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Growing up together on the Southside of Chicago, cousins Daws Lotto and Cognac Classic formed the group Chise Up. The duo has dropped four full-length projects together in addition to the 30 plus tracks currently found on all streaming platforms. With frequent collaborations from in-house super-producer CKP, Ill Brown, and 7 Lee, emcees such as Fiend International Jones, RhymeFest, Mac Millie, Geno Pacino, Soze, and The Circle Cru, Chise Up has been working diligently to bring forth quality content to their fan base. Fixating upon their latest sonic and visual pairing for the track “Catch Contact,” the weighty punch of this song already speaks for itself the moment it finds its way into your speakers. We’re captivated by the laidback filmic component of “Catch Contact” that enticingly pulls you into the boisterous lyrical dexterity driving home this record. Drinks are flowing, and it’s good vibes all around as Daws Lotto and Cognac Classic take us into a rendezvous shared with their crew. We love the fact that we get to take in this experience from a first-person perspective and see just how they’re living it up as we delve into the slick cadences, and buttery verses that keep this track intact. Getting up close and personal with Chise Up has us grasping onto a newfound appreciation that is stirred up through the moments that are exchanged at a round table where they can roll one up, and sip on a cold beverage amongst good company. The ease that is instilled by this concept has us feeling elevated in good spirits that are backed by the artistic virtuoso that Chise Up carries. If you’re looking to drift into the hues of old-school Hip-hop nostalgia, then Chise Up is the dynamic duo for you. Welcome back to BuzzMusic Chise Up, and congratulations on the release of “Catch Contact.” We love how the entire music video brings feel-good energy with a huge sense of keeping your circle close to you. Where did the music video concept stem from? We wanted to showcase the great vibes and energy that are consistent with a ChiseUp event. We had our friends come out and a great time was had. In terms of the single itself, what inspired the creation of “Catch Contact?" What does it mean to you both as artists? The concept of Catch Contact is basically us striving for success and betterment. You can either be inspired or hate it. That developed after hearing the CKP produced the beat for the first time. The vibe of the beat took over and the next thing you know Catch Contact was born. Daws then came up with and added the hook to the track. We can only imagine that filming the visuals was a party in itself! What was the experience like on set? With the various people involved was this fairly easy to execute? The time on set was a great time. We filmed the video during our "HEAVY DRUGS 3" album release party in Chicago. We wanted to capture on film all of us celebrating the hard work and time that was put into making the new album. This shoot was fairly easy to execute because of the party being the backdrop. Plus the champagne was flowing. Lol. We already had everyone in one place at the same time which is usually the hardest part of shooting a video. What are you hoping that your audience takes away from both the song and visuals combined? With the visuals, we wanted to showcase how a night of celebration of success with ChiseUp goes. Great energy, good vibes, cool people, and dope music. Instagram

Bringing their strengths together as songwriters, Fabiola Rivera and John Sparling pair up to serve an emotionally charged and dynamic ballad entitled "Can't Stop This Loving You." Fabiola Rivera, the San Juan-based artist, and singer-songwriter never shy away from exploring music, poetry, and lyricism that tugs at the soul. On the other hand, the nomadic spirit John Sparling brings his keen intuition for the human condition into every song, as he's known for creating poignant, heartfelt, and sometimes irreverent pieces. Pairing up for the single of the century, Fabiola Rivera and John Sparling's latest single, "Can't Stop This Loving You," truly moves mountains. As the song opens like a dreamy and hazy Sunday morning with soothing instrumentals, Rivera and Sparling later take us through a chilling journey with help from their brilliant and heavy cinematic instrumentals that close the song with power. Listening to "Can't Stop This Loving You," the song gently opens with calming electric guitar picking and Fabiola Rivera's soothing vocal tones. As a haunting and soft piano melody begins making its way in, Rivera delves deeper into her lyricism where she can't help but hold love for someone on the other end of their troubled relationship. As John Sparling makes his vocal appearance, he delivers a brilliant and conceptual back and forth that transitions the song into a cinematic experience. Although the first half of the song brings us into the trials and tribulations of unhealthy love, Rivera and Sparling later take us through a powerful and thrilling sonic atmosphere by way of a reverbed electric guitar, heavy synth use, a haunting string section, deep basslines, and crashing drum breaks, ending the song on a chilling note. Don't miss out on the experience of Fabiola Rivera and John Sparling's latest emotional single, "Can't Stop This Loving You," available on all streaming platforms. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Fabiola Rivera and John Sparling. We're deep in the emotional and thought-provoking atmosphere you've delivered within your recent single, "Can't Stop This Loving You." What inspired the creation of this song? Fabiola: I wish I could say some incredibly elaborate story about why this song came to be, but it really was inspired by love. The kind that’s all-consuming to the point that you’d overlook most anything to remain in that person’s orbit. I think everyone has been in that place at least once or twice. Did you both handle the lyric writing for "Can't Stop This Loving You"? What was your songwriting process like? Fabiola: Absolutely. It was a complete collaboration. The song began as a snippet of something I had written and posted on my social media and John replied to it with what he heard after that first verse. After that, we just talked at length and finished writing it together. It all happened in a way that almost felt magical. We just put pen to paper together and discovered what we wanted the song to be. John: When I first heard Fabiola workshopping this on Instagram I fell in love with the line “You lie like it’s truth,” the chord choice, where she placed the melody and I thought immediately this was going to be special. After reaching out to her I sent her the chorus and we knew we had to finish this song. Got into the studio and began working on it for almost a year. What inspired the intense sonic switch up towards the end of "Can't Stop This Loving You?" Why did you want to add this powerful sonic shift? Fabiola: Credit goes to John on that one! The bridge was really his brainchild- it enhances the song perfectly. We didn’t want it to feel repetitive or one-note, and as the song ramps up we wanted it to hit a peak— take listeners by surprise by doing something a little unexpected. We wanted to show the range of the kind of love we were talking about through the music. I think the shift makes the message hit home. John: I have an affinity for music that shows a deeper subtext to the basic framework. In my songwriting sometimes I’ll have a very major harmonic sound with some pretty sad lyrics, which can really demonstrate that hopeless romanticism. In this case what we’re speaking about in this song as a concept has an incredibly large impact on a person. I know of one or two true heartbreaks that have been formative and last a lifetime and the power and the epic nature of the bridge really showcases that heavy impact. Is this your first time working together? Should we expect to see more collaborations like "Can't Stop This Loving You" in the future? Fabiola: We’ve actually known each other for a while and have talked music so many times but had never actually fully collaborated until now! It was an incredible process and if the chance to collaborate presented itself once again, I know I’d definitely jump at it! John: Fabiola and I are great friends and it was such a blast working together! I’m excited for the next opportunity to get to work with her for sure. What can fans anticipate next from you? Fabiola: More music! There’s lots of writing going on right now that should lead to some exciting things. Social media is an amazing way to keep up with what’s happening! John: The John Sparling Band has posted their first youtube video and I am building a full Audio/Video and Photography media facility to be shooting so much more in! We plan on a JSB EP coming out in 2022 and some really fun cover projects for youtube as well. John Sparling Instagram Fabiola Rivera Instagram

Interstellar folk songstress Annathyst hails from her galactic universe of the backwoods of Michigan. Standing apart from the crowd and delivering a sound that is unique to her, we’re always thrilled to hone in on the intimate soundscapes created by the elusive artist herself. Fresh off the launch of her recently released single, “Mountain Skies,” the ease and grace offered up allow you to lean into the pacifying hues intended for the times of uncertainty. In the atmospheric realm of airy synths, warming acoustic guitar strums, and rich banjo twangs, the profound intentions of implementing stillness within all, reigns supreme. Annathyst’s delicate timbres scoop you into her embrace as the gentle grasp wraps you in a blanket of security destined to poignantly lift you from any ambiguity you may feel after the wrath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her voice spreads a soothing essence in the way it calms you upon the initial moments it touches down. You feel a sense of trust flourish with Annathyst as she takes a moment to address these times in a way that has her audience knowing they aren’t alone. Highlighting intricately sculpted lyrical motifs such as, ‘the world is alright, do you see it, in the morning light, in the mountain skies,’ has us falling into the striking realization that in the end, everything will be okay. Always having a knack to bring heightened emotions and dimensions that thrive off of musical builds in the arrangements presented, Annathyst allows the impact of “Mountain Skies,” to be no different than she cemented designs. With tantalizing nods to the relatability that we all share as humans, Annathyst is bringing people together one song at a time. The beautiful buildup of “Mountain Skies,” truly translates into the world’s current state. We love the impact made in this track! You mentioned that some time in solitude allowed for this record to come to life. Could you please share a glimpse into some realizations that you made in order to get to this point? Thank you! Writing “Mountain Skies” was incredibly healing for me because I was feeling a lot of fear and confusion at the beginning of the pandemic and this song seemed to help release and neutralize all of those uncomfortable feelings, reminding me that on some level everything really is alright. The solo time I spent in nature during the time I wrote “Mountain Skies” was actually a part of my graduate program in wilderness therapy. It was a 3-day Rites of Passage ritual that we do at the end of our second year of the program where we spend 3 days immersed in nature. It was through this program that I was able to heal from some of the more significant traumas I endured in my earlier 20s which included the death of my younger sister. I had come to a point in my healing where I was ready to truly step into living my life again out of the shadow of all my trauma. That