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The evolving alternative rock band Young, Planetary began their venture as a solo project yet quickly transformed into a fully realized band. Now releasing their emotional yet striking single, "Separate Rides Home," listeners can fully introduce themselves to Young, Planetary's anthemic rock tunes. After establishing their versatile rock sound, Young, Planetary received the opportunity to tour the West Coast several times while garnering incredible attention in doing so. As the pandemic struck, Young, Planetary, and many other bands were stripped of touring live; however, the band jumped right back into the studio while gearing up for their next conceptual record. Pouring a sweet and powerful groove over our speakers with "Separate Rides Home," Young, Planetary offers incredible energy while touching on quite an emotional lyrical topic. While the lead vocalist offers a highly engaging and stimulating performance, the rest of Young, Planetary perfectly amplifies the song's emotion through their invigorating arrangements. Hitting play on "Separate Rides Home," the track begins with a punchy drum break alongside a magnetic array of guitars and a swift bassline that thumps through our speakers with vast energy and rhythm. As the lead vocalist makes his warm and relaxed appearance, he begins to enlighten listeners on the overwhelming sensation of feeling someone slip away at his fingertips. We can't help but feel this overall nostalgic atmosphere through Young, Planetary's ode to punk-infused bands of the late 90s and early 00s. Not to mention the band's comprehensive chemistry, we can hear each delicate and fragile emotion pour through every melody and drum break while the lead vocalist makes the experience all the more memorable through his poetic lyricism. Catch the energy and vibrance of Young, Planetary's recent hit, "Separate Rides Home," now available on all digital streaming platforms. We're more than impressed with the power and emotion you've placed into your latest hit, "Separate Rides Home." What inspired your group to write this anthemic piece? This song is actually about a really gnarly breakup our singer went through a few years ago. The lyrics are both super specifically biographical and also somewhat intentionally vague as a way for listeners to be able to apply their own context to the song. We worked insanely hard on this particular track and it has some of the best performances from each member on the entire EP. Definitely a band and fan favorite and a song we love to play live. Could you introduce us to your band members and how you divided the instrumental arrangements during your creative process for "Separate Rides Home"? What was it like behind the scenes? The current lineup of Young, Planetary is: Trevor Long - bass Trevor Villagrana - guitar / vocals Anthony Taylor - drums Quinn Fillmore - guitar / vocals The iteration of the band that worked on, “Locations I Can’t Place,” was slightly different when we were working on the record. We have since made some member changes, but the current crew is here to stay! As for the writing process, we all worked separately on this song, and really the entire record. Our singer will typically have the structure for our songs more or less done and then bring it to the rest of the band who adds their own flare and offers suggestions on how to make it better. We were all living in different states throughout most of recording, so we weren’t ever in the same room during all of principal tracking, which is pretty crazy to think about looking back! Luckily we had people like Aaron Williams and our homie Nik from Man Overboard to leave their imprints on the record and make it truly special. What did you want the listener to feel and experience after listening to "Separate Rides Home"? What sort of emotions or thoughts did you want to trigger? As with most of our songs, what we like to do is take some more melancholy lyrics and pair them with some really exciting, upbeat instrumentals. We just think this dichotomy between subject matter and presentation works really well for us and makes for some really great, accessible music for people. What we wanted for, “Separate Rides Home,” was for it to be the ultimate singalong song. We wanted it to be one of those songs that the crowd knew all the words to when we were playing it. And we wanted it to be thought provoking as well and create a lasting emotional connection. Which we definitely think we were able to do! Does your group usually create a nostalgic punk-infused sound, similar to the vibe of "Separate Rides Home"? Who are some core musical influences of yours? Well, we are definitely always going to be that, “nostalgic punk-infused,” type of band. That’s just our vibe. We do intend on incorporating some different sounds on our next record, which we are in the process of working on! As for our influences, the individuals in the band are all over the map. And if you’re curious what we were listening to during the writing and recording process of, “Locations,” go check out our Inspo playlist on Spotify. What's next for you? We suppose now would be as good a time as any to announce we are officially working on our next record! We won’t divulge too much, but we will be working with Aaron Williams again and we couldn’t be more excited. We also have a ton of vinyl to push. So, ideally there will be some live shows happening. But, we will see what happens with all of that. So, definitely keep an eye on our socials! We will for sure have some great stuff coming your way. Facebook Instagram

