor. Why did you choose to keep the instrumentals in "Let It Pass" down to a minimum with the layered acoustic guitars? How does this instrumental enhance your lyrical theme? The album before Let It Pass was a full band record called “The Great Divide, and it was full production and we went deep on layering and big sounds. That was a really fun record to make, but after that one was released and did its rounds, I was ready for simplicity again. Back to home base, which has always meant just me and an acoustic guitar. Keeping things sparse and letting the song have the spotlight was very intentional. I did have my guitar player (Bob Russell) from The Deep End (my full band) come in and play those haunting swell-atmosphere-sonic-blanket accompaniment parts. Watching him do that in the studio with an old Gretsch, a couple of delays and a volume pedal with that kind of touch and vibe really elevated this song. Those kinds of heartstrings put the listener into a certain room, and I wanted that. What did you want to make your audience think and feel after listening to "Let It Pass?" To feel something is always the goal right?! I’ve said this before, but I think I was writing this song as a reminder to myself just as much as I was to anybody that listened. None of us are immune to staying in situations or holding on to things that don’t serve us anymore for longer than we should. Now when I perform it, it’s kind of my reminder to keep the self-inventory daily work I do a priority. No room or time for old things and habits that don’t serve me anymore. Why do you think that "Let It Pass" is your most successful release to date? What do you think your audience loves about this piece? I think as the pandemic continued and the months started to stack up, people became hungrier for relief of any kind. I saw a lot of it not just from new music releases, but from live-streaming concerts too. I started a live stream early on last March, I kind of saw the writing on the wall that this could last for a while. So, I started a live stream that I did twice a week from my home studio that we slowly built a community around. And a lot of those people tuning in were new listeners to my music, so when to Let It Pass was released, there was no actual release show, but I did have an established live stream audience to do a live stream release debut which gave a nice sense of normalcy in the middle of the chaos around us. Thankfully my audience let this song into their lives and I’m humbled by that big time. And I’m still doing the live stream too, 138 episodes in and no signs of slowing down quite yet. I said as long as people keep tuning in, I’ll keep doing it. Wednesdays at 6 pm Eastern on my FB, IG, and YouTube if anybody’s curious and wants to catch a live version of Let It Pass. Hop on, it’s free. It’s been a silver lining of the pandemic for me. Do the majority of your songs offer these introspective and vulnerable journeys, similar to "Let It Pass?" Would you say that your music is more lyrically driven? I’d say this newer batch of songs that I’ve written since Let It Pass does seem to have a golden thread that goes a little deeper and tell a story that I haven’t told yet. I’m actually in the process right now of going through these songs and demos I’ve written since COVID and seeing if there’s an overall arc as an album release or just release them as singles. I’m just glad that the ol’ songwriting tree was bearing fruit during all of this downtime. It definitely has kept me from spinning off too bad. And to your second question, I’d absolutely say my songs are lyrically driven. Anybody that can play the guitar could probably figure out how to play my catalog pretty quick. I’m not reinventing the guitar, but the stories being told and the songs are hopefully getting better as I go. I’m a lifer either way, and I’m just grateful to still be here doing it and keeping the lights on. Instagram Facebook

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter, musician, and recording artist Curt Barlage takes us through the tribulations of suffering and acceptance with his debut single and accompanying music video, "So Long Cecilia." An active entertainer in the Los Angles music scene for over two decades, Curt Barlage has spent lots of his time touring throughout Mexico with his former band, The Bixby Knolls. More recently, Curt Barlage came to the conclusion that he was unable to perform live with his bandmates due to the pandemic, which inspired his blossoming solo career. Now releasing his shoegaze and introspective single, "So Long Cecilia," Curt Barlage mentioned that the song offers "black-hearted lyrical reflection of love dissolved into confusion." The accompanying music video holds a similar theme, where Curt Barlage is clearly suffering from hefty amounts of reflection while being psychically pelted with eggs and bottles. Hitting play on the single, "So Long Cecilia," the track kicks off with distant background pads that lead to the solo acoustic guitar introduction. As Curt Barlage begins to vocalize his emotions while bidding adieu to Cecilia and wishing that her dreams will come true, the song begins to transform into this wildly emotional and Pink Floyd-esque psychedelic atmosphere. On another note, the song's music video plays an equally stimulating role through the opening scenes of Curt Barlage basking in the sunlight while contemplating his separation from Cecilia. While being pelted by