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Kacey Fifield is an award-winning 16-year-old singer-songwriter from Los Angeles, California. Releasing original music since she was the age of 10, she taps into mature topics that resonate with her fan base in a major way. This includes ‘Hear Me Out,’ a song about youth empowerment and kindness, where the video was selected and awarded by multiple festivals, including indie festival Dances with Films in Hollywood. Being multifaceted with her musical skill set, Kacey Fifield also plays piano and guitar; but her greatest passion remains in the art of singing. Jumping into the ultimate power ballad from Kacey Fifield’s musical catalog, we come across her recently released, “Camouflage.” With a poignant, piano forward composition taking the helm of this beautifully crafted piece, our ears are open to a universe that is filled with contemplation and vulnerability. Adopting the mindset of someone wise beyond her years, Kacey Fifield embraces the genuine passion that she reinforces her lyrical motifs with. Sending a surge of inspiration through our soul, we can’t help but latch onto words like, ‘You can keep your camouflage. I can see through to who you are.’ The manner in which her sanctioning tenors leap from your headphones and speak themselves into existence is truly remarkable. Through each word she conveys, you can expect a series of images and relatability to flood your thoughts, and spark up any emotions that are buried within. What we adore the most about Kacey Fifield has to be how her prevailing croons are more than a series of lyrics put together. She places a fiery desire that is met with good intention as she projects brighter tomorrows to each and every single one of her listeners out there. “Camouflage,” is merely scratching the surface of what Kacey Fifield is capable of, and we have to say that we’re already impressed. Hello Kacey, thank you for joining us at BuzzMusic. We love how vulnerable you chose to get on your latest record, “Camouflage.” Was there a specific moment or story that sparked up the creativity behind this song? The idea originated from a poem I wrote in middle school! While I didn't use any of the original lines, once I rediscovered the poem, I knew I wanted to write a song with the same core idea. In your own words, what does “Camouflage,” mean to you as both the creator and the individual who went through the narrative? “Camouflage” is a pop ballad that tackles explaining the aftermath of a toxic friendship/relationship as well as realizing that someone you thought you could trust really isn't who you thought they were. I think that a lot of people, including myself, can relate to the core message of standing up to someone who used "camouflage" to mask their true colors. The feeling of loyalty and wanting to trust someone can often be blinding to the truth, and that's something that a lot of people need to realize when dealing with toxic individuals. That's what the song means to me. We love how mature you are for your age. You really put ‘age ain’t nothin’ but a number,’ to the test. Have you always been this way, or have certain moments shaped you to carry the outlook that you have today? Thank you so much! I've always been told that I'm mature for my age so I think that comes from my tendency to always think and plan ahead. With the amount of work that you do in the community as a humanitarian, do you find that your objectives in music and outside of music share similar end goals? Definitely! With all of my songs, my aim is to connect with my listeners and help them feel understood and empowered. In that way, both passions align quite a bit on the spectrum of helping others! What's next for you? I have an exciting new release that's actually coming out in August! Keep your eyes peeled for more updates on that one! Instagram Facebook

The 22-year-old Orange County-hailing singer-songwriter, performer, and creator Marissa Lucia releases a smooth and sweet-sounding single, "parachute." The Chapman University graduate spent most of her time writing and performing music part-time while earning her BA in Strategic Corporate Communications. Now creating music full-time, Marissa Lucia prides herself on emotionally charged lyrics and smooth beats. "My goal is to move people and inspire them to create," says Lucia. Swooning listeners left, right, and center with her smooth-sailing single, "parachute," Marissa Lucia submerges into the depths of alt-pop while grooving her way through the track with incredible poise and grace. Not to mention the song's tender instrumentation and groovy underlying feel, the entire adventure is truly a refreshing listening experience. Listening to "parachute," the song gently opens with a plucky electric guitar drenched in reverb that sets the moody and sensual tone. As soon as Marissa Lucia makes her way in, she leaves us in awe of her natural vocal charm and beauty that sweeps over our speakers like a sonic breath of fresh air. Not to mention her brilliant and airy harmonies, Marissa Lucia carries us to the hook while touching on quite an emotional lyrical theme. The song itself is centered around the concept of a troubled relationship where Marissa Lucia feels compelled to spend some time to herself after their tumultuous arguments and disagreements. Although this piece strikes an emotional chord, Marissa Lucia grooves her way through with the utmost confidence and beauty, leaving any listener in a trance. Lose yourself in the chilling sounds of Marissa Lucia and her latest single, "parachute," now available on