Based out of the San Francisco Bay Area with commanding vocals, killer drums, philosophic tones, and wildly original production, the inimitable duo Pleeay will have you scratching your head. They’re inspired by a range of genres including art-pop (Bjork), funk (Prince), and punk (Crass). That said, Pleeay self-identifies as alt-pop/post-punk. Full of raw energy from the ballet-trained stage presence of front person Castle Laws (they/them), to the mind-bending beats of instrumentalist Huli Curry (he/him), Pleeay’s goal is to create a place for people to feel their feelings and dance in the face of fear. Taking over our speakers in a way that instills a sense of anticipation and genuine curiosity, Pleeay has an intriguing universe of revolving ambiance surrounding listeners as their latest single “Call,” speaks into our soul. Embracing the authentic build-up that surfaces through the minimalistic introduction, to the complexity woven confessional of melodies, there’s an effortlessness that takes over in the repetition that hails from each passion-fueled lyrical motif charging through this composition. With the stand-out words being a back and forth locked into the progression of, ‘I was changing shape to fit the box. I won’t change shape to fit the gown,’ the narrative becomes rather apparent from the perspective of Pleeay as outsiders. From the point of view of the odd ones out in society, Pleeay reiterates a poignant message reminding us that when we make changes to satisfy society, we in turn sacrifice our true selves. We admire the vulnerability that radiates through each sound captured in “Call.” Pleeay has an ingenious way of making such a notable theme coincide with the allure and mesmerizing hues of a profound reality. Solidifying their signature sound in a world that requests exclusivity, Pleeay is doing an exceptional job at standing apart from the crowd. We love the message that you place into “Call,” thank you for joining us at BuzzMusic Pleeay to discuss this riveting release. Was there a turning point in your lives that helped to shape your desires for sending this message to your audience? Castle: CALL is honestly one of my favorite songs to sing because it's so cathartic. It's dark and light all at the same time, which is something I think most people can relate to. It came from my struggles with finding my gender and sexual identities. I was raised in a very heteronormative place, dancing ballet, which is a very heteronormative thing for a "young laaaady". I've been a performer my whole life and it just occurred to me one day that I was constantly performing for other people while hating my insides. It was exhausting trying to embody an image of perfection, but I got so much positive reinforcement for hiding in plain sight because people love putting each other inboxes. I'm so grateful to all the weirdos and deviants before me who fought to be seen, proud, and respected. If I didn't have friends and allies like Huli then I wouldn't have had the courage to break from my conditioning. I still shake my head at how much energy I wasted fighting myself. It felt necessary to talk about the pain of my perfectionism, and the freedom of letting it die all in one song. It. Gets. Better. Could you please share a glimpse into the creative process you took on when bringing this vision to the surface? Huli: It tends to go back and forth between me writing the music and Castle writing the lyrics or vocal melodies. Very often I'll come to them with a verse or a chorus or a combination of the two and ask "Whatcha think?", and Castle will hit the ground running with it. Other times, Castle will come to me with some lyrics or a poem and the first thing I think about is what kind of mood the song will be based on lyrical content. Is it a march? A party song? A confession? A call to action? Those are as many actions or environments as they are musical sounds. With every artist being different, how important is it for you two to communicate authentic messaging that pertains to yourselves in the music that you craft? Castle: To me, that's the whole point. I have a lot going around my head all the time, and most of it is junk. I don't want to carelessly