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Los Angeles native and Russian-Ukranian descent, 21-year-old upcoming alternative Pop artist Kisa is a force to be reckoned with. From a young age, Kisa has been expressing her love for the arts through acting, poetry, dance, and songwriting. While living in Kyiv, Ukraine, on a mission of self-exploration and individuality, she trained vigorously in the arts as a means to find herself. Finding the arts as a means of communication, Kisa returned to Los Angeles and found her calling, determined to continue to share her message through her lyricism, musicality, visual art, and body movement. Launching her solo music career, Kisa releases her debut single “The Game.” Providing an intense atmosphere that is filled to the brim with mid-tempo to upbeat grooves more infectious than the last, we immerse ourselves in the fusion of elusively flowing theatrics that sums up the quintessence of Kisa’s artistry. “The Game,” tackles the themes of not wanting to play any more games with a specific person as the instrumentation is infused with chilling keys and a vibrant bassline that plays into the tight drum patterns executed. With a newfound sound that ties elements of Pop and Electronic genres together, we’re left with the aftermath being a brilliantly designed resonance that evolves in its own creative essence. The striking timbres that are radiated by Kisa tip the scales through a prevalent appeal that hones in on the feathery hues of delicate conveyance. It’s truly remarkable the way that the vocal layers incorporate texture through harmonious bliss, and rugged distortion to flip the script of a narrative so powerful in its ways. Kicking it up a notch with a captivating release sure to have her audience turning into diehard fans, Kisa is on to something with this unique genre fusion that is chalked full of her own magnetic personality. Hello Kisa, welcome to BuzzMusic, and congratulations on the release of your debut single “The Game.” We absolutely love the sonic voyage that is brought to life in this record. What moment or story inspired the lyrics that we hear? Thank you so much. For this song, it was less of a moment that inspired and more of a concept based on experiences. I always love to meet people and have often found myself trusting too easily. I used a number of experiences in which I felt that I was surrounded by toxic people and put them into this concept. Trying to read people based on their appearance often failed me and the truth is that the people I love the most value honesty, loyalty, and kindness over anything. How does it feel to have your debut single out into the world? What do you find that this song says about you as an artist as you step into the industry? It feels really good to start my career off with this single. I wrote it over a year ago and it definitely represents my growth as an artist and as a person. When I wrote the lyrics, I felt lost and did not have a good understanding of the kinds of people I wanted around me, and even the kind of person I wanted to be! Today I feel that I have found a support system I trust and created a circle of people that value the same things as I do. Could you please share a glimpse of what the creative and recording process looked like when fashioning “The Game?" We can only imagine the atmosphere you got creative in! It was a really awesome experience for me because I had never collaborated before. I started out by showing a chord progression I loved to my producer at the time, Adrian Cota, and co-writer, Theodore Lee. They both started to play around with sounds and create the overall vibe of the track. On the side, I was writing down concepts, lyrics, and random thoughts. The process was really awesome because we all had our own imaginations involved. They are really talented and I got to learn and watch them work while writing my lyrics and adding ideas. It was my first collaborative experience and I will never forget it! What is the main message that you hope to send to your audience through this release? The main message is that looks can be deceiving and our actions are what represent who we are. There is so much toxicity in our society and it is easy to trust the wrong people. The best feeling is finding YOUR people. The ones who have your back no matter what. I want this song to be a vibe and put a smile on your face while you drive with your friends. What's your favorite release of 2021 so far, from an independent artist you admire? I would say Addicted by Jorja Smith. Her vocals are absolutely insane, such a beautiful tone and the production is incredible as well. Instagram Artist Website

Emerging soul singer Lisa St. Lou, brings forth sounds that are steeped in the music of New Orleans. Freshly on her album, “Ain’t No Good Man,” Lisa St. Lou recorded the works with Cyril Neville, Aaron Neville, and ‘The soul Queen of New Orleans,’ Irma Thomas. Spending 7 weeks on the Billboard Charts with this body of work, “Ain’t No Good Man,” tells the story of Lisa’s self-rediscovery after surviving a soulless and emotionally abusive marriage, as she returns to the spirit that moved her to sing in church. As we bring ourselves to the title track of Lisa St. Lou’s empowering sequence of vitality, “Ain’t No Good Man,” we find ourselves thriving in a world of timeless soundscapes that only a Lisa St. Lou melody can deliver. Bringing big band elements to the musical foundation weaved into this composition, each instrument introduces itself with an impactful showcase of purpose. The rhythmic bass line coincides with the opulent guitar riffs performed, as the tight percussion sets the tempo for the golden horn notes to brilliantly peak into each pocket in an astounding conveyance of life sprinkled into the mix. Creating that fortified foundation for Lisa St. Lou to embark on a striking voyage of powerhouse timbres, the amalgamation of her compelling harmonies fuse together with these components in a way that pulls us deeper into the sensational creation in its entirety as she speaks words of authenticity. As a seeker of the soul who found a way to drown out the demons of the past, Lisa St. Lou irrefutably exposes her passion as she channels her delicate ambitions through a narrative of a woman who went through these abusive hardships, and came out the other side and lived to tell the tale. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Lisa, and congratulations on the release of 'Ain’t No Good Man.’ We know the album delves into really deep and personal topics for you. What did it take for you to channel those emotions when bringing this album to life? The first thing I had to do was admit there was a problem. I used to think that everything that happened in my marriage was his fault and I suppose, in a traditional sense, it was. But where was I in all of that? Thinking about my role in that relationship was really the hard part. Ultimately, I had to take responsibility for allowing myself to ignore what was right in front of my eyes; the fact that I let myself get lost in a man. So Ain’t No Good Man became about the journey to find me again, making my way through the muck and coming out the other side even stronger because of all the hardship. Strength lasts. Sadness fades. And it has now become a bugle call to move forward out of weakness and into power. Thinking about all the other women my age, or any age really, who have gone or were currently going through the same sobering truths are what pushed me to finish the album and get it out into the world as a healing tool for others. That and maybe a bottle of wine or two. We love the timeless feel of songs like “Ain’t No Good Man.” Can you please share your creative process for that song in particular? Did you always know that it would be the title track? That song came to me when I was disappointed by someone I put on a pedestal, a man I thought could do no wrong. If he could screw up, then what hope was there for any man at all? Once I accepted that it was really me being disappointed that I once again put so much reliance on a man, the song became the album’s anthem, the point from which all other songs were sired. Originally I heard a soaring line, much like that of Otis Redding’s “I Was Born By The River” and felt like a “wail” was the only way to express my pain. That “wail” ultimately found its way to the final chorus to allow for a build throughout the tune. What was it like working with Cyril Neville, Ivan Neville, and Irma Thomas on the new album? Well, first of all, this collaboration would have never happened if Tor and I hadn’t had a drink one night at Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook, Brooklyn. “It’s Raining” came on and I was like, “who on earth IS that?!” Of course, it was the legendary soul queen of New Orleans, Ms. Irma Thomas. So to say it was a dream come true having my original muse duet with me on “Nothing Is Ever Enough (for a man)” would be an understatement. Hearing the funkiest music ooze out of Ivan Neville’s fingers and throat on every track was like getting a doctorate in soul music throughout the course of the week. Cyril Neville and “Whatcha’ Gonna’ Do?” were a match made in heaven and basically defined the message of this album in one sentence when asked what he thought of the woman in her forties trying to break into the record business. He replied, “Well shit, I ain’t listening to her age.” When all was said and done, the experience was truly a once-in-a-lifetime life lesson, which proved to me that soul is a shared phenomenon expressed in collaboration with like minds. I guess I just didn’t realize how alike the Neville’s and I were. Pain is pain no matter your gender. Is there a specific message that you hope your audience will take away from this album? I hope people who hear these songs will feel inspired to tear down the obstacles that are holding them back. Sometimes the truth hurts, but ultimately it will set you free. It certainly worked for me. What's next for Lisa St. Lou? Covid kicked up a lot of things for a lot of folks, but for me, it was writing the next chapter of songs to continue the soul journey. I wanted to explore the scenes afterlife with a “no good man”...where the light is bright and the heart is full. And with that, comes a new and exciting perspective on the framework in which the music lives. When the artists evolve, the music evolves and I can’t wait to share what’s in the pipeline. Instagram Facebook

Known as the 'Bon Iver of Salem,' the Boston-based producer, alt-electronic artist, and singer-songwriter Qwill reminds listeners to gear up for his forthcoming stream of live performances. If you haven't been acquainted with Qwill's diverse and unique sounds, now is a better time than ever as he plans on bringing his blend of jazz, hip-hop, and alt-electronic sounds to live audiences once again. "Playing in other people's bands, doing studio work, I feel like that makes up who I am as an artist. In the sense of informing me as a producer to bring in more elements and make it diversified," states Qwill. Known for his refreshing and unpredictable live shows, Qwill is more than eager to get back into what he does best, swooning an audience and leaving them wanting more. One should expect him to bring a banjo, an APC40, an ES-335, or even a real Rhodes EP to his live shows, as Qwill thrives off of leaving his audience on their toes and expecting the unexpected. Whether his live shows will be streamed online or at socially distant venues, Qwill is more than ready to get back into the groove of performing live with help from his eager and loyal fanbase. Don't miss out on Qwill's forthcoming live shows as he continues to announce dates, times, and locations through social media platforms. Stay up to date with Qwill on Instagram, @qwillmusic, and share some love with his discography on all digital streaming platforms. We're excited to chat with you about your creative endeavors and forthcoming shows. What aspect of performing live are you most excited to experience again? I’m really excited to play new material that I’ve been writing and producing throughout this past fall and winter, and to share with people in a live space again is really exciting, I’m super stoked! Could you give us any further information regarding your future stream of live shows? Where/when will you be performing next? The next solo set I’m performing will be a collaborative show with my friend, and visual artist Mike Grimaldi aka Grimdrops on Friday, June 11 at his studio in Beverly, MA and we’ll be live streaming as well. What should your audience expect from your future live shows? Are you bringing in any changes or alterations to your existing performances? I think the audience can expect a bit more of a dance type of set. I’ve added a drum machine and sampler to my setup. I’ve also been working on more visual elements to the live show hence working with artists like Grimdrops. We've heard that you're very process-oriented when it comes to the creation of your music. Could you enlighten our readers on what your creative process usually looks like and how you find the inspiration to create? I find inspiration everywhere. I like to write lyrics to share stories in that way, as well as write music that can convey a feeling that can either support lyrics or stand on its own as an instrumental. I work primarily with live instruments, a few synths, and hardware, and record into Ableton Live. After I’ve recorded into Ableton I can kind of do whatever I want with each element whether performing live or producing in the studio. Instagram Facebook