was my intention of the Rites of Passage and it happened to be in the midst of the global pandemic. “Mountain Skies” felt like a message from the natural world that there is another reality happening in nature where on some level all is well. Not to discount the suffering we have all faced and continue to face through the last couple of years, but to remind us that there is bigger universal energy that is supporting us no matter what. How does “Mountain Skies,” compare to the release of ‘All Night?' What similarities and differences have you found? I released “Mountain Skies” the same week I graduated from graduate school so in a way it felt very cathartic to let it go into the world at the same time something really big for me was ending. While I noticed “All Night” caught on very quickly especially to a larger audience of people I don’t know, “Mountain Skies” seemed to have a rippling impact on many people I do know. I still get messages from time to time from people about how impactful that song is/was for them. “All Night” is more vibey and empowering, while “Mountain Skies” seems to bring up an array of emotions from grief to hope. It just has a deeper message and feeling to it. What are you hoping that your audience takes away from the messaging in “Mountain Skies?" My hope is that whoever receives the message of “Mountain Skies” feels as comforted as I did when I wrote it. It is not meant to be understood so to say, I’ve had people want to discuss with me why I say, “The world is alright,” when in their perspective the world is not alright. I don’t think it’s an either/or on this. I think the message of “Mountain Skies” comes from a more eternal and limitless place. Of course, there is a lot of suffering happening and for many people, the world does not feel alright right now. “Mountain Skies” is not meant to discount or invalidate anyone’s experience, but rather to bolster you up, to remember how you’re still held and supported by the unseen world and of course nature. How do you suggest that people out there deal with the repercussions of the pandemic? Do you have any words that have helped you throughout these times? This is a hard question because I think the saddest thing that has come out of these times is the division it has created between so many people. It seems like you’re either on one side or the other. I think the division is where we lose sight of the truth. I think the best suggestion I can give is to remain in your heart and try to connect with others on a heart level. When we close our hearts off it’s easy to see anyone as “other” and then we lose sight of our innate connection to each other. What has helped me through this time is to remember to choose love and to choose connection over being right about something. We are more powerful in connection. What's your favorite release of 2021, from an independent artist you admire? The last full album released in 2021 that I have really enjoyed is Buck Meek’s solo album “Two Saviors.” I’m a fan of his work in Big Thief, his duo work with Adrianne Lenker, and he did a great job with this album. I love albums I can really sink into and play on repeat for a few days and this was one of them. Instagram

Growing up on the Monongahela River in southwestern Pennsylvania, Victoria Rose’s love affair with country music began at an early age while cruising the waters on her family boat. Blending traditional and contemporary country music, she garnered an appreciation for legendary icons such as Dolly Parton and Hank Williams Jr., along with her childhood favorites Carrie Underwood and Little Big Town. While Victoria Rose is most certainly characterized by her songwriting ability, sassy lyrics, and crisp twangy vocals, what lies beneath is the tenacity and determination that will put her on the path to success. She expertly balances young-hearted romanticism with sophistication to offer a relatable quality that country music fans alike, can latch onto. Bringing ourselves to Victoria Rose’s most recent body of work, we’re thrilled to dive into her five-track self-titled EP. Placing our utmost attention on the vibrant flair of the lead single, “Confused,” we tiptoe into the charismatic universe of Victoria Rose at her finest. This power Pop ballad takes full control of your cognizant thoughts as you immediately get pulled into her prevailing timbres which showcase intricate lyrics shaped around a narrative of mixed signals in a relationship. Belting out this passion-fueled anthem in a way that sends chills down our spine, we deeply feel the themes that Victoria Rose places in front of her audience. With the song’s subject matter being shaped by a personal experience that Victoria Rose encountered, the storyline at hand unveils a vulnerable perspective as we peek into the insight of Victoria Rose’s frustration while being stuck in the friend zone. Projecting her authentic reality to listeners far and wide, Victoria Rose makes it easy to relate to her own expressions when she tugs at the relevance that floats within the world as we know it. Encouraging us to learn every heartfelt lyrical motif, the fierce persona of Victoria Rose is a force to be reckoned with. We love the way that you convey “Confused,” from a lived experience, and turn it into an anthem for all to feast upon. With the subject matter hitting so close to home for you, did you find it fairly easy, or more difficult to write this track? I actually found it fairly easy since it was written from a personal experience. Since the story is close to home, the song basically wrote itself and I finished it in about 30 minutes. Once I presented it to my co-writers and producer, Caroline and Mike Walker, they immediately fell in love with it and we barely changed anything from the original song I wrote. How does “Confused,” tie into the concept of your EP? What inspired the overall themes of this project? The overall theme of the EP is the process