implant a piece of inauthentic junk into someone's head by wrapping it in a catchy melody. So I take the amplification of my voice very seriously. I don't speak for anyone but myself, and I do my best to shed light on the world around me through the only lens I have. If all else fails, I focus on what I would say to my younger self. It's part of what I respect so much about Huli's music. It's totally its own thing. It makes me dance and scratch my head at the same time. Its weirdness makes me feel like I can be at PEAK WEIRD which is my happy place. What initially inspired the creation of Pleeay? How have you grown since forming? Huli: We've been working on performance pieces together since college, the majority of which were ballets that Castle choreographed and needed music for. Castle would describe or visualize the different acts and sections in as much detail as possible; the mood, what the dancers are doing, the roles the dancers are playing, what color the lights will be, and roughly how long each part will be. Then I'd enter a silo for a couple of weeks and show up with 30+ mins of music that we'd then whittle down or lengthen. As the years went on, Castle wanted to focus more on singing and musical performance, so what better person to hit up than myself (lol). We'd already established a creative cadence that we continue to use to this day. Speaking for myself, I can say any growth I've experienced has been both musical and personal. Before this, I was used to writing music in a silo, on a computer, at home, and mostly for myself. Now I actually factor in playability, leaving room for vocal parts, how things would sound in a large room, and better song structures. Personally, it's made me a better collaborator, which is something I've struggled with in the past. Castle: Pleeay came out of my need to break from my conditioning as a perfect little girl who doesn't have any opinions or points of view that could inconvenience the status quo. MAN, I was so repressed. Anyway, before Pleeay, I was asked to perform in this collaborative dance piece, and during rehearsals, the director decided to give the dancers microphones. When I heard my voice, I absolutely panicked. I mean I had a panic attack and had to lock myself in the bathroom. Once I grounded myself a bit, I thought, "I REALLY need to learn how to use my voice." So I decided to start a band-type thing. The only person I thought to work with was Huli. We'd worked together before, I love his weirdo music, and never once had I felt judged by him. I also knew I wanted more creative control as an artist and needed to keep music and dance at the center of my life, so starting a band was kind of my only option. Art made me do it!!! Anywho, growth-wise it's been extremely humbling to be new at something. I'd been a dancer since I was a baby, so I feel like an expert in my body. But singing is completely different! It takes a whole different kind of concentration. It's helped me be less judgmental of myself. But it's a double-edged sword because now my opinions, my truth, my voice is out for judgment from others. The self-promotion side of things can be soul-wrenching. I feel like my skin is actually getting thinner, but at the same time, my fur is getting really thick. What's next for you? Castle: We have shows coming up in the Bay Area at the Knockout, Ivy Room, Roofless Red Door, and Noise Records. Our first album is coming out in October, with a couple of new music videos. Then it's back to the studio, world tour with Bjork, Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, capitalist apocalypse, party forever Instagram

Coming in hot from New Jersey, the critically-acclaimed pop artist and singer-songwriter Alexandra DeMattia highlights her hypnotizing single, "High," off her recent 4-track EP, 'Chapter Two.' Performing in the industry for over a decade now, Alexandra DeMattia made the move to LA and released her debut EP, which garnered over 350k streams worldwide. Highlighting her versatility and passionate lyrical themes through each release, we're incredibly excited to introduce our readers to Alexandra DeMattia's brilliant creative works. Currently relishing in the success of her latest 4-track EP, 'Chapter Two,' Alexandra DeMattia offers four different and stimulating songs that touch on her experience throughout the dreadful year of 2020. Highlighting the intro track, "High," Alexandra DeMattia delivers an incredibly groovy and sensual vibe while inducing all sorts of dance moves in any listener who graces this tune. Starting our venture into "High," the song opens with a ghostly vocal sample and a pulsating mid-tempo drum beat. As a mild and slow synth pierces our speakers with the warmest of vibes, Alexandra DeMattia makes her way in and begins to expand on how she feels hypnotized by someone's presence when high and lifted. As Alexandra DeMattia takes us towards the