all digital streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Marissa Lucia. We're wildly impressed with the soul and passion you've poured into your recent single, "parachute." Could you describe the moment you felt inspired to create this piece? I really just wanted to ask for space, through a song, because that’s the best way I communicate with people. However, I’d be lying if I didn’t feel guilty asking for that space, especially if it's from someone you love and really care about. I know how important it is to take some time for yourself to gather your thoughts and emotions, and then come back to the situation when you are ready. So the lyrics and structure of the song really speak volumes to that theme but also what mental process is like of going back and forth of not trying to hurt the people around you or “not needing their parachute.” Did you have any help formulating the sweet sonics for your single "parachute?" Did you work with any session musicians or producers during this process? I was actually just having a session with my good friend/producer Robbie when we came up with this concept. I never had such a fluid writing session before, the song and concept came together so fast and beautifully - and sometimes those sessions just happen. I then met with one of my good friends and a huge mentor of mine, LNDN, and he helped me make the lyrics a little more “story-telly”, and constantly reminded me to not hold back in the honesty of writing this song, because people need to hear that. Did you have any artistic influences in mind when creating the atmosphere and vibe of your single "parachute?" I didn’t have any particular artist influences in mind when creating the sound of the song, however, my writing style is heavily influenced by people like “H.E.R.” and a lot of the smooth beats I incorporate come from listening to a lot of “SADE” growing up. Seeing that "parachute" is your third studio single, do you have any plans to create a forthcoming EP or album? Or do you plan on pushing more singles throughout the year? I plan on pushing out a couple more singles to finish out this year, just because I would love to build some momentum before I release this project I am working on for 2022. This Latin American project is something I am so so excited about. I have never done anything like this before and I am so excited for everyone to hear it. However, these next singles coming out obviously mean a lot to me as well, and I think are very telling to the growth I have experienced as an artist. Instagram

With just under two years in the music scene, Toronto rapper, songwriter, and hip-hop artist Vinnin shares his dominant and head-turning bars in a new track entitled "Top of the Game." The 17-year-old Malayali-Tamil artist has garnered over one hundred thousand total streams across all digital streaming platforms. Vinnin and his meaningful bars have led him to become one of the most exciting, inspiring, and motivational artists to come out of the 6ix. More recently, Vinnin released his hard-hitting single, "Top of the Game," which was noticed by NBA2K and was later featured on the NBA 2K21 Next-Gen Soundtrack. The song itself brings any listener into the heat of the moment; whether you're preparing for a big game or in need of a confidence boost, Vinnin has just the trick. Diving into the single "Top of the Game," the track begins with an ominous keyboard arrangement that later drops into a sweltering and modern trap beat with heavy drum arrangements and an overall mysterious tone. As Vinnin makes his way in, he jumps into his bars that expand on his beaming confidence and the self-assured lifestyle he lives. We love the heat and primal power of this track, as it boosts our energy to get up and at 'em with help from Vinnin's fierce vocal delivery and all-around poise that's equally as infectious as it is stimulating. Leading us towards the outro with incredible power and vigor, Vinnin closes the track off with nothing but an inner drive to face any adversity head-on. Get to the "Top of the Game" with help from Vinnin's blazing single, now available to get down with on all digital streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Vinnin. We're incredibly excited to chat with you about your latest heavy-hitting single, "Top of the Game." What inspired you to write a song that leaves the listeners pumped and with boundless confidence? "Top Of The Game" was inspired by playing the game basketball. From a young age, I have always been playing basketball and it is the only sport that has enjoyed playing. I put all my feelings and current real-life experiences into my song as well. The song talks about my passion for music and basketball, ignoring all the negativity from my life before worrying about achieving fame. Did you create the production yourself for "Top of the Game?" Or did you work with any producers along the way? I found a talented producer named J.Sonii, he was my producer for this track. I found his beats really unique and he caught my attention since he was an underrated producer. Thanks to the internet I was able to connect with him and get the stuff necessary for this record. Was there a particular message or vibe you wanted to convey within your bars for "Top of the Game?" I wanted my track: "Top Of The Game" to be a motivational and inspirational track for others. It's the type of song that you would listen to when working out, playing basketball, or gaming. It's just a hype song with a message of: You can do anything, don't listen to anyone else, stay on your grind and the ones that put you down would realize and wouldn't be putting in the work that you are putting in. How has NBA2K helped bring awareness to your music? Have you found that getting featured on the NBA 2K21 Next-Gen Soundtrack has helped bring more recognition to your music? Having my track in-game in NBA2K21 has gotten my name already out to millions of people that have the game. Really grateful for this opportunity as not that many artists get this type of opportunity at all. Having my track in-game has gotten me some fans and people that reached out to me from playing the game. Also having the track in their soundtrack playlist as well has been helping me collect streams around the world. I made this record when I was 16 years old, I am extremely proud of this achievement at a young age. Instagram Artist Website