of navigating aromatic relationships as a young person. “Confused” ties into that concept as the experience of being in a relationship without clear boundaries and wondering how the other person feels about you. How long did it take you to create this collection of songs? Could you please share a glimpse of the creative process with us? It took a couple of months to completely finish all of the songs. Every song was a different process. Some songs didn’t take long to write, yet the recording and producing process was longer and vice versa. With the writing process, some songs I came to my team with, some they came to me with, and some we all wrote together. Even if I originally wrote a song or they came to me with a song, we all had a part in writing it. We always go back-and-forth tweaking the lyrics and melody until we feel like the song is polished. What are you hoping is the main message that is sent out to your listeners from this release? The message I hope my listeners take away from my new songs is that it’s normal for relationships to be a roller coaster of emotions. Young people experiencing love for the first time can relate to the EP, while older listeners can reminisce about what it was like exploring uncharted territory with another person for the first time. What's next for you? After the EP, my team and I are releasing a summer song titled, “Another Summer Night,” along with a music video very soon! Also, I have many performances coming up so stay tuned for that. Instagram

An NYC native, X.ILE started his career at the age of 14 and has placed himself in a position of early exposure within his music career as a prominent artist. Unafraid to foster an environment where all genres can coexist throughout his music, X.ILE's work expands to many different audiences and has quickly gained praise throughout the industry from both critics and fellow artists. The vivacious soundscape of his most recent release, “HUCCI SHOES,” enlists the talents of Lapse as the two creatives give listeners more than they bargained for. There’s a unique merger between the eras of Hip-hop that have you abundantly spellbound in the buoyancy dripping from this single. X.ILE approaches his wordsmith capabilities in a way that showcases his skill set as an emcee in today’s day and age, all while carrying the lyrical push that is the foundation of old-school Hip-hop. With a pang of hunger in X.ILE’s vocal delivery, the prevailing tenors that have you bouncing to the icy cadences he radiates from his artistic jurisdiction. Combining his techniques with Lapse, both artist’s knack for wordplay simmers over the pulsating instrumentation as they accompany one another to the finish line. To top it all off, the visuals that go hand in hand with “HUCCI SHOES,” have your eyes stuck to the screen from beginning to end. There’s something so captivating about the quick-cut scenes in the filmic component’s transitions that match the beat of each perfectly timed kick drum on cue. The icing on the cake is that both X.ILE and Lapse have an exclusive flair to offer in the way they approach their artistry, yet when fused together, this is a knockout collaboration if we’ve ever seen one. Welcome to BuzzMusic, X.ILE! This track has us fully drawn towards what you stand for as an artist. In your own words, what does “HUCCI SHOES” mean to you? What does it say about the direction your music is headed? "Hucci Shoes” was more or less a return to the traditional trap-oriented X.ILE sound that I diverted from with Grapecrush. Thematically, it's a comment on consumerism and our need to impress even when we don’t have the means to. Be it fake Gucci (what I call “Hucci”), or lying about your “diamond” earrings being cubic zirconia, we see so much of this innate desire on a daily basis so I wanted to comment on it. Honestly, I’m sure it won’t be the last time I touch on the subject of authenticity What was it like working with Lapse in order to bring this vision to fruition? How did you two come to collaborate? I and Lapse have a 6-year history. He was really the first rapper in the city to have faith in what I was doing not only as a producer but when I started rapping some 3-4 years ago. Not only do we have such a fluid relationship as collaborators, but I look to him as a mentor in the industry considering his veteran status. It’s always plug and play with him; every time we link we come out with a banger. The process behind Hucci Shoes was no different than our other previous collaborations. The music video for “HUCCI SHOES” redefines creativity! Did you get any assistance with the creative direction, or was this all your idea? Could you please take us into what it was like on the set of the video? Virtually the entirety of the video, creatively, was me. It was my first time directing a music video, let alone my own, so it was definitely a different experience than just being the artist told what to do. It was a challenge having to wear a couple of hats, but in the end, I found it super rewarding. I definitely can’t take all the credit though because my videographer, Stephen Petrone, killed it with the visual FX on post-production and just overall helped bring my vision for the video. to life. Having been in the industry for a good chunk of time now, how have you found yourself growing the most from your first song, until this release? When I first started, I was strictly a dance music producer. The crap I released, in the beginning, was garbage. I was just a kid at the beginning of high school trying to figure out how to use industry-standard software trying to throw a cowbell in everything to make it sound hot. That’s all perfectly fine though as the difference between the quality of my productions then vs. now is night and day. That’s probably where I’ve noticed the most growth. My palette has also expanded exponentially over the last 8 years and I’ve found myself making styles of music I never would’ve dreamed I’d be making at the age of 14. Instagram Facebook