As one of the first to mix Hip-Hop with Alternative Rock in Ireland, LG4 Trey has quickly made a name for himself in his hometown as well as in the UK and the US. With a recent feature on the Promoting Sounds Youtube channel and collaborations with SpaceMan Zack, CRIM and other talented artists, LG4 Trey's music career is looking to have a bright future. LG4 Trey’s love for music began at a young age learning to play traditional Irish instruments such as the Violin and the Bodhrán. With inspiration taken from bands such as blink-182 & Sum 41 to emo rappers such as Lil Peep, LiL Lotus & LIL DUSTY G, he is quickly becoming the face of emo-rap in Ireland, and soon, Europe. Releasing his first full-length project titled ‘Social Poison,’ LG4 Trey presents an emo-rap album that is rich with life experiences and the current state of his mind. Honing in on the introductory single and title track from the project, “Social Poison,” immediately sets the tone for this body of work as you’re pulled in by the dark guitar riffs and a sense of mystery. Exuding a display of lyrical dexterity that stems from a place of personal hardships, you’re stimulated by this display and overcome with compassion for the realism that LG4 Trey shares with his audience. The buttery cadences he delivers make it so that the cognizant words he speaks roll off the tongue and etch themselves into your brain. You hear the melancholic essence breed in a public announcement that should not be taken loosely. Incorporating an audio clip from the Netflix series ’13 Reasons Why,’ you hear the focus of this song tie into the thesis of this project and bring light to the pressure social media puts on people nowadays and how toxic that is for their mental health. LG4 Trey is changing the game and putting his best foot forward with selfless initiatives as such being depicted through the music he creates. If you’re ready to get lost in a mesmerizing sea of realism, “Social Poison,” is waiting for you. Congratulations on the release of your album “Social Poison.” What an interesting and topical subject to base your album around. It’s needed now more than ever! You mention that although you’ve released a project roughly the same length as this one in the past, you classify this as your debut. What’s your reasoning behind that? Hey, thank you. The main reason why I’d classify this as my debut album and not the last project is that I feel this project was a lot more planned out and had more flow from track to track. The last project was more like a mixtape of random singles kinda thrown together whereas for this one I spent months deciding what tracks I wanted in there and what order I wanted them to be in. Where did the inspiration for this concept stem from? Was there a specific story or moment that sparked the need to create a project out of this theme? Well, I started writing all the tracks during the lockdown. Although we’re coming to the end of it now, during lockdown I feel everybody lived through social media as we couldn’t socialize physically. I found myself to be online 90% of the day and it had a pretty big impact on my mental health and inspired the first track on the project and the name of the project “Social Poison”. Social media almost forces you to constantly compare yourself to others in a pretty competitive and toxic way. I wanted to put some emphasis on the fact that u shouldn’t base your self-worth on social media. How has your mindset changed from when you were creating “Social Poison,” to this present moment? What have you learned along the way? I’m definitely in a much better state of mind now than I was when I started the project but I’ve learned to stop worrying about what everyone else is doing with their lives, at the end of the day your only seeing what people want you to see on their social media platforms. Take everything one day at a time and no matter how hopeless or pointless things feel, the feeling is only temporary. Sometimes it might last a little longer than others but you’ll get out of it eventually. I’ve made a conscious effort to surround myself with people that I can rely on that I know will be there when I need them and vice versa and it makes a huge difference. Did you know that the title track “Social Poison,” would be exactly that when creating it, or did you have to filter through ideas to get the end result? The title track was actually considered a throwaway when I first recorded it. It didn’t seem to be working out at all. I was in my friend's kitchen with my mic just set up on a table in front of me trying to think of ideas in my head. Eventually, I came up with the idea for the hook and What originally was supposed to be the hook got made into the first half of the verse and after a couple of days of playing around with it, I had a solid foundation to finish the track. The small snippet in the middle of the track was actually sampled from 13 reasons why. I tend to use a lot of movie or tv show snippets in my songs to match whatever the lyrics are trying to convey. I feel it just helps immerse the listener and myself a little more into the song. Instagram

An inspiring and potent message, driven by quite an unbelievable backstory of hope and perseverance, has led The Nūes to the here and now with more motivation than ever before. Standing for never underestimate extraordinary souls, The Nūes went by a previous alias before rising from his half a decade hiatus. The incredible talent from Chicago has returned bearing a whole new mindset and mission to connect hearts with both existing and new audiences across the globe and a plethora of material ready to be cast into the senses of his listeners. Rich in lyricism and an elevated voice that produces waves, The Nūes takes charge with his laid-back production and in-your-face messaging for his latest release. Melodically peeking into a spectrum of highly emotive lyrics and the courage to bear a delivery as such, “Revolution” is the long-awaited single from The Nūes as he continues to captivate his audience with a grippingly raw offering of talent. The essence of the musicality is powered by resounded guitar riffs robust with a twangy allure and an empowering tempo sweeping the sound waves thanks to the detailed percussion. Remaining a bold canvas for The Nūes to cascade his fortified vocalization upon, the soothing timbres promote an up close and personal narrative that fixates itself upon the systemic racism that has been present through the various