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From Memphis, Tennessee, the rising r&b sensation, singer-songwriter, and recording artist Maia recently released her sultry and velvet-smooth single entitled "Undress." Known as the city's hidden gem, Maia is often characterized as being the most electric introvert one will ever meet. A true hopeless romantic, Maia went on to graduate from Middle TN State Univesity studying Commercial Songwriting, which helped kickstart her career's takeoff in 2019. Recently teaming with r&b singer-songwriter Andriana for their heartfelt release, "Undress," Maia and Andriana offer the utmost passion and love as they serenade us with their serene vocal stylings overtop of a smooth r&b atmosphere. Not to mention their cohesive and complementary vocals, both artists share their natural talent as they pour their calming performances over our ears. Hitting play on "Undress," we're met with a plucky electric guitar and angelic vocal harmonies that drop into a melodic keyboard melody and Maia's bright vocal appearance. As she begins to delve into her heartfelt and sensual lyrical theme, her beautiful harmonies take us by surprise as they flow into the groovy and sultry hook. While Maia and Andriana team up to serenade us on the hook, the song's downtempo drum breaks and thumping bassline continue to back up the vocalists as they wear their hearts on their sleeves. We adore Andriana's shimmering vocal stylings that sweeten the song's atmosphere alongside Maia's lead vocal, as both artists bring incredible talent and charisma to swoon any listener who graces this delicate and magnetic piece. We admire the passion and tranquility you've delivered with your latest single, "Undress." What inspired you to create this sultry and heartfelt piece? I had watched the movie Hidden Figures a few days before and I was inspired to write a little poem. From my poem, I wanted to use the phrase “hidden figures in your heart” as a symbol for the things we keep to ourselves by often hiding from them. I wanted to challenge listeners’ resistance against demasking by providing a safe space for them to take a few steps towards vulnerability. What gravitated you to the stylings of Andriana to feature on your single, "Undress"? Why did you choose her soothing vocals to accompany you on this track? The idea came from Patti Labelle’s “If You Only Knew.” Its emotional driving force was the perfect example of how I wanted “Undress” to make people feel. Choosing Andrianna was actually my producer’s idea, and he hit it right on the nail. Her feature was the most anticipated piece of the puzzle because it was the last piece added. It was a challenge trying to figure out how to make the interpolation seamlessly blend with the other elements of the song, but we did it! Who produced the sultry and groovy r&b sonics for "Undress"? What sort of atmosphere or vibe were you aiming to achieve with this single? “Undress” was executively produced by Brian Nathan and co-produced by Noah “inoahcreation” Ploderer. We studied Queen Naija’s “Pack Lite” and Erykah Badu’s “Bag Lady” for the new school and old school blend. Galimatias' “South” inspired the live guitarist and bassist. I usually make an entire playlist for my producer(s) to reference. I wanted everything to be smooth and groovy with a sprinkle of funk. Do you know the type of vibe that makes you two-step and imagine yourself skating in your favorite roller rink or the type of vibe that brings all the lovers together? Yeah, that one. What impact did you want to make on the listener with the release of "Undress"? How did you want this song to make your listeners feel? “Keep them coming back for more” is the phrase I hear when I think about my supporters. I am building a relationship with them. The goal is to give them something they desire so they desire more. I am speaking to their hearts, minds, bodies, and souls. I am leaving them with an experience because when you enjoy an experience you want to tell others about it and relive it again and again. What's next for you? I’m going to keep showing up and showing out. More content is on the way. Stay tuned!

Soaring in from Nashville, Tennessee, the evolving pop artist and singer-songwriter Josh Roberts releases a deeply vulnerable and heartfelt single entitled "Pretend It Never Happened." Beginning his music career through writing, performing, recording, and traveling the country playing backup for various artists, Josh Roberts later began to expand on his solo career. Now releasing a song-by-song project, Josh Roberts hopes to reintroduce himself to the music industry as a full-fledged artist in his own right. The 6-track project comes to an end with its last release, "Pretend It Never Happened." A heartfelt and vulnerable single, Josh Roberts teamed up with songwriter and producer Bobby Brinker to bring this track to life. "The night we wrote this song, I remember listening to the work tape on my drive home and having this resolved feeling about that relationship. Honestly, it was therapeutic," says Roberts. Diving into "Pretend It Never Happened," the song peacefully opens with a smooth piano melody and a haunting background vocal sample that sets the song's reflective and introspective tone. As Josh Roberts begins to pour his soft and gentle vocals over our speakers, he later expands on an unhealthy relationship where he'd never expect to be left out to dry. As he continues to elaborate on the saddening theme of leaving someone in the past and moving forward, Josh Roberts confronts his heart-wrenching emotions while serenading us with the utmost courage. As the tender instrumentals lead us towards the outro, Josh Roberts continues to pull on our heartstrings with his emotional lyricism and engaging performance until the very last beat. Open your heart with help from Josh Roberts' latest single, "Pretend It Never Happened," available on all digital streaming platforms. We're deeply impressed with the honest words and lyricism you've delivered within your recent single, "Pretend It Never Happened." What inspired you to write such an emotional and personal piece, like this? Bobby Brinker (co-writer/producer) played