hook, she offers this brilliant anticipatory feeling that leaves us moving and grooving. We adore the mysterious and alluring aspects of this song, as Alexandra DeMattia's intense vocal production merged with her r&b/pop soundscapes make for a chilling listening experience. Not to mention her soothing and haunting vocal stylings, Alexandra DeMattia truly leaves us in awe of her magnetic artistic approach. Take a hit and feel the "High" of Alexandra DeMattia's recent single, and find the rest of her 'Chapter Two' EP on all digital streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic Alexandra DeMattia, and congratulations on the release of your dynamic 4-track EP, 'Chapter Two.' What inspired the creation of this project in general? When did you begin executing ideas for this EP? Thank you so much. So, “Chapters” is a four-part listening experience. I started this project in 2019, wrote the majority of it during lockdown (2020), and am still finalizing writing the chapters to come, so this has been my life for the last two years. Since there were so many songs, I figured the best way for my fans to enjoy them would be to break them down into mini EPs that go in chronological order of how the events happened, each Chapter is a different mood and tells a different story. The Chapter I just released, (Chapter Two) was mainly written in 2020. Regarding the haunting and alluring intro track, "High," what moment or experience inspired the song's lyrical theme? High is about a wild night out. So picture a (pre covid) packed club, being under the influence, feeling someone, and wanting them at that moment. When I heard the beat for the first time, the phrase “When We’re High” instantly popped into my head and I knew that’s what the song was going to be about. The beat felt hot and sexy just like the event that inspired it so I wanted the lyrics to match. Why did you choose to place "High" as the intro track for your EP, 'Chapter Two?' How does the song set the tone for the entire project? I chose to place “High” as the intro to the Chapter because simply put, there would be no Chapter Two had the night “High” was written about hadn’t happened. This chapter details a lusty, drunken one-night stand turning into me ultimately falling head over heels (way to fast). What's next for you? Finishing the final touches on Chapters Three & Four and getting excited to release them, doing live shows finally again now that things reopening, and hopefully doing some cool visuals for Chapter Two. Instagram

Leaving listeners moving and grooving with his hybrid blend of funk, blues, soul, rock, and jazz, the versatile recording artist, multi-instrumentalist, and singer-songwriter Peter Keys has us basking in the "Sunshine" with his latest single. Performing on stages for almost four decades, and most recognized as the keys behind Lynyrd Skynyrd, it's safe to say that Peter Keys has carved a unique and distinct path that sets him apart from other contemporary rock artists. Having attended Berklee College of Music for Music Theory and Performance, Peter Keys strives to move mountains with his relatable lyricism and groovy instrumental arrangements. Recently releasing his feel-good and lighthearted single, "Sunshine," Peter Keys encourages the listener to take a step away from their day-to-day cycles and bask in the sunshine. Through his smooth and groovy instrumentation, listeners are bound to feel refreshed after taking one simple listen. Diving into "Sunshine," the tune opens with a groovy bassline, bright electric guitars, and a powerful midtempo drum arrangement. As Peter Keys' raspy and warm vocals make their appearance, he sets the song's energetic and feel-good tone through his lyricism that depicts the experience of life's trials and tribulations while hoping for a brighter day. We adore Peter Keys' vocal harmonies and catchy melodies, as it perfectly puts this song on a pedestal with its ear-worm tones and overall summer feel. As Peter Keys grooves his way to the outro, the song comes to a close while leaving the listener inspired to take a needed break. Don't miss out on the invigorating and refreshing experience of Peter Keys' latest summer single, "Sunshine," now available to add to your summer playlist on all digital streaming platforms. A warm welcome to BuzzMusic, Peter Keys. We love the uplifting and warm feel of your latest single, "Sunshine." What inspired you to create a song that encourages listeners to get outside and enjoy the sunshine? I was coming out of a particularly dark place after losing my sister to cancer, then the world entering the COVID lockdown, the music industry shutting down completely, and some other personal issues coming to a head. I thought, “what do we all need to get through darkness?” Looking for a universal truth/answer, "Sunshine" seemed to be the most obvious choice.. it brings life, exposes the stuff hidden in