Key LeBlanc is a singer-songwriter, self-taught guitarist, published author, composer, and philanthropist with a knack for expressing herself through music and service. She’s a Louisiana native with a unique and gentle sound. Being a natural storyteller, she often gets compared to her favorite artists such as Corinne Bailey Rae and Jhene Aiko. Key LeBlanc manages to combine Pop, Soul, R&B, Rock, and Afro-beat elements into a uniquely beautiful package, which brings sounds of airy warmth to her audience. Her most recent release is the power ballad “Toxic Feels.” Indulging listeners into her sultry vocalization that cascades with the instrumentation like butter, Key LeBlanc portrays a larger-than-life performance that has us hanging onto her every word. Being no stranger to the world of Pop-Soul, there’s a sparkle that gleams from the desire she weaves into the way she conveys her messaging. Her songwriting takes on a balanced formula of timing and space as the notes in her wide vocal range propel into our minds with meaningful intent. Taking us through elusive verses, she makes quite the statement as we find ourselves at the mesmerizing hook which greets us with angelic harmonies. As the narrative of “Toxic Feels” delves into the world of a venomous romance, and how it can be impossible to release yourself from its shackles, the manner in which her inimitable croons glide through our minds, leaves a lasting imprint that we don’t want to fade away. What we love the most about this concept is how the relatability factor speaks to many of us in the world, as we try and navigate through the highs and lows of life. By taking a deep dive into her personal experiences, and bringing us a bit closer to who Key LeBlanc is as an artist and individual, we see just why she is garnering the well-deserved attention that she is. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Key LeBlan, and congratulations on the release of “Toxic Feels.” The way this track flows through our speakers leaves us really feeling the emotion you placed into it. Was it difficult for you to get this vulnerable on “Toxic Feels?" Honestly, it wasn't difficult for me to be vulnerable while writing this song. I just expressed my truth and how I felt about the situation and the relationship at that moment. As a songwriter, I believe it's my duty to lay my heart out on the line and just give the World a glimpse into my life and my stories. If your audience could take away one thing from this song, what would you want it to be? I want my audience to ignore the message hahaha! Do not stay in a toxic relationship! Now after years have gone by since writing the song and changing it from a moody acoustic track to this fun, energetic dance anthem, I want my audience to listen and think about how they can change any negative situation into a positive one. Could you please share a glimpse into the creative process that brought this song to life? This song has had a long journey. I wrote it in 2018 after leaving that relationship. The lyrics, melody, and guitar chords just came instantly. Then I moved back to Dallas in 2019 and ran into an old high school friend of mine who just so happened to be a producer now (used to be a youth pastor). I showed him the song and he loved it. We found some local musicians and recorded the song with all the live instruments. My acoustic guitar, live drums, live bass, keys, and Spanish guitar. I was happy with it but not in love. Then one day a friend of mine introduced me to her friend, a successful Nigerian producer. I sent him the track to see if he had any constructive criticism. He accidentally added these afrobeat drums that were supposed to go in another session to my song, but he loved the sound. He played it for me and cautioned me that it was different... and I fell in love. It just worked. We spent all of 2020 re-producing the track and perfecting it, making sure the sound was unlike any other song we've heard. Honestly, I still have no idea what genre this song would be classified as but I love it. That's how I feel all music should be. No genres, just a feeling. From the time of writing “Toxic Feels,” to this present moment, have you noticed a shift in your mentality towards this situation? Oh absolutely! I wrote this song from a place of loss. Even though I had left that relationship, I still felt as though I could not get away from that "toxic love." Now when I play the song live, I tell my audience it's a bad song, but it makes you feel good, then we all laugh about it. I love dancing to this song and just feeling the beat move through me. It brings me so much joy because we put so much time and effort into this song. It's the first song I ever co-produced, so I am extremely proud of myself. I hope people listen to this song all summer and enjoy the creativity behind it as much as I do. Instagram Facebook

Independent singer-songwriter Sirota deems herself a spazz, that counters that glitchy, child-like charm with grounded, self-aware perspectives on matters of the heart and head. Born and raised in South Brooklyn, NY, she has a love for R&B, terrible hand-eye coordination, and is not shy of opinions, nor does she hold back from expressing them through her music. Being the introspective baddie that she is, Sirota is intent on keeping her vocals smooth, warm, and vulnerable, in turn easing listeners into her eccentric atmosphere. Inviting her audience into her most recent release, “Matches,” Sirota brings forth a tantalizing soundscape that thrives on her sensual, yet heartrending vocal performance. The instrumentation is heavy on warm violin strings, chiming synths, and a vibrant drum pattern that immerses you speakers in infectious grooves. Rich harmonies accompany the striking croons from Sirota as she vividly opens up her universe for her audience to come swarming in. “Matches,” depicts the chronicle of someone incessantly burning you, but you continue to return to them despite knowing the repercussions. Never one to shy away from her unfiltered self, the blatant messaging laced into “Matches,” acts as a letter to someone or various people who have tested the flammability of the emerging artist herself. Stating such a relevant subject in a way that is unique to her own talents, Sirota pulls us into each mesmerizing timbre as the atmospheric indulgence serves up melodious harmonic lyrics. With a nimble yet dominant tone to her enunciation, Sirota brings life-like images to the words she dramatically performs. We can all relate to the spark and burn caused by toxicity; that’s why we suggest taking in all that is Sirota’s latest single so you can smother out the flames coming back for more. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Sirota, and congratulations on the release of “Matches.” We love the theme behind this song and overall the way that you executed this piece with the perfect blend of poise and sass. Was there a specific moment or story that shaped the thesis of “Matches?” Hello! Thanks for having me on BuzzMusic! Oh yes, there’s a bit of a story surrounding “Matches”. Like with many an artist, the fallout of a romantic “entanglement” inspired this piece. This romantic dynamic was one that resurfaced from time to time and was always sort of a “one foot in, one foot out” romance/friendship/who-the-heck-knows vibe. In the end, I was real smitten but painfully misled. A letdown for sure, but sheesh was I motivated to write a bold, therapeutic, cry-no-more bop. How long did it take you to create this song? Did you find the creative process fairly simple to execute or more difficult than other songs composed? It took me about two weeks to get the “skeleton” of the song down. The frustration and disappointment I had regarding my romantic situation were good fuels that propelled this song into existence pretty quickly. I had very specific colors, intentions, and themes in mind early on, which was not the case with every piece of the EP. The idea of celebrating something so devastating really clicked for me. I had been listening to “Tears Dry On Their Own” by Amy Winehouse and “Hold Up” by Beyoncé a lot right before making “Matches”. Though both of those artists are quite different, I think there’s something so confident, undefeated, and celebratory about the theses of their songs. I was excited to convey a similar message. Was there anyone else helping you to achieve the top-notch production quality radiated in “Matches?” How did they contribute to the desired sound? Yes! My wonderful producers Misha Scott and Noah Levine of Bloom Productions in Philly. I started working with them pre-pandemic, so I was commuting from Brooklyn every weekend to work in their studio. Once the pandemic hit, we had to pivot and turn this EP into a quarantined cutie, which was a unique experience. Misha and Noah helped refine and enhance my vision, as well as bring their very detailed and distinct style to the table. Also, shoutout to Yesseh Furaha-Ali on Tenor Sax, Eric Sherman on Trumpet, and Mollie Rose on Violin! Throughout your artistic career this far, what has been your proudest moment? Tough one! I’m proud that I didn’t rush this debut EP. Its creation stretched out over the course of two years, and I think I needed that time to fully grasp what story I was telling, and what the musical common thread was. I’m also over the moon that my producers and I were able to create such a cohesive project during one of the most difficult years the world has seen in a minute, and all while being in different states. It was a privilege and I am eternally grateful. Like, damn. What's next for you? I am super thrilled to be working on another music video at the moment! It’s very playful and feels like a real embodiment of what’s often going on in my brain, I think the piece is quite the party. Live shows too, of course, are always on the up-next list, once we get the green light from the CDC. Gotta stay safe and keep writing music inside until then! Instagram

Filipino-Canadian-born singer-songwriter cjvd is the latest R&B-Pop newcomer who provides listeners with soothing vocals deriving from a Hip-hop upbringing. cjvd began his music career with a trap-esque sound solidified in the genre of Trapsoul. Returning with an innovative take on his latest single, “Why You Love Me,” we get to indulge in an R&B-inspired Pop ballad thriving in an 80s styled resonance. Representing this vivid escapade with a smooth as butter vocal that you can’t help but fall in love with, cjvd has us immersed in his animated panache from the moment this track begins to play. The slow tempo of the instrumentation plays upon a weighty bassline that sends a surge of intensity through the tame descants, which give this musical foundation the perfect blend of vibrancy through a more subtle soundscape. As soon as the chorus picks up in its showcase of prevailing and feathery synths, we get to feast on the hues of charisma that come pouring out of cjvd’s passion. “Why You Love Me,” carries forth a contrast that highlights the authenticity that can be shown through the motions of love and lust. With lyrical motifs such as, ‘So let me be real with you. Show you how I feel with you,’ dipping into the sensual realm of any good R&B record, there’s particular confidence that cjdv conveys, that gets more apparent as the song goes on. With the hot weather in our presence, this track holds its place on your favorite summer playlists. Congratulations on your latest release, “Why You Love Me.” You exude such playful energy; it’s mesmerizing! Was there a particular moment or story that inspired the creation of this song? Thanks, BuzzMusic for having me! “Why You Love Me” is a song I’ve always wanted to do where I could express myself freely in a fun, playful manner. There wasn’t necessarily a