me a piano progression he’d been working on. It felt special to me from the first time I heard it. And the vibe seemed to match up with where I was at getting over someone at the time. It ended up being very therapeutic to write. I remember driving home that night listening to the work tape and just having this happiness and relief I hadn’t felt about it before. What was your collaborative experience with songwriter/producer Bobby Brinker when creating "Pretend It Never Happened?" I consider Bobby to be one of the best-kept secrets in Nashville and I was lucky enough to link up and develop a friendship with him, his family, and some of our mutual friends. Bobby hears rhythms, accents, and phrasing that I would have to spend much more time to come up with, not to mention his raw musicianship. This guy played or programmed every instrument you hear on this track. It was originally going to be a very stripped-down piano/vocal. But when we played with the idea of building more around it, I think he nailed it. Writing with Bobby felt like home very early on. I had always heard that eventually I would find my tribe of people that I work well with and come up with the best stuff with. Bobby was and is a big part of that very small group. Do you feel that songs like "Pretend It Never Happened" represent you as an artist and the music you create? Do you normally release such emotionally rich songs for the listener to relate? While this song stands out as the ‘ballad’ of the project, it absolutely represents my style. This 6-song project was released song-by-song at a controllable pace, which I liked. Emotion-wise, I like to try and be as full-circle as I can. PINH leans into the singer/songwriter emotional side of this project’s spectrum. Could you tell us more about your 6-track project and the theme or concept you deliver? Why did you choose "Pretend It Never Happened" to close the project? Listening to the 6-songs together, you’ll hear love-loss, hindsight, funky empowerment, hope, and holding on. PINH is the heartbreak song, but there’s a reconciliation in the hook. For me, it's from a place of love and growth while being able to re-visit that moment in time to tell a story. I think a lot of that comes from how this song helped me come out on the other side better for the experience. What's next for you? I’m excited for PINH to come out on August 27th. You can check it out wherever you stream music. Closing out this 6-song project is a musical milestone for me. There are already more songs on the “to record and release” list for the coming year. ‘Song-by-song’ has been a cool strategy so far, and I might continue that into the next year. We’ve also got a music video in the works for one of the previous releases, “Keep Up.” We’ll put out more info on that on JoshRoberts.com and social media. Instagram.com/JoshARoberts

Callie Carlucci spent 15 years training her vocals, 20 years writing stories, and the last seven years finding her voice as a songwriter. It was during the pandemic that she decided she needed to pursue a career as an artist. Her various musical influences in her life center around her father’s guitar-playing techniques and continuous encouragement towards her aspirations. With a style heavily influenced by Taylor Swift, Lorde, Halsey, and Chelsea Cutler, Callie Carlucci is finally ready to share her original creations with her audience. Dipping into the pensive melancholy that her most recent single “Standing Still” provides listeners with, Callie Carlucci is exercising her capabilities as a storyteller in the highly emotive release. Through the atmospheric dreamscape that plays upon a heavy bassline and immediate anticipation, it’s hard not to get looped into the intensity of the lyrical motifs that Callie Carlucci brings to life. Cascading with the peaks and valleys of the instrumentation, her resonant timbres triumphantly ricochet through the speakers. Listening closely to the narrative that immerses us in our heartrending tenors, we hear a story that revolves around running into an ex-lover at a party and seeing them with someone else. Caught up in the confusion that infiltrates your mind as it pairs with the longing for past memories and emotions, Callie Carlucci does an exceptional job at conveying this tale in a way that has us all relating to the vision before us. As alluring harmonies dance through our consciousness, we’re faced with a poignant display of vulnerability that has Callie Carlucci elevating to newfound heights. “Standing Still,” is the icing that completes the unique musical flavors that she courageously serves to us, as we’re ready for seconds. A huge congratulations on the picturesque sounds of “Standing Still.” With such a profound tale that steers the song’s theme, was there a particular moment or story that shaped the life-like grooves? Thank you so much! “Standing Still” is about a relationship I had. Anyone who knows me knows exactly what I’m talking about then they hear the song. I essentially used my own timeline in order to structure this song. I wrote the first verse, then wrote the second one later. I went back to that timeline of that relationship and picked a spot and wrote about that. I learned this technique in a songwriting class. It’s a pretty good trick. It also helps when trying to finish songs. How does it feel to finally be releasing your creations to the world after such a long time of honing in on your craft? I’m honestly relieved in a way. I spent so long keeping these songs inside a journal. I kept making excuses to put off releasing them. I either didn’t have time, money, the skills, or so many things I “needed” to release music. I discarded those excuses during the pandemic to make it happen. I did not want to get to a point of regret. And now I’m doing it. It’s been a lot of work, but it’s also cathartic. How would you say that your frame of mind has evolved since the creation of “Standing Still” to this present moment? How long ago did you create this piece? I wrote this song in 2015. I kept rewriting parts of it, editing some parts, and in 2017, I decided it was finished. I was obsessed with some idea of perfectionism that prevented