eggs, bottles, and tomatoes, we can't help but feel that this concept enhances Curt Barlage's introspection, as he pays no mind to what's happening around him while saying farewell to someone close to his heart. Catch the highly emotional single "So Long Cecilia" on all digital streaming platforms and watch the accompanying music video on YouTube. Welcome to BuzzMusic Curt Barlage, and congratulations on the release of your emotional debut single, "So Long Cecilia." Why did you want to release this song as your debut? How does it help us get to know who you are and the music you create? Thank you for that and this opportunity. I was compelled to release 'So Long Cecilia' as my debut because it really rang true to my state of mind and emotion at the time. I felt it was 'in real-time and would be the best representation of my creativity at that very moment. When I decided to go solo after taking much time off of creating original material sometime during the pandemic lockdown, I begin to cultivate a different approach to creating music. An approach that was more honest and very vulnerable. Maybe something I had reservations about doing before then, in my other musical projects and in general. I was brought to a challenging moment in my life, which a lot of us were, and the notion landed on me like a thirteen-story piano drop. I began to cut the boundaries of expectations and ideals. I've always pondered that quote "write what you know about" and did just exactly that. Now, I can't imagine it any other way. What inspired the emotional and passionate lyrical content within "So Long Cecilia?" What moment or experience compelled you to create this piece? Emotional and passionate are exactly where it's at. That's the vulnerability and honesty projecting itself. The song is pretty autobiographical. My heart was shattered. I also got heavy into poetry during this time and believe that helped a bunch in cultivating the writing style. But also, I think these things just happen...when your heart is open and accepting. That's when we know we are just doing what we're supposed to be doing as creators. I'm trying to live in that space in all aspects of life. Could you expand on the concept within your music video for "So Long Cecilia?" Why did you choose to be pelted with food and bottles for the music video? That was Steven Soria's (the director) idea. But, he knows me very well and essentially reads me like an open book, knowing exactly the concepts to apply. I guess the main idea is that the visuals were a bit of purging or repenting of sorts to an actual experience I had. It was shot in a couple of hours during the peak of the pandemic in the late Winter of 2021. Very on the fly and capturing the raw essence of the emotion, shot in my backyard essentially. On a side note, everything was thrown at point-blank, the tomatoes weren't ripe so were microwaved to high heat to be a bit mushy and the milk was really cold, taken straight from the fridge. We didn't take these things into account and it all actually hurt a bit haha! But, I imagine it's all perfect that way. Lends to the idea of the lyrical content. Also, to make it all more than real, in a last-minute twist of fate, the actual 'Cecilia' partook in the shoot. Should we expect more introspective and deeply emotional songs like "So Long Cecilia" in the future? Are songs like this a staple for you and your brand? I don't really think about placing guidelines or imposing ideals on the creations these days. I think going solo, I was able to let go of all that stuff. Although, since I'm adhering to the idea of being very open and vulnerable in the art, it'll probably flow in the direction of being deep and introspective. For now, it does feel kind of like a 'thing' that is just happening. And I'll take it. It's a good release of emotion. What's next for you? I'm currently working on the debut full-length album. Hopefully, will have that out in the Winter of 2022. There's a new single coming out as well, sometime in the next couple of months. And speaking of no guidelines, it's a bit different from the previous two releases. All synth, no guitar. Just experimenting with the styles and keeping it all impulsive. I'm currently working on a podcast as well called 'The Pendulum and The Human Condition' with a good friend of mine. Covering topics related to self-awareness, trauma, spirituality, love, death, quantum theory, etc. Really jazzed about that. Some cinematic projects and other stuff are being cooked up, but that's the short of the long. Instagram Facebook

Based in Nashville, Tennessee, singer-songwriter, producer, and recording artist Codi Dillon announces the release of his exciting forthcoming single, "Killer BabyDoll." The 23-year-old performer strives to bring out the "freaks" of society and encourage them to express themselves unapologetically. Bringing us into the future of pop music with each release, Codi Dillon's sound stands out from others through his highly contemporary approach to pop production, along with his unique and exciting vocal delivery. On the way to stardom by way of punchy releases like "Killer BabyDoll," Codi Dillon recently announced the single's release while preparing his audience for a thrilling and exciting venture. After our private listening experience, "Killer BabyDoll" struck us with immense power and rhythm as Codi Dillon grooves his way through the song's crisp hip-hop/pop production while turning heads with his well-rounded bars and melodic vocals. Prepare your ears for Codi Dillon's forthcoming single, "Killer BabyDoll," available on all digital streaming platforms on October 1st. Instagram