particular moment or story that inspired the creation of this song, however, it was more of a spur of the moment where I wanted to be free of expectations of myself moving forward and wanted to experiment with sounds I had never done before. In your own words, what does “Why You Love Me,” mean to you? What are you hoping that your listeners take away from it? “Why You Love Me” expresses the communication most people experience when they first fall in love with someone. The constant chase and playfulness of wanting to learn more about the person you are in love with. I’m hoping that my listeners could take away from this song because you determine your value for yourself without asking for someone’s approval. Ironic from the lyrics said in the song, having to chase that validation of someone to “give a reason why you love me” actually is what most people forget about when it comes to finding that person. Your value comes within you and not how you want others to perceive you. Was this a fairly easy subject for you to write about? Do you happen to have a different approach to the creative process depending on the context of the song? Subject-wise, it felt like it was something I had fun doing, which helped make the process easier. Nonetheless, I wouldn’t simply pass it as easy. I contemplated even releasing this song in the first place knowing that this song is completely different than what I usually do. In comparison with other songs I write, the creative process was completely different. I usually have a topic in mind in most songs and a certain direction of where I want the song to go. However, with “Why You Love Me” I happened to just enjoy the process of freestyling melodies and played around with topics that felt fun and somehow created one of my favorite songs to date. What is your mission statement as an artist? My mission statement for cjvd is to create a soundtrack for someone’s life, whether for one person or a thousand. To create music to the best of my ability to inspire and apply my own unique creative approach. Music was my own personal outlet to experience new cultures, inspired my drive to learn how to dance and to creatively express myself as well as communicate in ways only music can. If I can bring that same passion and love for music and inspire someone to do the same, I’m doing someone right in my life. Instagram Twitter

Vancouver-based Pop/Dance artist, JARETT is eager to announce the release of his second single, “Mermaid.” Debuting in 2021, the emerging essence of his talents is already making a wave as he follows the method of blending Electronic and Hip-hop styles while incorporating his roots and drawing on inspiration from his experiences in Barbados. Serving up a buoyant atmosphere that instantaneously propels you into full-on vacation mode, JARETT’s brilliant soundscape of “Mermaid,” embraces the tropical themes he has dealt out. Through various layers of musical fusion, we hear the effervescent glimmer of high to low frequencies sweeping the speakers in a textured display of melodic bliss. Honing in on the weighty bass elements, and Caribbean-inspired steel drums, “Mermaid,” transports you to an idyllic utopia where the buttery timbres of JARETT put you under an entrancing spell that you don’t want to snap out of. Weaving together the copious elements of his intricate skill set, we’re swept away into the compelling nature of “Mermaid.” Throughout this song, JARETT aims to bring out themes of the mythological features that mermaids embody. We doubt that you’ll be able to sit still while the playful hues of this track take over your entire being. He masterfully holds the influence of casting out vividly sculpted lyrics that transport you to the warmth of the sun beaming down on you while the cold rush of the water plunges you into nostalgia. Nothing lasts forever, and that’s why a song of this caliber allows you to hold on to the joyous memories that are brought back up through the power of music. JARETT does an exceptional job at reminding us to be grateful for the life we are living, and to resist wishing our time away while dreaming about running off with a “Mermaid.” Congratulations on the release of your latest single, “Mermaid.” You use such a unique sense of inspiration to bring this song to life. We love it! How did it come to be that the 1989 Disney movie The Little Mermaid, brought you to this place with a hit record? Thank you! The movie was definitely an inspiration, but the love of summer, beaches, the Caribbean, my most recent trip to Barbados with my fiancee in Dec 2019, are all inspirations too. Could you please share a glimpse into what the creative process looked like when fashioning together “Mermaid”? In mythology, mermaids are described as mysterious women of the sea with exquisite features, who often lead sailors astray with their charming and seductive ways. The tune “Mermaid” brings those themes to life, all the while pulling us in with the presumption of fun and adventure. Escaping the city life, unwinding with weed and rum—paired with beautiful women—makes for a good time in the sunshine! But, those revelry moments do not last forever and eventually come to an end. With your two tracks released falling into the simmering, tropical essence of soundwaves, how would you compare this song to your debut release ‘Travel’? What are some similarities and differences you encounter throughout the process? Mermaid is textured with Caribbean-inspired steel drum sounds to give it the full-on vacation vibe, blending electronic and hip-hop styles, whereas travel is more of a house tropical song. What is your mission statement as an artist? To perform at beaches all over the world and bring that same warm, positive, uplifting energy to whoever wants/needs it. instagram.com/jarettmusic