me from finishing anything. I always put unrealistic expectations on myself. I did a lot of work on myself, and as a result, I was able to finish the song. I’m still a “recovering perfectionist” but I trust my own abilities a lot more. I trust my ability to say “it’s finished.” What message do you hope to send out to your audience through “Standing Still”? Anyone who has ever been heartbroken will probably relate to this song. “Standing Still” is this idea that you don’t know what to do with yourself. You sort of feel frozen, even though you “ought to move on.” Whatever that means. I think people are often shamed for not “moving on.” I always hate it when people say that. No one should feel ashamed for feeling sad, or vulnerable, or confused. I hope “Standing Still” provides words of empathy for those who are experiencing loss or heartbreak. What's next for you? I plan on releasing an EP this fall. It has five songs. I’m nervous and excited. I only hope that my stories reach people and make them feel less alone. If I can do that with one person, my heart will feel whole. instagram.com/calliecarlucci

From East St. Louis Illinois, the singer-songwriter, rapper, and recording artist Profits teams up with platinum-selling West Coast representative TeeFLii for their single and forthcoming music video, "Cold Summer." The vibe-setting and versatile recording artist holds influences like Bone Thugs and Harmony, Do or Die, Kanye West, Twist, and many more. Priding himself on his artistic versatility, Profits' sound can range from a relaxed approach to hard-hitting party anthems and personal hip-hop ballads. Expanding on his latest release, "Cold Summer (feat. TeeFLii)," the song is the first single to come out of Profits' forthcoming album, 'The Vibetape.' Not to mention the song's upcoming music video, we're excited to experience the cinematic visuals that accompany such a groovy and toe-tapping track like "Cold Summer (feat. TeeFLii)." For now, stream Profits' single, "Cold Summer (feat. TeeFLii)," on all digital streaming platforms, and be on the lookout for the song's forthcoming music video on August 27. instagram.com/iamprofits

Seattle Electronic duo GHOST GUN has created an explosive sound that transports the listener to a cinematic place somewhere between this world and the next. By experimenting with house, techno, ambient, hip-hop, and a wide array of electronic music, this duo delivers pounding tracks fit for all dance floors. Aiming to catapult to the leading edge of dance music in Seattle and abroad, GHOST GUN delivers their three-track EP, 'SHOOT FIRST, QUESTIONS LATER.' Acting as an anthem for insubordination, this sophomore EP is a defiant, adrenaline-fueled rallying cry that returns to the roots of G-House while throttling into a more emanate hip-hop presence. As we indulge ourselves in the seemingly unique resonance that comes into contact with our presence, there’s protruding energy that enters our graces instantaneously. The EP’s introductory single “TRANQUILIZER,” casts out a shadowy ambiance that has our thoughts dwindling in the eclectic sounds that redefine the basis of sonic exploration. The ominous synths weigh in on a scale that tips from heavy to feathery on a well-rounded spectrum. Touring us through an amplified presentation of what the world of hip-hop and G-House reflects when combined, the Sablo featured record has 'SHOOT FIRST, QUESTIONS LATER,' off to a running start. Bringing our focus to the ethereal showcase of versatility that GHOST GUN holds in this specific genre-bending simulation, “TIDES II,” has the foreboding essence of our headspace delving into great depths through the progressions ventured. Enlisting the artistic techniques of Maee, the vivacious soundscape contains harmonious elements that elusively navigate you into a blissful utopia of pure genius. With no lyrics to be reflected on, “TIDES II,” is completely up to the listener’s interpretation. Tapping into your inner GHOST GUN lens, the rise and fall that happens through the peaks and valleys of musical elements allow us to feel the motions of crashing tides. Completing this dynamic trio of songs, we’re exposed to “PISTOL WHIP.” Basking in the foreground of lyrical dexterity and an unapologetic basis that douses you in upbeat vivacity, the energy that comes from both GHOST GUN and Kevawn mirrors underground electronic music with the kind of memorable stamina that remains in your mind long after the song comes to an end. Through the bass-heavy inflection of melodic substance, we also get a candid display of lyricism that has us completely latched onto the quintessence of “PISTOL WHIP.” Joining the previous songs in order to complete the impeccably balanced cocktail of GHOST GUN, we know that this EP will have you taking a deeper dive into what they’re all about. Welcome to BuzzMusic GHOST GUN and congratulations on the release of your sophomore EP, “SHOOT FIRST, QUESTIONS LATER” The three tracks that you convey give us a great representation of who you are as creators. What is the concept that’s intertwined with the project’s title and the songs that we hear? Thank you for those kind words! This EP was a huge milestone for both of us, marking a huge step forward in production quality as well as cohesion in our artistic vision as a duo, so it feels incredible having it out in the world. From the beginning, we wanted “SHOOT FIRST, QUESTIONS LATER” to be challenging conceptually, packed with meaning lurking behind a veneer of club-friendly, almost ignorant instrumentals. Dance music has always been rooted in rebellion, and the very act of gathering to move and express oneself freely to music is a middle finger to authoritarian structure, so we wanted to make something that embodies that more flagrant aspect of dance music. How long does a project of this caliber take to create? Could you please share a glimpse into what the process looked like for you two? It’s funny you asked that because this is a subject we discuss all the time. It’s interesting to see how social media and technology have created this unrelenting thirst in listeners for a constant flow of fresh content, often with a disregard of craftsmanship. There