Crashing his way through the independent music industry by way of Philadelphia, PA, the songwriter, rapper, and hip-hop artist Diamond Blacc releases a bouncy new single entitled "OUT." Striving to uplift, empower, and inspire his audience through his music, Diamond Blacc (Kelvin Bloodsaw) creates music that holds a mirror up to his life experiences. Adding a spicy and fresh flavor to the evolving hip-hop scene, you've only seen the beginning of what Diamond Blacc has in store. Jumping into the fire of his new single, "OUT," new listeners are able to introduce themselves to the relentless and dominant stylings of Diamond Blacc via this bouncy and booming release. As he rides the intense hip-hop beat with ferociousness and confidence, Diamond Blacc and his rhythmic bars keep us locked in and engaged to the electrifying journey that is "OUT." Diving into "OUT," the track opens with an intense and upbeat synth melody that quickly drops into the heated hip-hop beat with powerful drum breaks and a melodic undertone. As Diamond Blacc makes his way in, he takes the track by storm as he drenches us in his confident bars that set the song's dominant and powerful tone. As Diamond Blacc continues his fiery performance, he leaves us in awe of his catchy bars that chant like an influential hip-hop anthem. Not to mention his innate talent and lyrical abilities, Diamond Blacc grooves his way to the fiery outro while keeping our ears locked on his exciting and stimulating vocal performance. Bop your head to Diamond Blacc's anthemic single, "OUT," now available to get down with on all digital streaming platforms. Thank you for joining us at BuzzMusic Diamond Blacc. What a powerful and exhilarating listening experience you've delivered with your latest hit, "OUT." When did you begin finding inspiration and writing bars for this track? "OUT" is a song that has been growing within me my entire life. "OUT" is the truest and most authentic piece I have created to date. It is a culmination of my life and its past, present, and future. The song is a direct extension of who I am as a person. "OUT" is the story of my presence. I am an artist who accepts himself flaws and all, an artist with a past, and an artist who encourages others to be their truest and most authentic self. I wrote this song back in January in just a few hours. I had a sick beat pack I purchased from Progression Music last November. The boldness of this beat was undeniable and I knew it would be the perfect match for the lyrics I was ready to deliver. By the time I got to record the song in February, I was working out of a new studio and sending my vocals to a producer in LA. I remember getting the song back and truly being blown away. "OUT" has been the catalyst for my career thus far. Did you produce the hefty and dominant sonics within "OUT?" How did you create the sonic atmosphere to match the confident and upbeat feel of your lyrical performance? All production credit must be given to my good friend Dave and my mixing engineer Anton out in LA. When I'm recording vocals with Dave, he really helps me attain the necessary tone, pitch, and energy of my vocals while were recording. Anton is a phenomenal engineer who mixes my songs with the "sauce of the gods"! I could not have created the song without them. Was there a specific message or concept you wanted to convey with your heated bars in "OUT?" What did you want your audience to take away from your performance? In the song, my lyrics "It's a blessing that I'm here, I thank the Lord, you know I shout! Love yourself, respect yourself, you are a star so do not doubt" is the most important message in my song. While the song has bold lyrics and direct references to people and situations I had to overcome, my gratitude to have the opportunity to express myself and remind others that they have a right to shine bright is the core of the song. I want people to know that in "OUT" I'm celebrating a triumph, I'm advocating for self-love, and I'm encouraging others to do the same for themselves! "It's a celebration of self and an ode to pride! How do songs like "OUT" represent the future of hip-hop and where you plan to take your career? Should we expect you to continue this dominant and stimulating approach with your future tunes? You can expect great things from Diamond Blacc. I will continue to advocate for the freedom of self and expression. I believe it is truly the dawn of a new day and the world is filled with diverse talent that should be heard, appreciated, and respected. Diversity is on the rise in music and this is certainly apparent in hip hop. We're seeing more performers, collaborations, and genre-breaking music than ever. "OUT" is a prime example of present hip hop and foreshadows its future which will continue to be more inclusive of people from all walks of life. What's next for you? I am grindingggggggg right now! HAHAHAHHHAHAAH! Diamond Blacc is on the map! More music! More interviews! More Features! More Visuals! More Content! I will continue to strive for excellence as an artist and a person and my music will be a reflection of my evolution. Instagram Facebook