Soaring in from Nashville, Tennessee, the alternative-pop/rock artist and singer-songwriter Nick Ryan releases an incredibly meaningful and motivational single entitled "Don't Hold Your Breath." Graduating from Full Sail University with degrees in Recording Arts and Entertainment Business has led Nick Ryan into various industry ventures. After his debut album, 'Lone Wolf,' Nick Ryan found himself collaborating with Grammy Award winners, former label band members, music publishers, and songwriters across North America and Europe. Gearing up to release his forthcoming album, 'Nemesis,' Nick Ryan begins that venture with the project's lead single, "Don't Hold Your Breath." When elaborating on the single, Nick Ryan mentions, "It's a response to people that don't hold you in high regard. You're giving, and they are only taking. They emotionally drain you, so if they try to crawl their way back into your life, tell them don't hold your breath." Co-written with Sarah McSweeney, "Don't Hold Your Breath" opens with the brightest of instrumentation through a beaming acoustic guitar and punchy drum breaks. Once fluid and lush lead guitar make its way in, Nick Ryan begins to elaborate on the song's theme through lyrics that touch on selfish people who choke on their pride and come up for air after reflecting on their wrongdoings. As we reach the hook, Nick Ryan reminds them not to hold their breath, as he's moving on for the better. We can feel a sense of betrayal through Nick Ryan's descriptive lyricism, which encourages listeners to look before they fall in love or into a friendship that doesn't seem entirely authentic. Thank you for releasing such a relatable and necessary single like "Don't Hold Your Breath," welcome to BuzzMusic Nicky Ryan. Could you describe the moment you felt compelled to create this powerful and spiteful tune? Thank you! This idea was inspired by the catchphrase “Don’t Hold Your Breath” and I wanted to write a kiss-off song. We all have people in our lives that we value more than they value us. When you realize you are giving more than you are receiving from any type of relationship, this is that song. What was your songwriting process like collaborating with Sarah McSweeney for "Don't Hold Your Breath?" Is this your first time working together? We wrote this in early 2018 and it was our first time working together. I had a bunch of ideas for songs and had just come home from Nashville and I felt inspired to reach out to my various songwriter communities. Most of the “Nemesis” album was written around that time. It took us to sessions over Skype, but we got it done! Now it’s out for the universe to hear! What sort of instrumental feeling and vibe did you want to create for "Don't Hold Your Breath"? How did you want your audience to feel and react to the song's instrumentation? I was originally planning the song to be a bit sassier, but I have many of those already. We went into a Paula Cole/Sarah McLachlan direction, both of whom I admire. This is one of the slower songs on the album to give the listener a break between the up-tempo tracks. You can hear the inspiration in the backing vocals. Could you drop any hints regarding your forthcoming album, 'Nemesis?' Does "Don't Hold Your Breath" encapsulate any significant themes or concepts within the project? It’s a concept album so each song is like a chapter in a book. Each song tells a different perspective of what I was going through at the time. The prism of my own experience. It’s a dark album, but there is some humor in it, and it does have a happy ending, but the attitude is still there. I can’t wait to share this record in the fall. What's next for you? Right now I’m releasing a single per month from the album, but as a fun bonus, since I don’t really write happy songs, I’m doing a covers EP of four songs I love from 1991. That year was the first I remember listening to pop music. Some are songs I grew up listening to and some I discovered later in life. The first song I’m releasing is Seal’s “Crazy” and it drops July 2! Instagram Facebook