the shadows, washes away the pain, and illuminates the heart. I was really writing for myself looking for some relief. How did you form your instrumental arrangements to be so uplifting and bright? What was your creative process like when arranging your instrumentals for "Sunshine?" The arrangement came to me pretty easily. I started playing the intro riff on this vintage Hohner Pianet combo I had recently picked up.. it had such an awesome retro sound to it.. much like the Stones or Faces from the late 70s.. so I just kind of followed that vibe and programmed the drums and bass to fit. The intro and verse felt awesome, nice and dark and moody, but it really needed a lift for the chorus, so I wrote the change off the major chord to make it uplifting and bright. I added the B3 to kind of counter the Pianet, and guitar to help drive the energy a bit more. Tambourine, shaker, and congas to make it bounce, then live drums to open it up and really make it pop, and of course the vocals and background vox. What do you hope the listener takes away from the overall listening experience within "Sunshine?" I hope the listener will experience a journey from the inside out with this song.. it begins with an introspective thought and progresses toward a universal understanding. I hope they will find that peace of mind that brings comfort no matter what they’re going through. The sun is always shining above the clouds.. we’re just in their shadow sometimes. Did you work with any fellow musicians when creating the instrumentals for "Sunshine?" Did you have any producers hop on board to help finalize the track? I did all the production, mixing, and arranging on this track myself, but did call in my good friend Dave Shul from San Francisco to play guitar. We have been musical friends for decades, and I knew he’d kill it on this one. You may know him from The band Spearhead. Also had another friend Tim Haney put the live drums on. He and I were in a band called SeepeopleS for several years and thought he’d also be a perfect fit for this track. Finally, my good friend Pino Squillace from the Muzik Mafia here in Nashville laid down the percussion. All of these guys did an incredible job, and did it remotely! I just sent them the track and they cut their parts at home, sent it back to me and I edited and mixed it. I call it ‘cyber tracking’ you gotta love technology! What's next for you? What’s next for me? Hmmm.. well I’m back on the road with Lynyrd Skynyrd for the summer and fall, but I’ll be releasing more of my music every couple of months. I’m also working on a couple of indie films right now, writing theme songs, and collaborating with a couple of different writers and music supervisors. I have several songs on deck and ready to drop, but I’m trying to be patient and let them get some traction before I release the next one. Stay tuned! Instagram Facebook

The Los Angeles-based four-piece rock band Heavy The Mountain releases an exhilarating and stimulating music video for their latest single, "Raise Your Glass." Comprised of Josh Terry on vocals and guitar, John Biggs on drums, John Boland on guitar, and Nathaniel Stiers on bass, Heavy The Mountain strives to bend the norms of southern rock n' roll. Inspired by acts like Black Sabbath, Pride and Glory, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and many more, Heavy The Mountain offers mysterious and compelling wizardry that's bound to shake your speakers. Now releasing their powerful and anthemic single, "Raise Your Glass," Heavy The Mountain also released a refreshing music video that takes us back to the bars where we would normally bask in the glory of the energetic live bands. Heavy The Mountain offers a brilliant ode to these picturesque nights, especially through their vibrant performance. Diving into the music video for "Raise Your Glass," the scene opens with two bikers tearing through the streets of Nashville on their motorcycles while quickly transitioning into Heavy The Mountain's steamy live performance. As they continue swooning our speakers in energy and lust, the video transitions tonight, where Heavy The Mountain's performance crashes our speakers with the utmost charisma. With another transition to Josh Terry playing the lap guitar and picking away with incredible rhythm and groove, we later get back in the club where Heavy The Mountain continues pouring their haunting and powerhouse instrumentals over our speakers. As the video comes to an end, we're left in need of thrilling live shows like this once again. Take a night out with Heavy The Mountain's latest music video for "Raise Your Glass," now available on YouTube. Instagram Facebook