Hailing from Tampa is multi-genre artist Laine and she's debuting her love-infused, pop-focused single, "Into Night Times." As an artist who puts a ton of focus on representation within her music and everyday life, Laine is all about using her platform to promote her truth. Wanting to end her artist debut with the biggest bang, Laine releases "Into Night Times" as a means to tie up the musical extravaganza. "Into Night Times" focused on ensuring listeners were given a quality, dance-inspiring, and relatable experience. The production of the song manifests an uplifting, whimsical atmosphere that brings a sense of freedom upon listening ears. With a fun-loving ambiance, "Into Night Times" is centered around the concept of love, and the yearning that Laine has for a certain warm embrace. She's sharing all of her intimate expressions through the song, ensuring that listeners can reach out and feel every emotion related to the narrative she's presenting. Her vocal tone is harmonious with a charismatic-like quality that truly pulls in listening ears. All in all, "Into Night Times" brought on a thorough and refreshing listening experience that left us daydreaming about Laine and her future music. Welcome, Laine, and congratulations on the successful release of "Into Night Times." Now, this release was your song to end your artistic debut. Why did you choose this particular song to end off on? Today is a good day and I am looking forward to the reception of both the song and lyric video. I would like to add I am continuing my artistic debut, just how long can a debut last (I’ll take it if I can get away with it! Ha!)? I am celebrating the success I’ve had thus far and reviewing these past 8 months to gain more insight on how to share my “sound”. I know it’s different, I know I haven’t heard anything quite like the mix of music I have, and it’s just a matter of figuring out how best to get it out into the world. Trust me, no end here! Just new beginnings (as is after every release). "Into Night Times" has a clear and straightforward storyline. Were you hoping the narrative of the song was interpreted the same amongst your listeners? The beauty of music is that listeners can and will interpret narratives to fit their perspective. It’s why everyone has unique opinions, it’s what makes you, you. However, if the listener’s interpretation is true for them, and not me, their perception is reality. This song? It’s just how I was feeling at the time, and it was a promise I wanted to make! It’s fun to listen to for me with the multiple musical influences in the background. What kind of inspiration did you have to collect in order to write the content for "Into Night Times"? I feel like I should shed some light on my “process” here. I usually just have a feeling/emotion, open a memo or note, and write it down. My process takes about 15 minutes for writing a complete song. That’s any song. It’s literally all in my head! Maybe I’ll write the words down and hum the melody, and sit at the piano and put chords to it that make sense- or maybe I’ll sit at the piano at the same time as I’m writing. It’s a very short process. I write what I am feeling. It’s very fluid. I have a library full of music just waiting to get out there! Did you work with any producers for your single "Into Night Times," or had you produced the single yourself, considering your artistic capabilities extend to producing? For this track, I shared the initial production with Erik Mason, later reproducing it myself. The mixing and vocal engineering all came at oversight and direction from Master Engineer, John Seda. He allowed me to really experiment with mixing and engineering on this track, so it was really fun! My sound is *very* specific. I know what I want-how it sounds like, it’s all upstairs in my head. All aspects of the production and arrangement- come from me, and I often will use live sound samples taken from my everyday life on my phone. If I’m not physically pressing the buttons, or don’t know how (I am learning more every day), that’s when I know to ask for help. My take? If you’re not learning- do something else. If you’re the smartest at the table? Find another table. I always strive to learn and grow. Self-improvement extends beyond self and into professionalism as well. What's next for you, Laine? Specifically next? Preparing for the premiere of this release! I have to say I LOVE my lyric videos (shout out to Karina Dion and her motion mastery!). They are so awesome! It’s great to have a visualization of my sound, not just words on a screen, and we are careful to create a story/journey with each release. You can even see the progression on my social pages! I rebrand often and keep things fresh! It’s really about the present, right here, right now. And right now? I’m enjoying this A LOT! I’ll be keeping up the momentum, expand my following, and would really like to see the listeners engage with my journey from song to song. Collaboration isn’t off the table either… All in all, the road to success is how we define it. By doing what I love, and sharing it with the world, I feel success in that. There’s a certain joy in just being yourself and I’m loving it. Website