From Wilmington, Delaware, the versatile artist and singer-songwriter IVA releases an incredibly meaningful and emotional single entitled "Immense Tenderness." Initially influenced by her talented oboe-playing grandfather, who led many ensembles throughout his life, IVA later began training in opera singing at the age of nine. After training as a classical soprano at The Julliard School and Manhattan School of Music while also graduating from Princeton University's world-class performance program, IVA was granted a Fulbright scholarship to study her ancestors' music in Sweden. Although her music career has seen many successes, IVA's journey hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows, as she often fuels her lyrical content with incredibly emotional themes. When speaking on her latest single, "Immense Tenderness," IVA had this to say, "I was in a turbulent relationship that resulted in domestic violence. 'Immense Tenderness' is something I wanted to share in my artistry, if you think it's your darkest hour, there is hope, and there is light. Speak up and get help." Diving into the single, "Immense Tenderness," the intro opens with a haunting and ethereal operatic vocal arrangement that sweetens our speakers with incredibly dense and celestial tones. As a warm acoustic guitar begins strumming its way to our hearts alongside tender percussion flairs, IVA later makes her way in and expands on how she misses the feeling of immense tenderness before settling with someone who brought the complete opposite. The lyrics within this single are more than emotional; they're striking, as IVA continues her vocal venture while touching on her past self before being with someone who drenched her in sorrow and sadness. As the song comes to an end, we're left in a deep daze of introspection, evaluating what doesn't serve us anymore. Get your dose of introspection with help from IVA's latest poignant single, "Immense Tenderness," available on all streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, IVA. We want to thank you for shining a light on such a needed topic within your latest single, "Immense Tenderness." What compelled you to write a song based on domestic abuse? I had moved back into my house after leaving the abusive relationship and was feeling more down than I ever had before. I woke up one morning and thought about how wonderful things had been at the beginning, the Immense Tenderness we had felt, and that he had shown. I didn’t understand how he had changed to want to intimidate and scare me, which he surely did. So, I wrote the song to try to piece together the steps that brought us to the painful abuse and ultimately to the end. It was as if some unseen force was guiding me to the piano to write it. Once I sat down at the keyboard, it almost wrote itself. Then Jaron Olevsky, the producer on the song, helped me to shape all of my thoughts into the song that you now hear - because I had A LOT of lyrics written. How did you achieve such a haunting and emotion-evoking sonic atmosphere for your single, "Immense Tenderness?” What sort of vibe did you want to deliver through the sonics? It was Jaron Olevsky who found that haunting vibe, along with my band. He had heard a vintage keyboard instrument called a Wandering Genie” and found one for sale. That instrument created some of the otherworldly sounds on the track. Also, the recording environment at the recording studio, Rittenhouse Soundworks, gave us a large feeling of space on the track. And, of course, the screaming at the end was me recreating the sounds I had made when I walked away from the abusive relationship. I was in so much anguish that I would scream to try to get it all out and bang on the floor with my fists. It was quite a time. I decided to bring those sounds to the song itself. Was it difficult for you to open up and write lyrics for "Immense Tenderness?” What did you want your audience to take away from your lyricism? It actually wasn’t difficult to write the lyrics because they just came out…and continued to come out. I did write “we make it up” for the bridge as I felt that a lot of the conflict could have been avoided if we had somehow had better self-awareness. It felt like an avoidable drama, living in an abusive relationship, and yet, it was very, very real. I felt he was mad at me for imagined reasons. I could not convince him otherwise, no matter how painstakingly I explained it. Could you drop any hints regarding the operatic piece set to release in early 2024? How is "Immense Tenderness" incorporated into this forthcoming project? The opera will be called “Inside Out” and it will more explicitly share my story as a victim of domestic abuse. I will be exploring some of the screamings that I did in the aftermath of the relationship. I wonder what it would be like had I, and other victims truly screamed from our core in the presence of our abusers. I’ll use both operatic and popular style singing to create these sounds and look forward to finding the cast that can experiment with me. Instagram Facebook

Hailing from Oakland, CA, the experimental and artistic duo Nightbird Casino releases a treat for the ears with their latest dynamic single, "The Town." After their inception in 2017, members James Moore and Don Shephard took an involuntary two-year hiatus until the pandemic in 2020. Since then, Nightbird Casino released their debut album, 'Georgian Nap,' last October and plan to release their sophomore album, 'Russian Carpet,' later this summer. Now releasing their flavorful and hazy single, "The Town," Nightbird Casino can be heard exploring the sounds of art-rock, grunge, jazz, garage-rock, psych, electronica, and even classical. Also featuring session musician Nicolas Ocampo on clarinet, flute, sax, oboe, and bassoon, the song truly hits many genres within its four-minute course. Hitting play on the single, "The Town," the song opens with Don Shephard's crashing drum breaks that bring us into the stratosphere of contemporary jazz. Once the grungey electric guitar and haunting bass make their appearance alongside a fluttery piano melody, the song takes off into a dreamy atmosphere. As soon as James Moore and Don Shephard make their broad vocal appearance, they leave us in a dark and foggy dream. We love the raw and gritty feel of this single, as Nightbird Casino offers incredibly natural and organic vocal flairs that take us back a few decades to the prime era of grunge. We also adore the instrumental dexterity of this single, as it not only showcases Nightbird Casino's vast creative abilities but it leaves us tapping our feet and wanting more of these heavy-hitting pieces. Don't miss out on the stimulating experience of NightbirdCasino's latest single, "The Town," and catch the duo's sophomore album, 'Russian Carpet,' later this summer on all digital streaming platforms. Instagram Facebook