eras. Speaking factuality into his artistry presented, the build of this song is outstanding. The manner in which a prevailing atmosphere dips into elusive croons is truly empowering. A burning sense of passion ignites the flames within many of those who take this song to heart. A message that needs to be spread, The Nūes has utilized his platform in a way that raises the voices for BIPOC everywhere. Hello The Nūes and thank you for joining us at BuzzMusic. “Revolution,” sets a monumental tone in the way that you deliver your message. Job well done. Did you find the writing process to be easier to hone in on or more of a challenge for yourself? The writing happened quite quickly for this one. I wrote this with a shattered heart, the day after George Floyd’s life was cruelly taken. I was sitting in the bedroom of my tiny apartment in Mexico, where I was living at that time. The news coverage, the uproar...just watching it all unfold on social media, especially from a different country, was really heavy. Like millions of others, I had so many emotions that were running through me...from anger, shame, and confusion as to how someone could do this...to heartbreak, empathy, and love for both the family as well the entire black community that has had to deal with these types of tragedies and scenarios for far, far too long. My eyes were welling with tears while writing each line. Those feelings being so fresh and raw that day were what brought the words forth so immediately. I didn’t do a single re-write, didn’t change one word. It was just purely from the heart. And even though such a difficult subject, I didn’t question or overthink it. I said what I meant. And I knew it was coming from the right place, with the right intentions...from a white American who can stay silent no longer. I stand with my brothers and sisters everywhere and this is my statement that I hope will connect to many, many hearts for years ahead. Could you please take us into the vision of the music video you have released for “Revolution?" Did your vision come to life the way you intended? I’m so proud of how the video came out. The vision came out exactly as intended, yet far better in the end. I intentionally wanted to release the video the day the song came out on platforms because of how powerful I felt it made the message. The visual 100% brings the narrative to another level, brings the life of the song to another realm far beyond the lyrical message. My dear friend and videographer, Scotty Postl, was with me in Mexico as we were scouting locations for another friend and his art installation. I randomly sat in a meditation pose with my legs crossed and eyes closed, on this specific seat-shaped rock overlooking the huge wide-open landscape below. He took a picture of me, and after seeing it, I was so moved by the simplicity of the frame. There was a power to it. There was this immediate ‘less is more' type of feel that hit me. It was so direct. Right there, I knew “Revolution” would be the perfect song for that location. So as not to have too much distraction in the shots, no need for any extra sparks in a production. All credit to Scotty’s uncanny eye for a shot...to a normal viewer, he made this look easy. But the close-up shots with the shaky camera for the hook performance, capturing the veins in my neck, into the slow and steady push-ins on my verse parts...all the way into details of the grainy black and white grading touches...it made it all so raw...so aligned. Once I saw the first draft, I knew it was shaping into something powerful...all it needed was the right protest footage and real human moments to connect it all together. So I scoured for hours to find the perfect clips that I felt would serve the song and visual best. The last touch was the lyric subtitles, which were a suggestion of Scotty’s a while ago; well before this song was written. We were just casually talking about visual aesthetics one day and how subtitles can really take a song in a new direction, and look visually pleasing as well. It just so happens that this video would be the first, and most important one, to have the lyrics fully written out. We shot the video in July 2020. But I didn’t have a proper studio recording until I flew from Mexico to LA for a session months later in November. So here we are, nearly a year after the tragedy and conception of the song...and this piece of pure love is finally out into the universe and touching new hearts across the globe day by day. Brick by brick. What would you say is the greatest difference between the present styles of art, versus when you went under a different moniker? It’s been a long road of true human transformation since my past music chapter. My journey started out in the nightclubs of Chicago a decade ago. And then picked up into crazy tours across the country, into mostly college markets. My personal lifestyle was quite chaotic, and my shows and overall sound were much more intense. I lived in the fast lane and that definitely translated into a lot of my music. It was a fun ride, but to be honest, it never felt right. Even as my momentum was picking up, I questioned the longevity and direction things were heading. I hadn’t done the internal work to find out who I really was. I just buckled up and rode it hard until things all fell apart. So the biggest difference is that there is a purpose now. More intention in everything that I do. I had to live through all of that in order to be able to be where I’m at these days...both on a personal and creative level. I have far more wisdom, I’ve felt the deepest of pain and defeat, as well as joy and the bright side of it all. I have a story now and I can feel a deeper connection with feedback from my new fans and listeners. My life is authentic to my art. I live what I say. I’m not in this to be some entertainer. I’m here to make an impact on hearts and let others know there is hope. It’s never too late to turn things around and go forward on another path. I’m a new man these days, so it was natural that the lyrics, visuals, and my whole approach to music would follow that. After a full hiatus from music 2012-2019, I’m just incredibly grateful to be here creating and sharing again...with such inspiration and ideas pouring in constantly. The fact that I’m living a life so much more authentic to who I am, and I made it out the other side swingin’, makes it feel like day 1 in this music game for me. I’m healthier, hungrier, and more centered than ever. And there’s a true passion and deep desire to make a difference this second time around. That’s when you know you’re exactly where you supposed to be. In God’s perfect timing. What is the main message that you send to your