Toronto-based electronic producer and singer-songwriter Pusher continues to lure in fans with his radiant and colorful hits, especially his latest single, "Fall Apart." Martin Bernie (Pusher) has made waves in the electronic music scene through his artistic versatility that never fails to wow the listener. Most known for his dance, pop, and jazz influence, Pusher has received the opportunities to tour alongside acts like The Chainsmokers, Zeds Dead, and Phantoms. His music has also appeared in television shows such as Broad City, Siesta Key, and The Ellen Show. Recently releasing his debut full-length album, 'Stay-At-Home Popstar,' the record is said to be a tongue-in-cheek, optimistic, apocalyptic album to enjoy as you watch civilization collapse. The album's second piece, "Fall Apart," offers a radiant embodiment of the entire album while gracing our speakers with incredible production skill and sonic depth. Diving into the track "Fall Apart," the song opens with a glimmering array of synths and upbeat drum breaks that pierce our speakers with nothing but passion and life. As Pusher's vocals appear, he begins to sing of falling in debt and never getting out; however, it won't matter much once the ocean rises, and we're left fighting for our lives. This track offers some comical similarities to Bo Burnham, as the nihilistic approach delivers this carefree atmosphere that leaves us savoring each moment we have on this plane. As the sparkling sonics continues to push through our speakers, a jazzy saxophone solo leads the way to the outro while closing the song with nothing but heart, soul, and distorted electronic sonics. There's no better song to play when watching the world "Fall Apart" than Pusher's latest hit, which you can find on his debut album, 'Stay-At-Home Popstar,' available on all digital streaming platforms. Explore more of Pusher and his debut album, 'Stay-At-Home Popstar,' here. What an exciting and realistic venture you've taken us on with your recent hit, "Fall Apart." What inspired you to write a piece based on not caring for day-to-day stressors when, in reality, the world is close to ending? Life inspires art. Being apathetic is useless in day-to-day life, putting it into a song is just a good way to get it out of my head. What impact did you want to make on your audience with "Fall Apart"? What thoughts did you want to evoke with your realistic lyrical content? My mission with the whole album was to cut through the BS of conventional songwriting and say some things that I’d say as a normal person. I’ve grown to dislike lyrics that aren’t about anything that affects my life. Other people can write them, and I’ll enjoy listening to a lot of them, but it’s not what I like making. As far as evoking specific emotions, I see my job as creating stuff. It’s not up to me how people receive that, though I can learn from it if I feel like it. Why did you choose to offer this radiant, sparkly, and colorful sonic background for "Fall Apart?" How do the sonics amplify your lyrical message? It’s a juxtaposition and a journey. The nihilistic lyrics are contrasted with a sparkly, shiny, clean, heavy production that’s sort of like how our culture is so entertainment and consumerism based while the planet becomes unlivable. So fun, right? It’s a journey in that it takes us from this big, loud, synthy, sprawling production, then the song literally implodes on itself and we’re left with a much smaller, less advanced world at the end. The end is like a song around a campfire, clinging to the remains of the world that once was. Would you say that "Fall Apart" embodies the core theme and approach of your debut album, 'Stay-At-Home Popstar'?' How does this song capture the essence of your debut album? Yeah, it’s a good introduction to the whole concept. Juxtaposing slick overproduction with realistic language in the lyrics and everyday reality reflected in the concepts. Having the form and aesthetic of each song comment directly on the meaning of the song in one way or another. It also introduces some musical themes that come back later in the album. I’d like it to offer an alternative vision of what making music can be about in a world where songwriting is so often just to create the soundtrack or wallpaper for parties, exercise, studying. It’s not a good commercial strategy to create something that's not background music, but ideally, a person will stop doing other things and listen to the album for 28-or-so minutes. I know it’s asking a lot, and who am I to make such demands of innocent people, but that’s the idea. Instagram

From Fort Lauderdale, Florida, singer-songwriter, and recording artist Cristal B. releases an emotional yet empowering debut single entitled "My Therapist." Spending her childhood in choirs led Cristal B. to perform in musicals and eventually learn her way around acoustic guitar, inspired by the likes of Taylor Swift and her emotional songwriting. Getting back into music during the pandemic as a needed outlet for her accumulating stress and anxiety, Cristal B. also began posting on Instagram and Tiktok, which helped find a community of music lovers who seek positive support and encouragement. Now releasing her emotional debut single, "My Therapist," Cristal B. takes listeners through a powerful anthem surrounding mental health, negative self-talk, and insecurities. With a dark and cinematic sonic feel, Cristal B. makes it difficult to ignore such an engaging and stimulating experience, especially one as relatable as "My Therapist." Listening to "My Therapist," the venture begins with a chilling downtempo piano melody and Cristal B.'s angelic vocal stylings that touch on her trials and tribulations and wondering how to climb her way out of a meltdown. As the instrumentation begins to expand with a wavy background synth and tight drum breaks, the entire atmosphere begins to develop