Nashville artist Austin Markham's upcoming single "Look At Me Now,” is only a mere snippet of what’s to come from his forthcoming debut EP ‘Me.’ Taking sonic inspiration from artists such as Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, and Liam Payne, he dips into easy-going elements while exuding his artistic virtuoso. Etching glimmers of confidence into himself throughout the creation process of “Look At Me Now,” Austin Markham sends us in a frenzy as we delve into the latest track. As Austin Markham extends a warm invitation to the vulnerability he pours out from his soul, we can’t help but latch onto the irresistible croons that he belts out in a mellow display of emotion. A soothing ambiance pulls you into an oasis of his inner findings as to the lens we peek through is chalked full of reflections that mirror the vivid mind of this emerging artist. As the opulent guitar riffs gently make up the musical foundation in which Austin Markham lays a brilliant cascade of sentimentally charged lyrics, the quality that lies upon “Look At Me Now,” radiates the remarkable production at hand. This single makes up Austin Markham’s unique musical lane, as it also shares a designated spot in the mainstream appeal of Pop. Navigating listeners through a narrative that touches on a series of important messaging, we hear a deeply hopeful quintessence throughout the record's progressions. Hoping that everyone who hears this song will reflect on the struggles they’ve preserved through, and come to the realization that those struggles are actually what allowed them to flourish to this point in their life, Austin Markham takes a personal emotion and grows it to be something life-changing for all far and wide. Hello Austin, welcome to BuzzMusic, and a huge congratulations to you on such a profound new single release. Was there a particular moment or story that shaped the inspiration for “Look At Me Now?" You know, there wasn’t a specific moment that birthed this anthem, because if I’m being honest, I didn’t know it was in me. This is a song I didn’t know I needed. With the help of my dear friend Abby Malloy and producer Sam Hart, we were able to dig deep into the depths of me and we pulled this song out. Prior to our writers, we were having a conversation about misinterpretation and feeling lost both in the eyes of others and in my own eyes. With this being the lead single from your debut EP, ‘Me,’ do the sounds conveyed outline what’s to come? What can you tell your audience about what they can expect from this creation? Yes, we very much ride the line that borders Pop and R&B. All of my music is influenced by soulful voices and R&B production. With that being said we have really curated a sound unique to me. The other three songs continue to develop that sound. The second track on the album is called “Changed” and it is the more “pop” sounding track but all of the songs are truly shaped around my influences and sounds that both inspire and excite me. I hope it’s a sound not many have heard. What do you think that “Look At Me Now,” says about you as an individual and artist? This song has really been hidden in me for years, it really just showed up on this project right when we needed it to. I think what this song represents for me is the power of one's voice. For me, I am not someone who often looks over my life and sees accomplishment after accomplishment. I am my worst critic and this song has given me the opportunity to reflect on the good and bad, and really allow myself to be proud of how far I've come. I encourage others to do the same. What has been the best piece of advice that you have been given throughout your artistic career? Be you. Two words that are usually on a t-shirt or a pop socket but rarely action words. This is a continual piece of advice that has been given to me by producers, record labels, songwriters, vocal coaches, and really anyone that I’ve asked for advice in this industry. It’s something we all strive for but yet very few achieve. This challenge to “be me” has stuck with me for the last 4 years and really my whole life. At a young age, well I should say “younger” age, I really didn’t fit in. I was raised in a small town where if you weren’t a jock or weren’t a cowboy you stuck out like a sore thumb. I’m not sure if people actually say that but we do in Oklahoma. Anyway, back to my point, I didn’t fit in. And it wasn’t until I was probably 18 that I realized I was created to stand out. All of my efforts to blend in and become “accepted” failed because I was born to stand out. This simple truth, probably taught by my mom, has shaped my early career and is something that I hope will continue to challenge me to raise the standards, cross borders, and really be the person God created me to be. As my grandpa would always tell me “If you’re not yourself you’ll always be second best." Instagram Artist Website