The Toronto-hailing recording artist, rapper, producer, and songwriter CustodyMusic releases a wavy and refreshing music video for his recent hit, "Be Kind." CustodyMusic has made his way around Toronto's music scene by way of his melodic and acclaimed production stylings, leading him to collaborate with various names around the city. After the release of his debut EP, '2020,' CustodyMusic quickly expanded his fanbase while following up with powerhouse tracks like "Toxic" and "Be Kind." Elaborating on his recent release, "Be Kind," CustodyMusic takes his time to admit his wrongs while marking a new chapter for himself with a new perspective on social interactions. Also releasing a fresh-feeling music video for the track, directed, shot, and edited by 3rdeye, viewers are able to get a glimpse of the young recording artist in his prime. Diving into the music video for "Be Kind," the scene opens with a picturesque landscape shot of Toronto's skyline while drifting off into Lake Ontario. Through swift transitions into scenes of CustodyMusic and his crew enjoying a smoke under the trees by the beach, CustodyMusic begins his laidback and relaxed performance while reminding us to treat others the way we expect to be treated. As the video cuts to shots of CustodyMusic and his acquaintances on a yacht sailing through the lake's lush waves, he continues delivering his smooth bars while riding over the gentle yet punchy beat produced by Trudie and Aaron Kubina. As the video comes to a close with more shots of Toronto's picturesque skyline, CustodyMusic makes the experience all the more engaging through his passionate performance from beginning to end. Catch the vibe of CustodyMusic's latest music video for his sweet-sounding single, "Be Kind," now available to watch on YouTube. We love the relaxed and encouraging feel of your recent music video for "Be Kind." What inspired you to create the song itself that reminds listeners to treat others how we would want to be treated? I think the song was really an outcome of the dark mindset I was in at the time. I was inspired to make the song overall as a reminder that whatever we put out there we get back - regardless of what situation you should always stay humble and treat others with dignity. At the end of the day, it betters you. What was the shooting process like for your music video, "Be Kind?" How was your experience when shooting and creating the scenes? Honestly, the day of the shoot we were on our way and got a call from the club saying they were getting threats from the police of fines if they de-dock, so long story short they canceled on us, but none of us were worried. There was a beach nearby and we were prepared to shoot more scenes there. Luckily, there was a friend already on the water so everything came clutch. The shoot went real smooth and we all enjoyed doing it. How did the director, editor, and videographer 3rdeye execute the vision you had in mind for the music video, "Be Kind?" What was it like working with him? Well first and foremost, I have to give credit to Lari, my manager, and my partner. She was really the brains behind the shoot. She placed all the ideas out and 3rdeye was able to bring that vision to life. 3rdeye is always a pleasure to work with, as he doesn’t cut corners and really takes pride in what he does. We’ll definitely be working again in the near future. Does "Be Kind" mark a new chapter in your career? Should we expect you to continue releasing heavily meaningful and encouraging lyricism in the future? Most definitely, I think Be Kind is the foundation of what I plan to show more of in the future. I got a lot of things I want to get off my chest that I feel like people could relate to. All in all, that’s what I’m here for. I can’t wait to show y’all what I have in stock. Instagram Facebook

Texan artist K4YLEE is back to vent her heart out in a powerfully-inspirative single, "HELL AND BACK." The writing mannerisms that K4YLEE has adapted are very clever, as she's able to impactfully connect with her listeners in an enduring way. "HELL AND BACK" is no exception, and right from the jump, K4YLEE's creative offering gives listeners an exhilarating, action-packed experience. With punchy tones and raunchy beats, "HELL AND BACK" ties well into the powerful expressions of K4YLEE. Her vocal and lyrical content strike in an effective way as she delves into the female perspective. She's extremely frontward and aware with her approach, especially in asserting a tone that establishes her Punk/Rock presence. "HELL AND BACK" is comparable to the likes of The Pretty Reckless; that same free, fun, and crazy energy are encapsulated into the vocalism of K4YLEE, with a lyricism that packs the same kind of punch. In "HELL AND BACK," K4YLEE dictates how she's, well, "been through hell and back," but she ultimately takes the opportunity to express the realities of our modern-day society and the resulting animosity that consequently follows. Another interesting element to the lyrical content of "HELL AND BACK" is the awareness that K4YLEE has on the perceptions of others, and how much control such perceptions can have on one