into this deeply cinematic and haunting listening experience. As Cristal B. reaches the bridge, she opens up about finding the help she needs and anticipating the pain that comes with healing. She later touches on how she would do almost anything to recover from the pain and attempt to live a (mentally) healthier life. As Cristal B. makes her way around the hook one last time, the song closes on a deeply reflective note while encouraging listeners to analyze how they can create a better experience for themselves on this plane of existence. Introduce yourself to the captivating stylings of Cristal B. and her debut single, "My Therapist," now available on all digital streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic Cristal B., and congratulations on the release of your emotional debut single, "My Therapist." Why did you want this song to be your debut single? How does this piece effectively introduce us to your sound and style? Thank you! I knew “My Therapist” had to be my debut single because it feels really true to who I am as a person. Mental health is rarely talked about in music, so being able to create a song about what it’s like to struggle with insecurities and anxiety has been therapeutic for me. Lyrically, it’s raw and personal. I feel really exposed sharing this song. Sonically, it lives in a very cinematic or even theatrical space. I’m a big fan of orchestral pop styles and my music tends to have some darker undertones both lyrically and melodically. “My Therapist” is a great example of that style and I think it’s a good setup for what’s to come with my music. What inspired your emotional yet reflective lyrical content within the single, "My Therapist?” The lyrics of this song were inspired by the concept of having a conversation with your therapist, which was brought to one of our sessions by my co-writer, Lauren Minear. The idea really resonated with me and within 5 minutes, I had written the first half of “My Therapist.” We both loved it and took it from there. I’ve struggled with anxiety since I was a child. Therapy really changed my life as an adult, but it certainly doesn’t mean I’m “cured” or that I’ve stopped having negative thoughts or panic attacks. “My Therapist” showcases a lot of that and how hard it is to do the work to get better when you have deep-rooted insecurities and anxieties. How did you want to make the listener feel after experiencing your honest and genuine lyricism in "My Therapist?” What thoughts or emotions did you want to evoke in your audience? My hope is that anyone who relates to this song feels understood and like they’re not alone in their struggles. I want them to feel comforted by the fact that they’re not the only ones that feel the way they do and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I know that “My Therapist” is dark, but I find myself feeling empowered by it to keep trying to heal. I hope that’s how everyone else will feel. Why did you choose to create this dark and cinematic instrumental atmosphere for "My Therapist?” How does this particular vibe enhance your lyrical theme? When we were initially writing the song, we started off with just the lyrics and a chord progression on the piano. The more I played it, the more all of the other musical elements started to come together in my head. The lyrical theme really calls for drama. I’ve always been a huge fan of songs like “Skyfall” by Adele, and that’s exactly what I was going for sonically with “My Therapist.” I wanted it to have some mystery and intrigue like it could be part of a James Bond movie. I worked out the production and brought it to Bryan Encalada, my mixing and mastering engineer, and he helped me to elevate the song to what it is today. Big, cinematic, and emotionally charged. Instagram Twitter

Chicago-based producer and musician Part Time Love Affair gets us in the groove with a smooth, passionate, and soulful single entitled "SOS." Part Time Love Affair is an extension of Matt Marge's love for the independent music creating process. His thorough and creative approach has led him to embrace his laptop as a recording studio, delving into vintage instruments and equipment while working with like-minded and talented collaborators. More recently, Part Time Love Affair took us on a different love affair with his latest single, "SOS." The song is more than groovy, as everything from the basslines to the smooth vocals pour through our speakers like a needed rainfall. What's all the more intriguing is the song's underlying sensual and passionate tone, truly allowing the listener to feel every inch of love that Part-Time Love Affair has to offer. Jumping into the single, "SOS," the track kicks off with Part Time Love Affair's old-fashioned organ samples that drop into a mid-tempo and soulful drum arrangement. As the vocalist begins to shine through like a bright beam of sun, he begins to serenade us with incredible passion, soul, and desire. We can't get enough of Part Time Love Affair's dense and well-rounded production, as it transcends us above this stratosphere and into bliss. This track reminds us of something that Anderson. Paak would create, as the limitless soul and funky undertones leave us in a state of wonder. Not to mention Part Time Love Affair's ability to create a vibe and a half, we're more than impressed with the entirety of this passionate and sensual tune, as it leaves us in need of more tunes like this. Experience Part Time Love Affair's