Pop-punk artist and singer-songwriter Gun Boi Kaz teams us with XINCLAIR to release their addictive single via record label The Afterparty Project entitled "SWITCH." After forming the label, The Afterparty Project, Gun Boi Kaz saw vast success in regards to streaming and acquiring a loyal fanbase. Excited to get the label's ball rolling, Gun Boi Kaz is now back and better than ever with help from XINCLAIR and their recent sweltering single, "SWITCH." Written by Gun Boi Kaz and XINCLAIR, "SWITCH" serves a heavy nod to modern hip-hop merged with the liveliness of pop-punk. Through their exhilarating performances and vocal delivery, Gun Boi Kaz and XINCLAIR leave us in awe of their captivating sonic atmosphere and innate confidence. "SWITCH" opens with a soothing keyboard arrangement and wavy synths that expand in heat and power in the song's background. As Gun Boi Kaz makes his dominant vocal appearance, he delves into bars that expel nothing but poise and determination, relishing in the fast-paced lifestyle he lives. We can't help but feel heavy similarities to the late great Juice World, as Gun Boi Kaz and XINCLAIR's melodic vocal abilities merged with modern hip-hop tones make for a stimulating listening experience. Not to mention the song's dominant production and sonics, we're truly impressed with the groove and sonic arrangement that blasts through our speakers with the utmost power and vigor. As Gun Boi Kaz and XINCLAIR carry us towards the outro, the song comes to a sweet close, and we're left wanting more flavorful tracks like this. We truly feel that Gun Boi Kaz and XINCLAIR will become household names sooner than later, especially as they continue releasing heavy-hitting bangers like "SWITCH." Find "SWITCH" on all digital streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Gun Boi Kaz, and XINCLAIR. We're head over heels for the punchy and groovy atmosphere you've delivered within your recent single, "SWITCH." What inspired you to write this dominant single? We originally wrote the track while Kaz was out in Arizona visiting me. This was actually the first song I ever freestyle rather than wrote, usually I like to sit down and write line by line going over every little detail but since we were at a BNB with a whole different kinda vibe from how I usually make music, I thought why not switch it up for once, haha. Could you expand on your collaboration with XINCLAIR when creating the single "SWITCH?" Why did you want to make a trip down to Arizona to collaborate? We planned the trip to shoot 2 music videos for our tracks "goodbye" & "numb iii" so while we were together we made as much music as we could in order to get more collab songs ready for the future "SWITCH" being one of them. What aspects of the creative process did XINCLAIR manage when creating "SWITCH?" Did he help create the song's production or only the songwriting? I wanted "SWITCH" to be a straight club banger. Both I & Kaz usually make more slow / sad-oriented music but since this was the first time we actually met in person it was nothing but good energy so making a hype song just made sense. Could you tell us more about your label, The Afterparty Project? What type of music or artists will you feature? The Afterparty Project is a great label/network. They really focus on giving artists the opportunity to reach a whole new audience using their platform. I got nothing but love for everyone working over there! What's next for you? I'm gonna be releasing a new song "I been" on July 16th so been on the lookout for that! XINCLAIR Instagram Gun Boi Kaz Instagram

Constantly leaving listeners in awe of her musical and lyrical prowess, the singer-songwriter, pop/r&b artist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Victoria Barral leaves us in a freight train of thought with her recent single, "Settle." If there's anything Victoria Barral has learned throughout her 14-year musical journey, it's to trust God and always persevere. Currently finishing up her senior year at Berklee College of Music studying Professional Music with Concentrations in Songwriting and Composition, Victoria Barral is also working on her debut studio album while writing about meaningful, real-world, and societal problems. Now releasing her recent emotional and relatable single, "Settle," Victoria Barral offers a sound message that expands on why people choose to settle in unhealthy relationships instead of seeking the one God has created for them. "I can't stress it enough: do not settle for just anyone. Wait for the person God has for you. I have been single my whole life, and while sometimes I feel left out, I know in the future, I will be glad I waited," states Barral. Hitting play on "Settle," the song gently opens with Diego Cortez's smooth acoustic guitar melodies, accompanied by Eli Schildkraut's soothing piano and Adam Saah's downtempo drum breaks. As Victoria Barral makes her angelic vocal appearance, she wastes no time jumping into the song's theme that encourages listeners to avoid settling when it comes to love and happiness. Not to mention Kari Estes's calming bassline, the entire instrumental deeply complements Victoria Barral's sound lyrical message, truly fueling the atmosphere with nothing but honesty, motivation, and passion. We're head over heels for such a compelling single like this, as Victoria Barral has perfectly crafted this song to move mountains in the listener's mind. Allow Victoria Barral to remind you not to "Settle," with her recent smooth and honest single, now available on all digital streaming platforms. Listen to "Settle," here. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Victoria Barral. We genuinely appreciate the honest and relatable theme you've placed into your single, "Settle." What compelled you to create such a moving piece like this? The inspiration for ‘Settle’ came from my life experiences throughout high school and college. It also came from watching romantic films when people would break up because they were unhealthy for each other. Coming from my experience, I’ve seen so many of my friends and random strangers settle in toxic relationships. I was always watching from the sidelines, and my heart broke for some people because they obsess over their significant other they would be manipulated and controlled. I was always the third wheel and all my life I have been single. While it is lonely sometimes, it is a blessing. I’m glad to know that I won’t be lowering my standards for a boy that would just end up taking advantage of me. I’m simply waiting for the right man, and I’m not focused on finding a relationship right now. I feel blessed in this chapter of my life. Settle is about a young woman settling for less because she feels like she won’t find anyone else. Throughout the song, she is questioning a lot of things and realizing that the guy she is with is not for her. My co-writer Audrey Bussanich really resonated with this concept - that so many people will just rush and date anyone because they feel like they need love. We challenged ourselves and wrote this song in the third person, and it’s almost like we’re looking after this character in the story because this could be someone's life. The most compelling lines we wrote for this song are “Why do people settle just to fill a void.” And “She thought that he could be the one to make her happy when she felt unworthy of her favorite dream. Forgot about the God who promised real love and healing. People think they will only find happiness if they have a boyfriend or girlfriend, or if they have a spouse, but the fact is that as humans, we are never satisfied. A person can’t fix you, only God can. So throughout this song, the character in the song is having these realizations: “Why did I waste my time with this guy who isn’t for me?” “Why do people settle?” This song is very deep and unique. You see so many breakup songs and love songs, today but there aren’t a lot of songs dedicated to single men and women out there. This song is both convincing and reflective, and we hope that this message will be effective to our audience as independent artists. What was your collaborative experience like with the session musicians featured in your single, "Settle?" Might you work with the same musicians again in the future? The collaborative experience with session musicians was amazing. Initially, Audrey and I wrote the song over zoom back in September of 2020, and we got the song finished and revised within a few weeks. The first thing I got for the song was the hook, and I sent her the voice memo. From there, we made a few sessions in Logic for a rough demo. For a few months, we thought that the home recording was good, but then we decided to take the production to the next level. I contacted the head of the Audio Engineering Society at Berklee, Connor Wang, who is an amazing engineer. He listened to the song and it was right up his alley. He was so excited about it and found amazing players for the track. Kari Estes is on bass, Eli Schildkraut is on keys, Adam Saah is on drums, and Diego Cortez is on guitar. Connor scheduled a recording session at Berklee and the session went so well. Everyone did amazing and matched the original demo so well. Not being there with them was a little challenging, but we made it work virtually. A few weeks later, I sent Connor all my vocals, and the rest is history. He did a phenomenal job mixing each instrument and got the best sound of my voice. A few months later I contacted my friend Josh Sebek to master the song. Josh has an awesome skill for mastering and the master recording was beyond my expectations. Overall, the recording process, mixing process, and mastering process took a long time but it was so worth it, and I’m so happy I invested in this collaborative project. I think I would definitely work with these musicians again. Everyone is so talented, and if it wasn’t for them, this project wouldn’t be at its highest potential. Seeing that you aim to glorify God within your music, how does "Settle" do so? Would you say that your Christian upbringing influenced you to create this single? I would say my Christian upbringing definitely influenced me to create this song. I have a strong relationship with the Lord and know that the Lord is always protecting us. My parents are amazing, and always encourage me to be myself and not worry about what other people are doing. As a believer, it’s really important for me to have faith and wait joyfully. My ‘season of singleness” as they say has been pretty hard, sometimes I feel left out when everyone is dating, getting engaged, and getting married, but then I remember God loves me and loves other single people out there so much that he is preparing the person He has for you. I believe that you can’t be unequally yoked with someone, meaning it’s dangerous to get in a relationship with someone that doesn’t know the Lord. God designed men and women to be equally yoked and that’s a beautiful thing. I don’t want to preach to anyone, but usually, God allows my songs to preach. Music is more effective than saying it. Settle glorifies God because I am telling God, “God, I will wait patiently, and not get in a relationship just because everyone else is. It’s telling God I’m focusing on Him and I don’t want to be desperate. We've heard that you're working on your debut studio