The Mantra Discord is an instrumental math-rock/post-rock band from Southern California. Comprised of only two members, Jeremy Arcibal on the drums and programming, and Russ Weisenthal on guitars and bass, the duo formed in March of 2021. The two have been in multiple deathcore bands in the past but decided to make a drastic change to the sound when it came to making music together again. They accepted a brand new challenge and went with a particular sound of blending in darker, melancholic, string arrangements, and experimental elements to create their own unique brand of resonance. Debuting with their compelling single, “Impressions,” we hear firsthand just how experimental The Mantra Discord can get with their eclectic quintessence. With a purely instrumental sound, they kick off this exclusive piece in an unorthodox time signature that instills a sense of complexity weaved into the musical foundation before us. The rapid launch of this unconventional structure catches our attention immediately, as you hear how the vivacious percussion sets the tempo for the resounded bassline in motion. What we admire the most about the amplified arrangement has to be how The Mantra Discord comes together and collates a brilliant style of energy that excels what one would expect to hear in this genre-bending example of musicality. They leave your mind feeling like a well-utilized canvas that has been intricately sculpted by the artists on a personal level. That’s what it looks like to peek into the creative scope of both Jeremy Arcibal and Russ Weisenthal as they transport your mind to a realm of their choosing. “Impressions,” nails the thesis of the song’s title and leaves us in a pool of astounding first impressions from The Mantra Discord. Eager to hear what they have in the works for us next, “Impressions” leaves our minds stimulated and wanting more. Welcome to BuzzMusic Mantra Discord, and congratulations on the release of your debut single, “Impressions.” The brilliant soundscape that you leave us resting in truly leaves us to sit with our own imagination. What are the inspirations behind the creation of this song? What does “Impressions” mean to you? Thank you! We wanted to create something very different and add a lot more dark textures and experimental atmospheres to the song. We know in math-rock and post-rock, it is very unusual to add in strings and claps at the beginning and the end, but we felt it just gave it its own sound and we're extremely happy with it. The creative inspirations of this song were mainly that it had sparked new challenges for us as a band, it was a style of music that Jeremy and I have never done before but we had always talked about. It was definitely a fun process! "Impressions" is about the beginning of something different and unique and just leaving our own mark letting everyone know we are here. You are absolutely right! When it comes to music, there is nothing better than just sitting back and using your imagination to create your own visions of a song! How did you know that “Impressions,” would be your debut release? Does the title of the song play into your choice to make this your introduction? It was actually an older song I had made way before the band officially started. We never thought it would see the light of day if we're being 100% honest. It was very different from the other songs we had made at the time but after sitting on it for a while, we felt it actually might be a great debut track just to at least get us started since a majority of it was already recorded and mixed. In terms of the song's title, it has been that way for a while. It was very coincidental and we just stuck with it! Could you please shine a light on the creative process that you embark on when bringing a song to life? It usually all starts with a simple melody I create in my head and I will just hum it out. I am usually driving in my car when this happens. Actually, a really funny and embarrassing story is that when "Impressions" was being created, the part at about 1:45, I was in my car on the 15 freeway and I had to pull over really really quickly at an off-ramp so I could record myself humming it so I wouldn't forget it, which I tend to do. The cars behind me were probably all thinking "dude this guy is crazy or he has to go to the bathroom really bad!" Alright so anyway, when I get home, I will try to mimic the exact notes on my guitar. Once the basic rhythm is down I will usually put in piano notes on logic pro and use that to make more intricate lead parts, and mimic that onto the guitar. Once all the basic guitar parts are recorded, the process is usually sending the track to Jeremy and kind of going back and forth with ideas. We will usually have a basic outline of the story that we want to create for a song. Mixing for "Impressions" was done at my small home studio and the mastering we had sent off to Mike Kalajian at Rogue Planet. The music writing process and just bringing a full song to life is usually a very smooth process, I mean minus where I had to pull over quickly just so I can just record a 10 second part of my terrible humming! In terms of the narratives you put together, and the energy conveyed, what are you hoping that your audience takes away from the music you create? Well, even though our songs present more of a dark and melancholic atmosphere, we are hoping that anybody that has listened to the song has kept an open mind and enjoyed at least a little part of it. We wanted to really reach inside and connect to our audience through our music and do it without words. We have all at one point been in darkness, confusing, and/or depressing times. Our music is basically an outlet and to let each of our listeners know that they are not alone in this feeling and to also know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, even if it may take some time to reach. What's next for you? Keep making music. We are working towards a full length and hopefully have it out by the end of the year. The future looks great and we are only getting started! Instagram