audience through the music you create? My main message would be to see the hope in everything and just keep going. No matter what. We gotta see the beauty in life. The beauty on the other side awaits us all. It can be a deep and overwhelming experience when we get lost in all the negativity, the wars, the hate and crime, all the news propaganda...mix that in with the non-stop running thoughts in our own heads, illusions and scenarios we create as a narrative, and before we know it fear and anxieties take over every moment, every day. I’ve been there. I know that place too well. And I made it out. So I hope that can inspire others. Naturally, a lot of my songs touch on finding the light through the darkness. From my first ever release in Aug 2019, “Belong,” which talks about that feeling of not knowing where home is, and that I don’t know where I’m headed, but the final lyric in verse two ends with “that tunnel seems never-ending ‘til you let in the light, so keep the fight.” Or even a song like my most recent, “Revolution”, that dives into the ugly reality of racism...it’s not intended to be a scathing song. It addresses a truth about what’s really been going on, but there is still hope as a theme in the message...“I can see a revolution, all as one we’ll stand in the union.” Some of my favorite tunes on the way range from a retrospective look at break-ups and how I found my way after the pain. I even have an acoustic joint about addiction, dedicated to my brother who is 7 years sober and thriving. As well as a chill rap song with some bravado; has those chest-up, more confident bars, but still keeps the theme of hope, making a comeback, and never giving up. What is the mission statement you'd like to deliver as an artist? This ties in quite closely with the previous dialogue about hope and seeing light ahead. But my mission statement is just to go out there and try to make a positive impact. To add value to others’ lives in the process. So many people, especially in the music game, chase fame and notoriety, but that leads to an empty road. If impact and true love are behind all that you do, the day is going to come where you find your tribe that really, really feel you...and that tribe will grow more and more over time if you stick with it and keep delivering quality music that people identify with. And say you do become more “known,” how are you gonna leverage that platform for good in the world? That’s the key question. That’s the ultimate fork in the road of impact. As my fanbase is growing brick by brick each month, hearing from more and more people reaching out in messages every day saying they’ve been deeply impacted and have my songs on repeat...that’s what keeps me going. That’s the fuel. I spend a lot of time alone, especially when creating. But as that pen is in my hand, the dream is always to let these songs go out into the universe and hope people will feel them and connect in their own way. They’re no longer mine when I release them. They’re ours together. Then, eventually, it all takes on a whole new meaning when you’re able to perform them live and have that human connection and share those precious moments together. I’m most excited about that, as it’s been over 8 years since I’ve been on a stage. That’ll be an emotional moment for sure. Of course, I want my creations to resonate from an artist level. But mainly, I want to be seen as a great man; someone who really lived a life full of love and intention, who always put forth kindness into the world, both on and off the stage. That’s what matters when all is said and done. That’s the real impact that matters. Never give up. Never lose hope. N.ever U.nderestimate E.xtraordinary S.ouls Instagram

Formerly known as Eye expected, Toxic Nobility took to the studio in 2019 to record their newfound project that would have them opening up for national acts such as Framing Hanley, Shallow Side, and Altitudes and Attitudes. Known to place emotion into each creation they bring to life, the four-piece band continues to tie listeners into a piece of their own genuine storyline. After feeling the wrath of the pandemic, Toxic Nobility is ready to set fire to 2021 with their latest single “Arsenal.” The warm embrace of the acoustic guitar riffs seamlessly blends into the accompaniment of empowering violin strings as we welcome ourselves into a universe that is robust with striking lyrical motifs shed by a comforting vocalization. There’s a deep sense of liberation that reigns supreme from the burgeoning progression that we encounter with the instrumentation of “Arsenal.” By the time we reach the second verse, the impact of the added percussion and piano chords has us effortlessly floating into the realm of anticipation, as we comprehend the power of the words being angelically crooned. It’s easy to find yourself clutching onto the realism showcased through an abstract essence of lyricism that weighs heavily on the poetic components of performance. ‘Through the fog of war, through the eyes of fear,’ is a prime example of how Toxic Nobility takes a slice of their vulnerability and spins it in a manner that has us visualizing the vivid imagery they intend for us to digest. Conveying glimmers of hope through the veracity divulged, we appreciate the notions of Toxic Nobility and their techniques to portray a message. Hello Toxic Nobility and welcome to BuzzMusic. We love the way that “Arsenal,” builds musically as the storyline progresses! What is the concept behind the narrative depicted? What moment or story inspired this creation? The lyrics of the song describe a feeling of desire, for safety, security, and reassurances. Its meant to be a message to the listener, that there is always somebody who will be there for you when you need them. In the first verse, it's the expression of needing reassurance, while in the second verse, it relates to the listener, by acknowledging the struggles that we go through and explaining that we aren't alone. The chorus in turn responds by saying that, through all of our troubles and insecurities there is always comfort and safety, exactly where you need it. Whether it's a particular person or place, there is always an Arsenal. A place where you can recuperate, a place that you can feel safe in a difficult world. Arsenal is a very personal song to me. I wrote this song from an experience I had with somebody who has had a huge impact on my life and means the world to me. I wrote it for them, so they would know I'd be there for them, whenever and wherever. Since undergoing a rebrand, could you please tell us a bit about each member and their contributions? Oh, where to begin?... Well, there's Steve on bass, who is definitely the unofficial