album. Do you have a release date yet? Should we expect to hear more songs like "Settle" on the project? Yes, I am working on my debut studio album. I currently don’t have a release date, but I know that the other songs I have in the works are definitely versatile and not just one genre. I love the alternative pop, R&B, and pop genres. They speak to me the most, but I think you can possibly hear songs like ‘Settle’ in the future. What is your mission statement as an artist? My mission statement as an artist is to spread hope and love through my music. In a world and music industry, where hope is lacking, and music is getting more depressing, I want to break barriers and spread light. My vision as an artist is to be a good influence to Gen. Z. To soften hard hearts for this generation. My music will deal with universal themes, real-world, and societal issues. I don't write about meaningless, narcissistic songs that have to do with drugs, sex, or anything else the music industry has artists write about today. The most important thing is to stay true to me, and honor God. I hope that people will be touched by my music, and more importantly, I hope my music will lead people to Jesus. Instagram Facebook

American rock band Abbreviations hails from Dallas, Texas. Composed of guitarist/vocalist Ashley Leer, guitarist Matt Leer, bassist Chad Walls, and drummer Tony Wann, Abbreviations is a band that no one describes similarly. Before joining Abbreviations, all the members had all performed in plenty of other Denton/Dallas area bands. Now, as a band that delves into sounds of rock, pop, and alternative, this supergroup pushes the envelope as they deliver their genre-bending sound. The deep essence of their latest single “Turn on You,” thrives in a realm of the rhythm-driven soul that speaks into your mind. The instrumentation sways between slow to mid-tempo atmospheres that are propelled by the tight-knit arrangements accompanying the comforting ambiance they have set in place. Tony Wann’s drum patterns have us tapping our fingers and toes to the beat, all, while Ashley Leer’s ethereal vocalization cascades through a simplistic musicality that reinforces the strength in a less, is more mindset. Honing in on the various layers of Matt Leer’s opulent guitar riffs, and the bolstered bassline of Chad Walls navigating “Turn on You,” there’s a soothing quintessence that makes itself known as you take in the dream-like escapades unraveling before you. With few words that grace the songwriting aspect of this record, we appreciate the value of proper timing and spatial cues that are enhanced through lyrical motifs such as, ‘I want you to want me too.’ There’s an eloquent offering that comes across in the brilliant execution heard in this single, and we can’t help but hear the array of musical influences that speak into Abbreviations’ artistic virtuoso. While solidifying themselves in a lane that redefines what you think you know about music, Abbreviations takes it to the next level with the intricate fashioning of “Turn on You.” Congratulations on the release of your most recent track, “Turn on You.” With such an entrancing, and almost psychedelic-like state that comes across in this sonic direction of this record, was there anything in particular that inspired this approach? I wrote this song a while back after a band I was in called Record Hop, broke up. Record Hop was this pretty loud and kind of angular rock band so this was definitely a shift. I was really just wanting to write stuff that was a little softer, a little poppier. I’ve been kind of just waiting for the right project for this song and I think Abbreviations is definitely that. With few lyrics to the songwriting aspect, you still manage to truly make the composition feel full in an organic manner. What do the words that we do hear mean to the messaging of “Turn on You?" "Turn On You," is basically a breakup song and a love song. It’s about having feelings for someone other than the one you’re with and feeling guilty for it. Like you’ve turned on someone. Could you please share a glimpse of what the creative process entailed for this single release? This song was all written in probably an hour or so, so it went pretty easy. Sometimes when I’m writing vocal parts I’ll write it on guitar first and then sing it. In this case, I thought the guitar was perfect on the chorus so I just kept that. The way the notes sort of slide into one another. No need to complicate it. Yeah, I wish all songs were this easy to write. Being your debut single, what statement does this record make when it comes to reflecting who Abbreviations is as a band? I think Abbreviations are a true representation of the music we like or the music we like to play. We never go into a song like “ok, let’s sound like this band or this song”. Individually, we have a certain way we play and a certain style in which we play because of the music we like. It’s like, let’s just put 4 of those styles together and see what comes out. It really shows in this album because all the songs are very different. Turn on You is one of the softer songs on the album. Can’t wait to put the rest out for the full picture you know. What is your mission statement as a band? We don’t really have a mission statement. The truth is, the statement is the music itself. We’re really just pretty normal people who crave the creative outlet, a place to have total creative freedom. Do you have any other releases lined up for the summer season? We have a couple more singles coming out and then a full-length record in the Fall. Instagram Facebook