skilled and soulful production in a new single, "SOS," now available on all digital streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic Part Time Love Affair. What a thorough and passionate listening experience you've provided with your latest single, "SOS." When did you begin executing ideas for this track? How long was it in the making? Producing "SOS" was really interesting because the original song by artist McClenny has this guitar-driven energy that reminded me of Prince. I said to myself "I love this song, but what if the Soulquarians produced it? What would that feel like?" What inspired you to create such a soulful, funky, and passionate tune like "SOS?" Were there any moments or experiences that helped bring the song to life? The key for me was my drumming and the unique samples that I chose to create the intro of the track. Once I had that intro loop, the rest of the track fell into place in a very organic way. Who is the talented featured vocalist in "SOS?" Did you have a say in the song's lyric writing process? Or were the lyrics written by the featured artist? Working with Walker (lead vocalist) has been really exciting for me artistically because he's just that good! I do music, but I DO NOT sing haha! How do songs like "SOS" represent you and your sound? Do you normally delve into such soulful and groovy sounds like this? Part Time Love Affair is all about creating soulful music with friends. I am excited because my project allows for different players and artists to come in and create as ONE collective sound. Being a drummer first, my future releases will always be soulful with a palpable groove. Instagram

Los Angeles-based alt-rock artist and singer-songwriter KAREN releases her hard-hitting and third lead single, "My Friends," of her forthcoming debut EP. KAREN began delving into her creative and artistic abilities during the pandemic. She was hesitant to release rock music, knowing that she was not entirely familiar with the sound and would be traveling outside of her comfort zone. Alas, she bought an electric guitar and got to work. Soon to be releasing her debut EP, KAREN recently dropped the project's third lead single, "My Friends." KAREN mentioned that the song surrounds not wanting to give up her self-destructive behaviors, as those behaviors became her friends who helped her cope and get through her inner turmoil. We're excited to introduce this new and improved KAREN to our readers, as her modern approach to rock is simply unforgettable. Plunging into the single, "My Friends," we're met with blistering and layered electric guitar riffs that pierce our speaker with nothing but power and might. As the mid-tempo drum breaks begin to crash their way in, KAREN's low and poised vocals join the party while setting the song's moody and grungy tone. As she continues drenching us with her emotional and introspective lyrical content, KAREN jumps into the heated hook without a dull moment in sight. Her energy and vitality skyrocket when blasting through the punchy hook, especially as she makes her way over to the next verse with the same vocal energy and passion. We adore KAREN's lyrical content, as she encourages us not to diss her friends, as they were the only ones there for her when she was down and out. Get your dose of powerhouse female rock with help from KAREN's latest hit, "My Friends," now available on all digital streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic KAREN. We love the raw energy and passion you've brought to your latest single, "My Friends." What inspired you to write a song that emphasizes how your self-destructive behaviors transformed into your friends? Writing is like therapy for me, so most of the songs that I write about are about my anxiety or depression, or something in between. At the time I wrote “My Friends” I was recovering from an eating disorder and struggling to quit smoking, and I was bitter that I had nothing to fall back on, so I dealt with it by writing this song. Could you expand on your creative process behind the scenes when formulating the instrumentals for "My Friends?" Did you have any musicians or producers help you out during this process? I started out by making a rough drum template and then played the guitar parts on top. Once I had the general idea for the track I came up with the melody. My husband is a bass player, so I had him lay down some bass and then sent to my friend Hal who is a real drummer to fix my crap drums. I was inspired by my favorite band Bully to write my EP, so I went out on a limb and reached out to Alicia Bognanno who fronts the band to produce/mix. I ended up going to her home studio in Nashville to track the vocals, and she produced out what I had and mixed it after that. Should we expect this attitude-drenched, exciting, and personal approach in your debut EP, similar to the single "My Friends?" How does the single prepare us for what's to come? “My Friends” is very much the middle ground to the other songs on the EP. On one end I have a song that’s loud and angry and all yelling, and on the other end, I have a song that’s quiet and depressing and more melodic. “My Friends” has a little bit of both, so I think it makes all the other songs work together as a whole. Why did you choose to make the transition into the alt-rock scene? What led you to this alteration in sound and style? Alt-rock has always been my favorite genre to listen to, but I was too afraid to actually write rock music. I’ve always had a bit of a twang to my voice and for the most part I’ve really only played acoustic guitar, and rock just felt too cool for me? I felt stuck writing country/singer/songwriter stuff because it was safe for me and never really loved the music I was doing. I think I just got so angry and cagey during the pandemic that I was like “fuck it, I’m going to write what I want to write” and just did it. Instagram