is a lot of great music out there that seems to be overlooked. It can be sometimes difficult to balance creating something of quality while also managing the pressure to be a consistent presence in listeners’ feeds. Through the process of creating our debut EP “GHOST GUN”, we learned a lot about how the two of us work together as artists, how our musical and technical skills fit together, and how to take the vision we each had for the music, share in it, and realize these visions cohesively in order to make something better than we could have on our own. After we released “GHOST GUN” last year, we each took some time independently to rest and recuperate, as well as to invest time into our solo projects, but we soon got the itch to start something new. Our schedules didn’t really align, so during the time on our own, we each started a track with GHOST GUN in mind. We came together after we had both gotten time to work on our own, and the potential projects ended up being the two singles from SFQL, “PISTOL WHIP” and “TRANQUILIZER”. After fleshing out the production for each song together, we hit up Marquis (Sablo) and Kevawn about featuring on the tracks. They each came into the studio and absolutely killed it, nailing their respective performances as well as our vision for both tracks. For TIDES II, we wanted to stay true to our original method of jamming ideas out together, allowing for improvisation and feeding off each other’s vibe to fuel the creative process. We set aside a weekend for exactly this purpose, and by the end of those two days, we had created the instrumental that became TIDES II. We knew Rachel (Maee) had the exact quality of voice we wanted, so we were thrilled when she agreed to feature on the song but neither of us was prepared for the performance she gave. Everything she sang was improvised, and as she was singing, our jaws hit the floor. That’s kind of the beauty of the collaborative process, when everyone is in sync with visions aligned, what you make together is pretty much always better than what you could have hoped for on your own. All three features helped us make this project something timeless. As far as the timeline goes, things get a little fuzzy. In total, this project took around eight months from inception to release, but that number is extremely nuanced, if not outright misleading. The actual instrumentals took less than a week combined to produce, but without the extra time taken to record the features, create and assess multiple versions, and mix and master the final songs ourselves, we would never have been able to create the caliber of music you hear on 'SHOOT FIRST, QUESTIONS LATER.' Out of the collection that you carefully crafted, do you happen to have a particular song that resonates with you more than the rest? Why? It’s really hard to choose just one in particular, as each song has a resolute meaning that is woven together in congruence with the others, like movements in a symphony. Each song conveys a different episode over the course of an emotional metamorphosis, from disillusionment, through revelation, and into actualization. We’re always having to change and evolve as people, growing into better, healthier, and more aware versions of ourselves, and we wanted our music to reflect that never-ending cycle. When you listen to SHOOT FIRST, QUESTIONS LATER as a whole, you experience this firsthand, using the EP as a blueprint for your own transformation. If your audience could take away some main themes and messages from 'SHOOT FIRST, QUESTIONS LATER,' what would you want them to reflect on? 'SHOOT FIRST, QUESTIONS LATER' is a floodlight aimed directly at authoritarian structures, illuminating their grip on our lives and minds. Expanding on the cycle of transformation we discussed in the last question, this work demonstrates the process of grasping the reality of the stranglehold autocratic systems have on us, educating ourselves to loosen the grip they have, and using what we learn to enable ourselves and others to resist. People are meant to think, live and breathe freely, not have their thoughts and actions controlled or dictated for them. We believe that music has the power to not only bring people together but awaken them in order to start the process of self-transformation. How does this body of work compare to your debut EP? 'SHOOT FIRST, QUESTIONS LATER' is a massive step forward for GHOST GUN, continuing the vision we put forward with our eponymous EP while demonstrating the leaps we’ve made as artists and musicians. Both EP’s share common themes of death, enlightenment, and rebirth, and are logical progressions in the GHOST GUN saga, but SFQL is without question a musical and artistic progression as well. This EP has even more dancefloor appeal without sacrificing any of our creativity, which is something we take very seriously. We saw this firsthand when we were fortunate enough to open for Black Gummy and Notaker last month at Trinity Nightclub in Seattle. Seeing people react so well to our music in a live setting felt absolutely unreal. Without a doubt 'SHOOT FIRST, QUESTIONS LATER' is some of our most proud work. Instagram Twitter

Winning over the hearts of fans across her hometown of Los Angeles, the singer-songwriter and genre-defying recording artist Gingerr Rust highlights the lead single, "Shroom Tea," off her debut 5-track EP, 'Mr. Bleu.' Always defying the norms of genre conformation, Gingerr Rust is best known for blurring the lines of r&b, jazz, and soul, to create an irresistible experience of unique sonics and catchy melodies. Keeping listeners on their toes with her fuzzy and unconventional sound, it must be noted that there's much more to come out of Gingerr Rust's evolving music career and undeniable talent. Now highlighting the savory and sweet single, "Shroom Tea," off her debut 5-track EP, 'Mr. Bleu," Gingerr Rust can be heard moving and grooving overtop of a highly unique sonic landscape. While her angelic vocals serenade us with incredible talent and power, Gingerr Rust expands on rather descriptive and picturesque scenes that evoke nothing but passion and soul. Taking a deeper listen to "Shroom Tea," the song opens