if they allow it. She's very aware as an artist and she creatively tells her thoughts, feelings, and overall story in a poetic-like way. K4YLEE makes it clear in "HELL AND BACK" that she isn't afraid to express herself authentically and tell her truth to her listeners. We're anticipating more of her seasoned, empowered mindset in future music, as K4YLEE's strong-willed persona will always be a fan favorite. Welcome to BuzzMusic, K4YLEE. "Hell and Back" sure hit hard with its sharp and gritty tones. What atmosphere were you hoping to create for your listeners with your vocal style? I’m glad it made such an impact! With this song, I knew the vocals needed to be intense to convey the underlying theme of rage. We went into writing ‘HELL AND BACK’ with the intention of creating an empowering feminist anthem, and the most effective kinds of anthems are the ones you want to shout and scream to! "Hell and Back" contained an assertive and confident narrative. Can you elaborate more on the intended direction of the song, and what inspired the particular lyrical theme? Sure! Lyrically, I use the word ‘you' a lot, revealing that I am directing my aggression towards another entity. As to whom I’m referring to, this song is basically a diss track aimed at the entire patriarchy and anyone gatekeeping what ‘femininity’ should look like. I will not stand for the narrative that women can’t be assertive and express themselves confidently without being labeled as ‘mean’ or ‘nasty.' As far as the direction of the song, of course, I want this song to empower females like me who are tired of living in a society that is constantly putting their self-identity into question, but I think it would have more of an impact on the people who might not be as educated on the topic of feminism. Overall, I hope ‘HELL AND BACK’ lights a new fire within every listener. What did the release of "Hell and Back" mean for you both artistically and personally? I really enjoyed creating ‘HELL AND BACK’ because it was such a politically driven track where I got to touch on some very important issues that are prevalent in our society. It felt freeing that I could speak my mind and it made me take on a new perspective of what it means to be an artist, realizing the importance of using my platform to draw awareness and attention to causes that are bigger than myself. Where do you see the aesthetic of your sound going from here? Do you plan to continue the same lyrical approach as well, or can listeners anticipate any contrast? I will continue to bring authenticity and emotion to the music I create, and I truly believe that there will always be a mirror within my lyrics for anyone who looks closely enough. I think the most interesting artist’s catalogs have a diverse range of sound and a variety of lyrical themes and that’s what I hope to demonstrate with my upcoming releases. Instagram Twitter

The Australian-American singer-songwriter and alternative-folk artist Olivia Phillips gives us a needed serotonin boost with her refreshing debut single, "color monsters <3." Influenced by a wide variety of genres, Olivia Phillips is finally settling into her unique and lush sound under the realms of alternative folk. Also offering a spacey and dreamy atmosphere to each of her tunes, Olivia Phillips always turns to music when in need of a pick-me-up, as it's proven to be her only constant. Serenading us with her harmonious vocals and soothing soundscapes through her debut single, "color monsters <3," listeners are able to make a solid introduction to Olivia Phillips' warm and tender stylings. As she swoons our ears with her fluid and delicate instrumental arrangements, Olivia Phillips wears her heart on her sleeve while enlightening listeners on how her days seem to merge into one during these times. Delving into the soothing stylings of Olivia Phillips and her debut single, "color monsters <3," the song opens with layered electric guitars the sonically serenade us while making way for the bright keyboard melodies and Olivia Phillips' chilling vocals. As she makes her way in, Olivia Phillips begins to touch on wearing her heart on her sleeve and watching it crumble beneath her feet. We're honestly surprised with the vocal prowess and haunting abilities that Olivia Phillips holds, especially as she continues to paint several descriptive scenes with her poetic lyricism. While Olivia Phillips continues her heartwarming performance, the sonics perfectly back her up while sending us into a daydream until the song's hazy end. We're nothing but pleased with the entire listening experience that Olivia Phillips had to offer with her debut single, "color monsters <3," and we encourage our readers to take a listen to the soothing single on all digital streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic Olivia, and congratulations on the release of your chilling debut single, "color monsters <3." Why