manager of the band. Steve has built this band from the ground up, over years of dedication and determination. Collecting members, making plans, and pushing all of us to be our best. The first person to offer a hand, and the foundation (or bass/ base haha) of our group! Then there's Trever, the pilot, on Rhythm. Trever is the youngest member of the band, but definitely one of the more musically knowledgeable members. He has a mind for performing and always has awesome input on our future goals, as far as what we should be aiming for when it comes to our upcoming releases, and what the message and theme of an album should be. Tyler on vocals, the frontman. He's a born performer, no question. If there's a stage, he wants to be on it. But offstage he's very reserved. Tyler is focused on genuine lyrics and feelings in his writing, and making sure that the listener can relate to the music in their own lives. He writes from his real-life experiences, when the band works on a new song, he hums until he finds a melody, and then the words just flow. David, on Lead, is one of the most talented shredding guitarists we've ever met. David is constantly bringing ideas to practice. He always has a new concept, or a new melody, or even a new sound altogether that he wants to try. We could go on for days about David, but that might just be because it takes him most of that time to settle on a solo he likes. He's creative, he's a perfectionist, but most of all he's the biggest smile in the band, both on stage and off. Jon, definitely the most experienced of us, having been in multiple projects locally for many years, was a great asset to us. He seemed to be the only one of us who could always keep up with David's wild writing style 100% of the time. That probably comes from his extensive musical career both as a performer and as a music teacher! Jon has decided to take some time off and spend with his family, and we still have a great appreciation for his time and can't wait to play with him again! With Jon on leave for a while, we are still playing; with a talented drummer friend of ours. We are still auditioning for the spot for now. Could you please share a glimpse of what the recording process entailed when you brought this record to life? Recording Arsenal brought a few new challenges for us. We wanted to release another song for our fans to listen to because it had been a while since our latest release. The struggle lied in two areas. The first was trying to schedule times to get together and record. With pandemics, and changing work schedules, and other hurdles, we ultimately had to choose to record on our own. The second was that after the song was written, it felt like it needed something more. Tyler wrote the song in 2019 as an acoustic track. We have played it at a few shows but it always felt like it needed something. So we decided that we would add some extra strings to it. With violin and cello, we finally felt ready to record. In our practice space, we set up to do recording, starting with Tyler playing the basic rhythm on guitar and doing scratch vocals. Then we brought in David, to play with the track to do the official guitar lines for the song. Tyler then came back on another day to do the official vocals. Then comes Steve, he reached out to a couple of different musical friends to record some violin, cello, and even subtle piano to layer in. It all became a huge puzzle of sound. Through weeks worth of discussions and mixing, it took a while, but we finally found a mix we could all be proud of. After a tough year with the pandemic, what has Toxic Nobility learned from this experience? How have you applied that to your artistry? The pandemic has been tough on everyone, no question about it. For a musician, not being able to play a show or even to get together and practice with our friends, it can make a tough situation feel even tougher. During the bulk of our summer in 2020, we struggled with getting a practice scheduled with everyone. We all wanted to make sure we were as safe as possible, keeping track of our health and looking out for each other. Ultimately we went to very limited practices, both due to possible exposures we may have had, and trouble with communicating schedules. We would have practice with only 2 to 3 members sometimes so we could limit our contact. The biggest lesson we learned was that we needed to learn to communicate with each other outside of our music setting a little better. We are working to be better with that. We still have some trouble with responding to the group chats, but in the end, we are striving to become closer as we continue rocking! What's next for you? What's next? To keep growing! In every way we can! We are growing closer as a group, learning from and about each other. We are growing our fan base as best we can. And we are networking, meeting with new musicians and venues, doing our best to get our name in other people's heads! We each have our own goals in the band, to play bigger and better shows each year, to record quality and relatable content for the listeners and fans, and to potentially make a career out of this fun little project of ours. At the end of the day, it's all about the music. We have plans to record a new album very soon, and a few shows have been booked and we can't wait to play more when the world begins to open back up. Instagram

Star 2 was born in Thailand in a refugee camp, where he lived with his grandmother after being abandoned by his mother at a young age. Never having a relationship with his father, it was only when his grandmother was chosen for the lottery that he had the opportunity to move to the United States where he would reside in San Diego with her, his uncle, and four others. With a love for music, Star 2 would play the guitar in order to exercise his techniques for what would become the start of his music career. Beginning his music career in middle school when he began rapping and making music videos, he saw success roll in and knew it would only continue from there. In the rhythmic essence of his latest single, “Tell Me Thatchu,” Star 2 provides listeners with a range of melodies that sweep us into utter bliss. The tantalizing structure of the instrumentation carries an array of intricate elements that stand out in their own unique manner, as well as in the syncopated vigor they provide the enticing framework. As soon as Star 2 touches down to serenade us with luscious vocal arrangements, the vibrancy of “Tell Me Thatchu,” intensifies deeply as we become copiously absorbed in its mission to speak to the soul. There’s a seamless balance of vocal effects that fill out the moments where Star 2 takes a pause from his dramatic croons and allows us to simmer in the top-tier production quality at hand. It’s very much a catch-and-release effect that takes over us like the ease that is convicted has us wanting to keep coming back for me. Depicting vivid imagery from his own storyline of personal experiences, the emotional connection of relatability remains in the forefront of “Tell Me Thatchu.” Taking over with one song at a time, you can’t help but fall into the brilliant soundscapes that Star 2 generously provides to his rapidly growing fan base. Instagram