with a punchy r&b drum arrangement and plucky synth melodies that rain down from above. As Gingerr Rust's warm and angelic vocals appear, she begins to depict incredibly passionate and savory scenes of indulging in some psilocybin and being up all night in need of someone's touch. We're incredibly impressed with this unconventional and unique approach to contemporary r&b that Gingerr Rust has taken in this piece, as it offers many soulful aspects of jazz that sweeten the atmosphere. As Gingerr Rust scats her way to the outro, the song ends on a bright and beaming note. Indulge in your dose of "Shroom Tea" with help from Gingerr Rust's latest single, and find the rest of her debut EP, 'Mr. Bleu,' on all digital streaming platforms. What a soothing and groovy single you've released with "Shroom Tea." Did you feel inspired to write this piece after ingesting some shroom tea and feeling the love and pleasure that came with your experience? Thank you! Honestly, no shrooms were consumed when I was creating the song. The idea came about after I came across this Twitter thread. In the thread, she describes taking shrooms and her intimate experiences with her partner. She claims it was "the most beautiful and freak nasty" experience she has ever had. I thought, wow that sounds top tier. I wonder what that feels like. The thread was lingering in my mind. Once I heard the beat, the words just melted together. Essentially, when I started writing, I simply was imagining what my experience would be like. To me, the instrumental itself feels so warm, safe, and inviting. I felt the combination of the lyrics and beat was able to articulate the softness and lovey feelings that come with experimenting with someone you love and trust. Did you produce the unique sonics yourself for "Shroom Tea"? How did you go about creating such a dense, rich, and soulful sonic experience? The song was produced by Noeha Rose. Shroom Tea serves as a foundation point for the conversations surrounding experimenting with connecting to the divine, sensuality, pleasure, femininity, and experiencing softness and delicacy within my romantic experiences. I feel as a black woman, oftentimes that delicacy and softness are stripped away. I wanted to create something that holds space for me to feel dainty. The vocal arrangement of the song further articulates themes of softness. Through the utilization of syncopation, jazzy riffs, and lyrical imagery, I further explore themes of freedom and improvisation without a social script. On a deeper and more sensual level, it is radical freedom of speech when it comes to my desires and needs as a black woman navigating romance. Do you often write such passionate and sensual lyrics within your songs, similar to "Shroom Tea"? Are alluring songs like this a staple for you? This was my first time writing and releasing something this vulnerable and sensual outside of my song "Meet The Jeffersons". Generally, I like to infuse as much passion into my lyrics and storytelling. I feel that that is what connects people to the music. You can feel it when you listen. I think as I become more comfortable within my femininity, physical self, and balancing my love life with the other parts I will continue to explore similar themes. I don't know if I can say it will become a staple because I like to write about my life experiences and there is so much more going on that does not center around sensuality, allure, and pleasure. How does "Shroom Tea" fit into the overall vibe and concept of your debut EP, 'Mr. Bleu'? How does the song enhance the EP's theme? I think the lyrics to Shroom Tea effortlessly embodied some of the feelings of newness and softness that come with the honeymoon phase of a new relationship. The EP is like a time capsule for me. It holds all of the memories that I've accumulated from a past relationship. It starts with Shroom Tea when everything is new, fun, and exciting and slowly unravels to show how we eventually came apart by the end of the EP. Each song is a piece of the picture. It sonically personifies the many increments of time passing and how relationships shift once things are no longer new and fun all the time. What's next for you? For the next few months, I will help you see the story of Mr. Bleu for yourself through visuals and a few other surprises. I'm filming a couple of music videos for some of my favorites on the EP. I've also been working on a new project and a short film. You can expect lots of visuals, behind-the-scenes content, and new music. I'm excited though we're filming in Joshua Tree and I'm looking forward to taking a little road trip and creating art I believe in with my friends. instagram.com/gingerrrust twitter.com/gingerrrust

From Tempe, Arizona, the metal/rock guitarist and producer Ryan Richmond highlight the gritty 7th track, "Know Thyself," off his latest self-titled album, 'Ryan Richmond.' Playing guitar since he was seventeen, the thirty-one-year-old artist now proudly owns over fifteen guitars and a plethora of equipment to further explore his creative artistry. Inspired by The Beatles, The Foo Fighters Metalica, and August Burns Red, Ryan Richmond's sound is undeniably as rich as it is exhilarating. Highlighting the 7th track, "Know Thyself," off his 8-track self-titled album, 'Ryan Richmond,' the track brings listeners on a hazy and haunting journey through each melody and transition. When taking a listen, it's without a doubt that anyone will feel the power, grit, and tenacity that Ryan Richmond's sound has to offer. Beginning our venture into "Know Thyself," the track takes off with a crashing drum arrangement and Ryan Richmond's wailing electric guitar that crunches its way to our ears. As he begins to blaze through our speakers with his ferocious and exciting riffs, the accompanying drums perfectly serve this sensation of heightened energy that complements Richmond's dense guitar playing. We love the might and power of this song; it's as if Ryan Richmond wanted to take his audience through a heated and resilient journey of self-discovery through each intricate transition and fuzzy melody. As Ryan Richmond leads us to the song's end with his blazing riffs, we're