Toronto-hailing Trinidadian-born recording artist and singer-songwriter Kwesi Jamaal returns with a sweet and refreshing single entitled "Summer Crush." Kwesi Jamaal's groovy and exciting sound will undoubtedly leave any listener in a better frame of mind, especially through his blend of Afrobeat, Soca, dancehall, hip-hop, and dance-pop. Inspired by his Afro-Caribbean roots, Kwesi Jamaal's music has been well received throughout Europe, North America, and Asia. Returning to our speakers with his uplifting and perfect end-of-summer single, "Summer Crush," Kwesi Jamaal brings listeners into the exciting experience of refreshing summer romances. While a booming and bright dancehall beat punches through our speakers, Kwesi Jamaal offers an impressively charismatic performance to amplify the song's feel-good listening experience. Listening to "Summer Crush," the song takes off with a plucky guitar melody and warm percussion hits that later drop into a bright and upbeat drum arrangement. As Kwesi Jamaal continues to serenade his Mamacita and bask in her beauty and glory, he offers this deeply passionate and stimulating tone that provides equal amounts of desire and excitement. Continuing through the song, the warm instrumentals and sonics leave us in a relaxed groove while allowing Kwesi Jamaal's performance to shine in the spotlight. We love the playful attitude and performance that Kwesi Jamaal delivers within this sweet single, especially as he continues to passionately explain his desire for someone while praising their natural beauty. As the song comes to an end, we feel excited to close our summer season with help from refreshing singles like this. Dive into the exciting moments of new romances with Kwesi Jamaal's latest single, "Summer Crush," now available on all digital streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic Kwesi Jamaal. We love the relaxed and passionate feel of your latest single, "Summer Crush." What inspired you to create this exciting and playful summer single? Thanks, BuzzMusic! I appreciate all the feels you experienced when vibing to my new song. “Summer Crush” was inspired by the feelings that summertime in Toronto and beaches in the Caribbean always gives me: feelings of joy, playfulness, openness to mingle + connect, high energy during hot days and long nights of passion, romance, seduction, and intrigue. Thematically, listeners will get to experience two strangers meeting in a warm summer night party, with vibrant music playing, bodies moving and the cool ocean breeze blowing. Lyrically, I am telling the story of a new budding romance sparked by magnetic attraction. Instant chemistry and sensual body-to-body dancing lead to yearnings for a private after-party… And a change of scenery prolongs the night, offering spicy show and tell and endless possibilities! Lastly, “Summer Crush” offers a feeling of nostalgia and invites listeners to relive their own experiences of mutual attraction, new romances, and never wanting that moment to end despite life’s changing seasons. What sort of sonic feel or atmosphere did you want to capture with the production in "Summer Crush?” What vibe did you want the song to offer? The production of "Summer Crush" was sonically influenced by Congolese guitar music with its enchanting riffs; melodic Afrobeat drum patterns and sounds. The song breakdown and outro is meant to give listeners a nostalgic 90’s dancehall feel with the chanting adlibs, lyrics in patios, rhyme structure, repetition, and instrumental breaks. Listeners get the pleasure of experiencing a smooth, sensual, exciting build-up that invites feelings of romance, allure, intimacy, and passion. Did you produce "Summer Crush" yourself? Or did you work alongside any producers to help bring the experience to life? The producer of "Summer Crush" is the super talented Nate Smith of Wav1 Sound (Toronto), who also worked on my debut, "Afrikan Qween". We're currently completing my solo EP - release date to be announced soon - where he has curated both the production and the recording. My songwriting process is all audible: I freestyle ideas, melodies, and lyrics to create songs; then record my thoughts until I feel the song is complete. Similarly, Nate creates music on the spot and can produce any sound idea I throw at him. Our creative styles complement each other well and it’s always a dope vibe creating music in the studio with him. On a broader note, what impact do you strive to make with your music? How do songs like "Summer Crush" help bring you to your goal? Great question! “Summer Crush” is part of an EP that uses danceable music as inspiration to explore themes of affairs of the heart (love, romance, relationships, and its in-betweens). The goal of my music is always to evoke emotions and feelings (love, happiness, sensuality, hope, empowerment, etc), connect with global audiences using relatable real-life topics, and inspire feel-good, liberating body movement. It's music that you’ll have on repeat for a lifetime! Instagram Facebook