Edwrds is a US recording artist that began releasing music in 2016 with no idea of what his future would bring. Since his first release, he has continued to create at a feverish pace with multiple releases. The focus behind his music is to have a voice for those who feel that they are not heard and to know they are not alone. Continuing to spread his energy by constantly releasing new music and performing shows nationwide, Edwrds knows that anything is possible when you trust your heart. Through dark synths and a moody atmosphere that instill a sense of anticipation, “Look,” is the most recent single to come from Edwrds. Approaching the instrumentation in a way that allows his passionate timbres to bounce between genres, we pick up on a sense of Contemporary R&B accompanying the new wave of Hip-hop that focuses on infectious melodies and the ease of the delivery. Backing up each of his words with a fortified foundation, lyrical motifs such as, ‘It’s an emergency, don’t get to urging me, cause I just treat the beat like it’s a surgery,’ jump from this piece of work and bring life to a composition rich in attitude. Edwrds intricately crafts lyrics in a way that adds a poetic hue to the abstract words of expression. Allowing the listeners to tune into themes of elevation through trials and tribulations in the music industry, the brilliance of his subject matter gets positively shifted into how he perseveres through it all. Eagerly grasping the concept of Edwrds’ energy and artistry, the way he shifts our perspective through chilling lyrics of realism has us turned into diehard fans of his craft. Be prepared to have “Look,” on loop as you tap into what Edwrds is all about. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Edwrds, and congratulations on the release of “Look.” What inspired the concept behind the lyrics heard in this track? Thank you! What inspired the concept behind “LOOK” was the feeling of not being heard or seen. That feeling motivated me to not hold back and say whatever felt true. I really planned the lyrics and tone of my voice to match the insanely high energy of the music. Could you please shine a light on the creative process that you embarked on when fashioning this track? Did it follow the process that you usually embrace when creating? It was definitely not my typical blueprint. I treated “LOOK” in its early stages almost as if I was preparing for a competition. Each lyric had to roll off the previous one with ease and confidence. I still remember listening back to the final beat before tracking my vocals and being so hyped. I’ve spent years working on how to produce exactly what I hear in my head and “LOOK” was that breakthrough moment. What musical and non-musical influences do you take into your sound? Great question! I really just try to not overthink everything. I’m simply a vessel of my thoughts and emotions that’s letting the music take me away on a journey. Music is my way of saying something that means something. If I’m not authentically me I’m just another person with a mask. With every artist having their own message to portray through the music that they create, what is the message that you convey? The message I convey is: live at the moment. Life is meant to be lived fully submerged in the beautiful chaos that is us. Learn and grow from the lows and be grateful for the highs. What's next for you? Next for me is more music, more visuals, more growth, and a tour this upcoming summer! Instagram

Twenty-seven-year-old New Jersey singer-songwriter, Alex Julia delivers on her latest release “Like the Sun,” with apparent, albeit non-genre specific pop, rock, and indie influences. Marked by a relentless drive for balance and harmony, as her Libra zodiac sign suggests, Alex Julia’s music resides in the chiaroscuro of love and loss, and in truth and deceit. In succession to her recent EP ‘Better Part of Me,’ she continues to garner attention worldwide. Seeping into our home sound system with her fascinating arrangement of opulent guitar riffs, Alex Julia sheds rays of light in her most recent single, “Like the Sun.” The overall composition is nimble with shadowy depth portrayed in a resonant vocalization hooked on the narrative of renewed energy amid a solitary life and isolation. Fusing together a sound that is buoyant with pop tenors, there’s a bluesy feel to this record as we progress in a way that musically incorporates the high and lows of life. Breaking through the mesmerizing chime of the illuminated guitar chords strummed, we hear prevailing keys, as well as a mellow and distorted bassline riddled with a groove to accompany the driving percussion. Alex Julia’s misty timbres create a sense of comfort that wraps us up in a blanket of security. Singing themes of finding light and fulfillment after a life of self-reliance, her lyrical motifs represent a brilliant succession of timing and spatial cues that encourage each musical component to shine on its own and in the miscellany of moods fashioned in amalgamation. Alex Julia has a knack for transporting us to the mindset she exemplifies in her passion-filled croons. “Like the Sun,” follows in the footsteps of her magnetic essence and shows us she is headed in the right direction. Hello Alex and welcome to BuzzMusic. We love the message that you capture in “Like the Sun.” How did this concept come to the full-on release of this single? This song started as an acoustic pop ballad. I wanted it to be a positive uplifting love song and center around how someone can be of such importance in your life as the world needs the sun to survive. I realized it had some rock elements, so I teamed up with producer Patrick Wörner to collaborate more layered guitar riffs and piano. He understood the concept perfectly and it worked out really well. What musical and non-musical influences do you allow to shape your exclusive sound? I am very influenced by all types of music. I have always listened to mostly rock and hip hop but I pretty much jam to everything. My parents had introduced me to artists like Prince and David Bowie which gave me a lot of inspiration. I had seen Prince live as a kid and shortly after that, I picked up