left feeling a bounty of chills and thrills. Begin your introspective journey with Ryan Richmond's latest hit, "Know Thyself," and find his recent album, 'Ryan Richmond,' on all digital streaming platforms. We adore the energy and intricacy of your latest hit, "Know Thyself." What sort of journey or listening experience did you want to deliver through this track? I wanted to make a big ol' metal monster. A slow and heavy banger with a cosmic guitar solo haha. I really love music like that and I wanted to put my own stamp on this style. I hope any listeners out there hear it and imagine a huge journey of their own creation in their minds. Personally, I see a lot of things when I think or play with this song like barbarian space pirates with giant battle axes waging war over epic alien bodies of water with no name... How did you begin navigating the feel and atmosphere for "Know Thyself"? What was your solo creative process like? Well, I wanted to do something that could harbor passages that were very metal, and could also reach spots that were pretty out there and borderline psychedelic. Slowly, over a couple of years of practicing, jamming, and playing around with it, I had a solid arrangement of a bunch of parts that luckily clicked together. I enjoy writing different parts and then finding a way to string them together in a way that makes sense. It was always fun with this song because I'd play something, run it on the looper, and then experiment with leads. It took a while but I got it somewhere that I'm very happy with the end product. Did you work with any exterior producers when finalizing your track, "Know Thyself"? Or did you handle every creative aspect of this piece yourself? No! I worked on this myself from start to finish. It might help if I knew any producers ha, they could tell me everything I'm doing wrong! But yes, it was my idea, my practice, arrangement, recording, producing, and I even painfully programmed all those drums myself. But it's a good feeling knowing I built it from the ground up. How does "Know Thyself" fit into your album 'Ryan Richmond'? Is there a specific sonic story you wanted to tell through the entire album? I always knew I wanted it at the end of the album when I was working on it. I've always wanted to make an album with a wide range of music on it and I feel accomplished doing that, but definitely had to cap it off with the big epic adventure. I like the idea of the listener being pulled in so many directions listening to it, and then you hit a finale like this to punctuate it. It's pretty short for an album, so I wanted to make the most of it. What's next for you? Still working on new songs, working on my playing a lot so I can hopefully keep surprising myself when I write. I'm working heavily on production just trying to push forward to make the absolute most out of what I have, which is a small recording set up in my room. I have a few songs ready to make another album in the next year. I just want to one day make a mark on Rock 'n' Roll and become an old kung fu master on guitar. There's no way to get there but by practice, so I'll just keep walking. instagram.com/slayerdragonthe

Sharing his artistry from the vibrant neighborhood of Bushwick, Brooklyn, the songwriter, rapper, and hip-hop artist Wade Wilson demands our attention in his latest hard-hitting 8-track album, 'Chop House.' A true verbal acrobat, Wade Wilson can share his sensitive and vulnerable side while also leaving listeners nodding their heads to his wise-cracking and charismatic bars. Never failing to shine a light on the epidemic of mental illness in Black America, Wade Wilson makes it difficult to ignore such an honest, versatile, and meaningful approach to contemporary hip-hop. Diving into the record by way of the introductory track "Mantra," the song takes off with Wade Wilson's deep and intimidating vocal stylings that count us into the track. As a fluttery and hard-hitting organic instrumental heats up the background, Wade Wilson sets fire to the foreground with his dense lyrical abilities that depict the harsh realities of our chaotic 2020 and our venture into clarity. We adore the old-school feel of this track, as Wade Wilson's rhythmic bars complemented with the song's mid-tempo and organic instrumentals genuinely make for a chilling and thrilling listening experience. Bouncing into track number two, "Be There" this song opens on more of a bright and melodic note through the quick-paced instrumentals that set the song's energetic and exciting tone. As Wade Wilson begins drenching us in his dense and dominant vocal delivery, he lets us into a more motivational lyrical theme while touching on counting his blessings and savoring each experience life has granted. Wade Wilson also moves into more of a melodic delivery halfway through the track, emphasizes his artistic versatility that's difficult to come by nowadays. Not to mention the thrilling background sonics and instrumentation, we feel this classic and sharp-edged Brooklyn feel through this song's entire sonic and lyrical atmosphere. Moving onto the next tune, "Lex Luger," Wade Wilson deepens the album's atmosphere through this heavily meaningful and reflective track. As the song opens with a haunting vocal chop soaking the background in an eerie and mysterious tone, Wade Wilson makes his dominant vocal appearance while letting us into a more contemplative lyrical theme. As Wade Wilson continues his powerful performance, he stops us dead in our tracks with his honest words regarding his challenge growing up black in white America and the blatant oppression he and many others continue to face. If there's one thing for sure, it's that Wade Wilson is adamant about making it out of these tragic times and looking back only to say, 'We made it.' Jumping into the project's halfway point with "Latin," the song opens with more of a spirited and feel-good sonic tone through plucky electric guitars, a melodic keyboard arrangement, and crashing organic drum breaks. We must note how much we adore the old-school feel of Wade Wilson's instrumentals, as he utilizes the effectiveness of these melodic and groovy beats to amplify his dense lyrical