did you choose to release this song as your debut to introduce yourself to new listeners? Thank you! My choice to release "color monsters <3" came with a lot of deliberation. I have many finished works recorded, but this one was really special to me. I remember listening to it the day after recording and feeling like I was finally achieving a sound that felt like me. It took me almost a year of mental back and forth to release it as I was still so nervous about putting my work out publicly, but I felt like going with this song was the truest to myself. What inspired your poetic lyrical theme within "color monsters <3?" Was there a particular moment or experience that made you feel compelled to create this piece? Writing the lyrics for this song was actually a really unique experience. I was planning on recording a song that night by myself, and my bandmates Tommy and Danny came by to pick up some equipment. I convinced them to stick around and help me write something, but when we started I got so stuck because I’m really only used to writing lyrics when I’m alone. We were in my room which was covered wall-to-wall in posters and drawings and photos. I started to draw from my environment and that’s what the lyrics came from. Many of the lyrics are tied to different artworks or experiences in my room - the tag line of the chorus actually eventuated when I looked under my table and saw Albert Camus’ ‘A Happy Death’ sitting there. Did you work alongside any producers or session musicians when formulating the sonic atmosphere for "color monsters <3?" Or did you work solo on this process? The original demo of the song was written and recorded all in one night with my bandmates Tommy and Danny. We went to a bridge in Portland and sat there for the sunset, and decided to try to make a song in 6/8. The next morning, after writing and recording all night, we went up to Council Crest Park and watched the sunrise over Mt. Hood while listening to the finished song. It was a really blissful experience and we were all so excited about what we’d achieved. We recorded it professionally at The Rye Room in Portland about a month later and worked with Clara Baker at the studio. Re-recording the song was much harder than expected because we had all become so attached to the demo and wanted to replicate it, but Clara helped to make the final version even more special. We also got the chance to record the keys on a ‘73 Rhodes which was exceptional. How does "color monsters <3" represent you as an artist? Should we expect more lush and dreamy singles like this from you in the future? "color monsters <3" is definitely just one of the facets of what I want to do in music. My taste is really all over the map and I think that reflects in much of my writing and composition. Despite the upbeat and light tone of this song, many of my other works are much more gloomy. My goal in my upcoming releases is to showcase the many styles in my writing and to never have to conform to a genre. There are too many types of good music and I just want to make them all, and do it well. Instagram

HighJak, an artist based in Kansas City has released his new breakup anthem titled "Can’t Catch Me," and we can't get enough. HighJak touches on a variety of genres and uses ambiance and tone to encompass a wide range of emotions. HighJak's raw and honest opening line sets the tone for this blunt and straightforward melodic storyline; "I think I'm kind of glad that you left me.” Listeners follow along HighJak's post-break-up journey, imparting on us how to be confident when moving forward after one door closes. HighJak describes “Can’t Catch Me” as an anthemic rallying, aimed at those who were you were struggling; they can’t ‘catch you’ when you do succeed. HighJak's future is full of new and invigorating sounds, as fans can expect another upbeat single, as well as, HighJak's first full body of work in the near future. Read more on HighJak and his latest release "Can't Catch Me" here. Instagram Facebook

Pop recording artist and singer-songwriter JesseVega brings us his new passionate single "For U," and is sure to be a hit with its uplifting lyrics and melodies. "For U" was produced with help from VOKIDO and INV3RT, and creates a record that Jesse says, “you can play in your car over the horizon with your lover and groove to the beat over the sunset." It includes a bumping 808 and a beautiful keyboard melody reminiscent of the warmth between two people. Jesse tells BuzzMusic, he found inspiration to write "For U" as a tribute to his long-term partner. He called on producer Cool-Breeze to produce a Spanish version titled "Seras Tu," inspired by Jesse’s Latin heritage. "Seras Tu" has been a massive success, as Jesse has been nominated at the LDM Independent Radio Music awards in both Latin and pop categories. We cant wait to see what Jesse brings next to his caliente career. Instagram Facebook