the saxophone. As a teenager, I listened to a lot of 90's grunge and alternative music. Nonmusic influences have been the wonderful people who have been supporting my music throughout the years. In terms of the themes and messages portrayed, what are you hoping your audience grasps from “Like the Sun?" I want this song to bring others joy and emotional support. The vibe to me is like a feel-good song. I wanted to bring positive vibes to the world as we have all been through so much the past few years. I want to inspire other artists to keep on creating. It's also a queer love song written for my significant other. I want people to listen to this and feel happy that love comes in so many different forms. How do this beautiful song's message and musical sounds compare to other pieces heard in your music catalog? What does it say about you as an artist? I think this song is a lot more uplifting compared to most of my songs. Most of my songs are based on emotional trauma and healing through music. It is mostly an indie pop/rock song and has some country vibes that were a different direction for me. This is also the first song I recorded in my home studio so it's also special to me in that sense. I see this song as the next chapter of my music career and I'm excited to see where this goes. Instagram

Rising to local fame after an impromptu performance with Bebe Rexha at a sold-out show on the Jonas Brothers’ Happiness Begins Tour, budding singer-songwriter, Jason Dawson immediately went back into the studio to finish the final touches on his debut EP. Pushing back his release date due to COVID-19 forcing the world into a lockdown, Jason Dawson scrapped the release of this project and went into writing mode. Using his quarantine time to create more songs, Jason Dawson also began working on his production skills with the help of his friend and long-time collaborator Brent Wirth in order to bring forth the Electro-Pop passion within. In the dark soundscape of his most recent single “Anchor,” we’re greeted by an empowering pull that immediately has us drawn to the overall composition of this release. Jason Dawson exudes a blatant offering of enticing timbres that bellow in the depth of intrapersonal perspectives through the songwriting. Using a seamless blend of timing and spatial ratios, the impact of these words lingers on your mind as you grasp lyrical motifs such as ‘I can feel the sharks closing in on me.’ What we adore the most about “Anchor,” has to be the manner in which Jason Dawson’s robust vocals effortlessly glide on a composition that has its own evolution of beat progression. From the moment you press play, you’re latched into the ride of a lifetime with “Anchor,” pulling you into its highs and lows through a display of heightened senses. There’s little left to your own imagination as Jason Dawson gracefully beams down and paints the picturesque vivacity of his own experiences through a portal of vulnerable wording straight to the point. As a listener, you get to rise and fall in the sonic embrace of “Anchor.” Jason Dawson has fashioned a song to cater to all across the globe as they bounce to the effervescent waves of vibrations. Hello Jason Dawson, welcome to BuzzMusic, and congratulations on the release of “Anchor.” We love the manner in which this song takes over our very being. What was your inspiration behind a masterpiece of this caliber? Hi! Thank you so much for the kind words. I’m so glad to hear you’re enjoying the song! “Anchor” was inspired by a previous relationship I had, in which my partner was playing mind games with me consistently and basically me knowing this and wanting to get out but also feeling like I needed this person in my life. Could you please share a glimpse of what the creative process looked like when bringing this song to life? So I wrote “Anchor” about 6.5 years ago now with my longtime friend and collaborator, Brent Wirth. It was our second writing session we ever had together and I remember being very stumped on what to write about. I ended up opening the notes app on my phone and going through a bunch of different song titles and little bits and pieces of songs that I had written down. I believe I had the chorus lines “anchor, an anchor I can feel your pull weighing down on me” and “I can feel the sharks closing in on me”. I showed it to him and he really liked it, so we just went for it and it worked! Now the actual recording process is a whole different story! I recorded this in my bedroom with Brent in April 2020. We had facetime sessions during quarantine. He would be in his home studio and I would be in my little bedroom studio. The process for us was actually quite easy! I’ve been doing virtual writing/producing sessions for the last 6 years over Skype so it was always easy for me to articulate what I wanted or how I wanted a certain part to sound. I tracked all the vocals in my bedroom, he produced and mixed everything at his studio. In your own words, what does “Anchor” mean to you? What are you hoping that your audience grasps from this record? To me, “Anchor,” personally means feeling weighed down by someone. Whether it’s weighed down by negativity or toxicity by an individual and that it’s always best to get out of that situation if you feel that way. I’m hoping people enjoy the record, have fun with it and dance their hearts out, or blast it on a road trip. What is your mission statement as an artist? How does it tie into the release of “Anchor?” My mission statement as an artist is to have my listeners be authentically themselves and to always inspire them. I’m really focusing on the “micro” and building a personal community with my listeners. I’m planning on having my personal number out so fans can text me, have a little discord chat going, have bi-weekly or monthly movie nights on Twitch. Just ways that we can connect because nothing upsets me more than when artists don’t even take the time to thank these people for listening to their music, buying their merch, or coming to a show. It’s just my way of consistently saying thank you to them. I’m tying this into my current release by doing a little merch giveaway. My team chose 5 lucky people (at random) that pre-saved my single and I’m personally mailing them handwritten and signed lyric sheets of my song and an exclusive t-shirt. Just as a thank you for pre-saving, sharing it, and ultimately spreading the word about the release. What's next from you Jason? I’m planning to release my next single in the summer and hopefully another one in the fall. If things start to open again (we’re still in lockdown here in Toronto), I hope to play some shows and go on a little mini socially distance tour. Instagram Facebook