abilities. As he explains his passion for music and wanting to land himself on acoustic stages and unplugged to tell his in-depth stories, he leads us to the outro without a dull moment in sight while ending the song on a more reflective and introspective note. Crashing our way through the next track, "Strange," this piece acts as more of an interlude-type piece. As Wade Wilson encourages us to get strange, he grooves his way alongside a demonic vocal chop and his groovy sonics that takes us back to the 90s with their upbeat blend of funk, rock, blues, and hip-hop. We must also note how engaged Wade Wilson leaves us in regards to his powerful sonics and production, as he closes each song with an instrumental transition that gradually leads us into the next piece to follow. As Wade Wilson drenches us in another heated and fiery beat with his next track, "Big Hurt," the song's powerful tone is set right off the bat thanks to the squealing sonic arrangements, thumping drum breaks, melodic keys, and Wade Wilson's hard-hitting vocal delivery. Although this track is just under two minutes in length, Wade Wilson delivers an incredible array of bars that make the experience all the more engaging. While asking what we want from him, Wade Wilson offers his relatable words regarding fake friends and their ability to be kind to our faces while stabbing us in the back the first opportunity they get. The next brilliant and deeply melodic piece, "Lifetime," this song opens with a melodic and rich undertone, especially as the haunting and bright vocal chop serenades us alongside Wade Wilson's foreground performance. As the mid-tempo beat continues pouring through our speakers like a warm waterfall, Wade Wilson begins to expand on his upbringing in his tough neighborhood and the experiences that came with it. If there's one thing for sure, it's that his upbringing formed Wade Wilson into an adamant go-getter whose hustle and grind courses through his veins. Landing on the last track of the album with "Walkin'," the song opens with a vocal sample of a lady explaining her diagnosis of schizophrenia and her relentless journey to personal freedom and clarity. As the downtempo drums crash their way through our speakers, Wade Wilson makes his way in while elaborating on his life experiences with ADHD, oppression, two-faced friends, and his continuous grind to success. We genuinely adore Wilson's honesty, not only in this track but within the entirety of this record, as it allows anyone to relate and nod their heads in a state of reflection. Our favorite bar in this track has to be "-a diary recorded," as that's precisely what we've experienced through Wilson's entire album. All in all, the overall experience that Wade Wilson has offered with his 8-track album, 'Chop House,' was equally as invigorating as it was reflective. Take the time to open your mind with help from Wade Wilson's record, 'Chop House,' now available on all digital streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic Wade. We're deeply impressed with the powerful and compelling 8-track album you've released entitled 'Chop House.' Where did you find the inspiration to create this honest 'diary recorded' album? I listened to a lot of music that I felt came from the same place. Not just hip hop. Everything from MF DOOM to Childish Gambino to My Chemical Romance to Iron Chic. Also a lot of listening to where samples came from and the originals of cover songs. I thought about what mindset those artists might have been in. Looking inside and putting myself in other people’s shoes. How long did it take to create your album 'Chop House?' Did you find yourself going back to rework and refine some tunes off the record? Was it challenging to finalize this project? It surprisingly only took two months. I kinda dialed in on this one. I was writing ideas, listening to my old projects, before Kiza sent a beat. Think of an athlete getting ready before a big game or playoffs. A different approach than I’ve had in the past. I did a lot of rehearsal on the verses before recording, played with flow and cadence. Another change was letting a couple of people read the verses ahead of laying them down. And in the end, I handed off to Kiza again and my homie DJ Ben Workin who mixed the project. That’s why it’s good to have people you trust artistically and technically. If anything I wanted to do songs over and Kiza and Ben were like “nah” lol. Was there a core message or statement that you wanted to make clear to your listeners within 'Chop House?' What did you want your audience to learn or take away from this album? Idk if it’s a core message, but basically nobody knows what they’re doing. Nobody has it under control. Some act like they do. Or even believe they do. But there are no guarantees. We’re all just surviving and trying to taste some life. Which track off 'Chop House' do you feel is the most personal to you, and why? One thing I always touch on is mental illness. I mostly put it in “Walking” the last track. Where I sampled a woman talking about her schizophrenia. I have Mood Disorder Unspecified, it displays a lot of symptoms of different disorders. I have some symptoms of schizophrenia. I also packed in some references to David Lynch movies at the end. I always say his movies portray a sense of mental divergence. Did you work with any producers or engineers when formulating the old-school-inspired sonics within 'Chop House?' Do you usually rap over such classic-sounding sonics like this? Kiza G did the entire production and DJ Ben Workin did the whole mix. I have worked with a range of producers on different projects. Lately, I’ve worked with one producer per project. I like the cohesive feel it gives. I like that creative space. I definitely love the classic sound. I listen to stuff from before my own era. I believe my sound overall is different. I’d say Chop House is a nod to the past while headed to the future. We are in a whip from next year but it’s still got a cassette deck, ya feel me? Instagram Facebook

Recently-turned solo artist JLM has had quite an impressive track record considering he hasn't been tackling the music scene by himself for too long. Hailing from Atlanta, JLM enjoys blurring the lines between his predominant genre styles, which creates products that are full of innovative rhythms. The latest musical offering that BuzzMusic saw from JLM was "Nuclear," which featured artist Tylor Barder. This particular single from the artist himself is stirring, and it's more than safe to say heads will turn. JLM intended to craft a song that could pack as many genre elements into it as possible, as he shared that he wasn't too focused on making "Nuclear" a real success. His goal was really only to construct a song that broke the boundaries many conform to artistically. We're confident in saying that JLM most definitely succeeded with breaking those boundaries, and we're only left stunned with what this artist could possibly release next. Future work of JLM includes 3 more original releases during the rest of 2021 (and we even heard there may be accompanying music videos.) Read the full BuzzMusic article here, on JLM's song, "Nuclear." Website

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter and pop artist Priscilla Ariana releases her highly anticipated and empowering single entitled "Violet Hour." The young singer-songwriter felt music coursing through her veins at a young age, which led her to join the Honors Chambers Ensemble and Nothing But Treble A Cappella group at Loyola Academy, Wilmette. More recently, Priscilla Ariana is studying Music Business, Songwriting, and Music Production at Berklee College of Music. Livening our spirits with her soulful and motivational single, "Violet Hour," Priscilla Ariana delves into the struggle of prioritizing her relationship while attempting to work towards her goals and dreams. When speaking on the single, Priscilla Ariana had this to say, "This song is for all who have felt silenced, and I hope you know how much power you possess.” Hitting play on "Violet Hour," the song kicks off with a smooth saxophone melody, light percussion, and chilling background vocals. As Priscilla Ariana enters the song, she begins to elaborate on her fear of regret and not seizing each opportunity that knocked on her door. As the song begins to pick up in pace and tempo, Priscilla Ariana continues her incredibly powerful vocal performance that truly rings similarities to the late great Amy Winehouse. We genuinely appreciate the relatable and wise lyrical content that Priscilla Ariana offers in this single, as she reminds listeners to hold their inner power and wear it with pride as they analyze what no longer serves them. As Priscilla Ariana leads us to the hearty outro of this dynamic piece, she leaves us with this well-rounded sensation of confidence that's equally as infectious as it is exhilarating. Get your dose of motivation with help from Priscilla Ariana's latest single, "Violet Hour," now available on all digital streaming platforms. It's a pleasure to have you with us at BuzzMusic Priscilla. We always appreciate a powerful, authentic, and inspirational listening experience, similar to your latest single, "Violet Hour." What inspired you to create a song based on finding your own voice and steering away from society's molds? I’ve grown up with great powerful women in my life so it wasn’t anything to do with a lack of mentors but I feel it has come because this year I turned 20. Being no longer a teenager I’m reflecting on who I am now and who I want to be. This is a time of transformation, self-worth, and positivity. I’m shy usually but I’ve learned to be confident in myself and my thoughts. in the past if I was in an uncomfortable conversation I would usually listen and stay quiet when something was said I didn’t agree with…now I shed my opinion to either be educated or to educate. This goes for everything in your life!! Be confident and have no regrets. Just follow your heart. What did you want the listener to take away and feel after experiencing your empowering lyricism within "Violet Hour?" What impact did you want this song to make? Violet Hour is describing the night I was awakened. Having anxiety I would usually go to sleep with panic attacks thinking of everything I have to do and being upset with myself with where I am at and not doing enough. I think the song I wrote: “every night is the same reminiscing and repeating every word you say pacing the floor and still not knowing who I am anymore." It’s explaining a panic attack. Being a people pleaser is a curse…when I say “I think of you before I think of me”. I want people to think of themselves. I want them to know they have a voice that is so powerful Who produced your single "Violet Hour?" What sort of sonic atmosphere were you aiming to achieve with this single's overall sound and vibe? I definitely wanted to switch from the pop realm I was in with Toxic Energy in my last single. My vocal coach Elena Koleva from Berklee is a fabulous jazz artist. I honestly just loved the repertoire and fell in love with jazz music. Before Berklee, I didn’t love as I do now. For "Violet Hour" I wanted the song to be sultry and jazzy…soulful raw and imperfect. Did you have any artistic influences in mind when creating "Violet Hour"? Were you inspired by any musicians or songwriters when navigating your way through your creative process? Definitely, I was really inspired by KaliUchis and her beautiful sound with a mixture of some of my favorite artists - Amy Whinehouse, Christina Aguilera (Burlesque), and Lady Gaga They all have a uniqueness to their voice in their lower register and are filled with so much passion and power!! Definitely these influences in mind. Lyrically I go off of rules I’ve learned from school and also just my natural instinct. The lyrics took a while to fall in love with but now I am very proud! Would you say that "Violet Hour" is a solid follow-up to your previous single, "Toxic Energy?" How do these singles track your personal growth? Definitely! I feel that it not only shocked the audience but also told them that I am growing and finding new parts of my voice and that I love so many different types of music you never really know what kind of song I’m going to do next. Each story has a sound of its own and sometimes a genre of its own. Instagram