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One of the things most frequently noted about Vancouver-based singer-songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist Amanda Dean is that she makes the listener firmly believe the message in her songs. Amanda Dean digs deep down to bring heartrending tenors with a voice that has been described as gravelly and rich, yet somehow smooth, soulful, old school, and impactful. With her most recent release being the profound single, "Like Air,” Amanda Dean provides her audience with a heartfelt duet enlisting Grammy-nominated Ambassador of Soul, Ellis Hall. Also featuring India’s King of Strings Jolly Mukherjee, the power ballad instills a sense of soul-infused fury raging in the realm of heartrending love. How Amanda Dean’s vocals dip between elusive and prevalent hues of resonance is remarkable. Cascading with the bellows of Ellis Hall, the dynamism etched into “Like Air,” carries a fortified tone that is heavy in its impact, yet feathery on the soul. These kindred spirits attract the luminous victories they deserve. As soon as you incorporate the sustaining strings of Jolly Mukherjee you’re transported to this striking soundscape rich in grippingly raw emotion. We appreciate the various genres that are molded into this spectrum of everlasting hope as we grasp “Like Air,” in a refreshing way. This masterpiece is timeless and erupts sudden bursts of nostalgia through our very being as we comprehend the intricately crafted words infiltrating our thoughts. Merging in unison, each artist compliments one another’s talents as the contrast is larger than life in “Like Air.” Welcome to BuzzMusic, Amanda Dean, we absolutely love the power ballad that is “Like Air.” Could you please share your inspiration behind the song? "Like Air" was actually written several years ago, in 2008, I think! I was in my studio playing piano and just fooling around with chords. I found a chord progression I really liked, and the chorus's melody stemmed from that in no time. I put together a rough demo of what I had, and my husband Brian (who is also a songwriter) heard it and wrote the melody for the verse. I then added a pre-chorus and Brian came up with the melody for the bridge. We wrote the lyrics together. I recorded an initial version of the song and it had potential, but it didn't really sound like what I imagined in my head. I had produced it in the box with a drum machine and keyboard strings, which was part of the problem, I think. It wasn't even called "Like Air" back then. I sat on that version for a few years. It has been through several versions since then and has evolved. My production skills had improved a lot as time went by, and I eventually re-recorded it for my album "Rise Like A Phoenix" (which is due to be released later this year). I am glad that it was never released until now. I brought in another songwriter friend - Lillooet Fox, to rewrite some of the lyrics and enlisted the help of some excellent local musician friends (Shawn Soucy on drums and Billy Mendoza on bass) to record the bed tracks. Then, I re-recorded all the guitars and piano myself and we re-did the vocals. Jolly Mukherjee and Ellis Hall were later involved in the project. Initially, it wasn't going to be a duet. I am finally happy with how it sounds and how it fits the vision I originally had for the song. In your own words, what does “Like Air,” mean to you, and what would you like your audience to take away from it? In recent times, there seems to be a lack of classic love songs that don't rely on suggestive lyrics or a gimmick, so we wanted to create a timeless love song. We aimed to reflect that in the production values and also in the imagery in the music video, much the same as Silk Sonic have done with their latest excellent release, although the timing of that was a coincidence. I am glad to see that coming back! The song also reflects my soul/R&B influence, and hopefully, listeners will appreciate the lengths we went to production-wise to make the recording sound organic, with real instruments, like it was done back in the day of classic duets from artists like Lionel Richie and Diana Ross, or Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. At what point did you know that you would recruit Ellis Hall and Jolly Mukherjee to be part of this flourishing record? You all sound amazing together. What was it like working with one another? Thank you! As I said, "Like Air" was originally just going to be me on vocals. My friend and co-writer Lillooet Fox and I were listening to the song and she said "Hey, this would be great as a duet!" I agreed, and we thought "The Ambassador of Soul" Ellis Hall would be perfect for this. How can you not be a fan of this man and his voice/musicianship? Lillooet had co-written a song a few years back that Ellis had sung lead vocals on for an album by Los Angeles-based producer Terry Wollman (who ironically, we are now co-writing another song with for the album) so the connection was there. We sent the song to Ellis and his manager/wife Leighala. She responded to us and said that Ellis loved the song and my voice and he would love to be involved! He knocked it out of the park with his vocals and he also played Hammond B3 and contributed to the arrangement. I couldn't be happier with what he did, as if there was any doubt with an artist of his level! Regarding Jolly Mukherjee, I knew I wanted real strings on this track. I had initially written a string arrangement on keyboard strings. Another friend of mine, Bud Bremner, who is a world-class mastering engineer (he mastered the song) is a good friend of Jolly. So he connected us. Jolly is known in his native India as "The King Of Strings" as he has provided string arrangements and string recordings (plus vocals!) for many, many Bollywood movies. He is very versatile though and has provided strings for many artists, including Bjork. He added his own spin on my original arrangement, added a couple of sections, and just made some great improvements to it. I absolutely love what he did! It's a real honor to collaborate with such major talents as Ellis and Jolly and I am very grateful to have them contribute to the song. How does “Like Air,” reflect the sounds and messages to be heard on your forthcoming album ‘Rise like a Phoenix?' The album is a bit of a mixed bag in terms of styles, but it makes sense to the listener as they cross over somewhat. Even "Like Air", which is a soul song, has a somewhat rock-influenced guitar solo! My goal for the album was to not have the same song duplicated ten times but to create a "sonic-soup" of all of my influences to add interest and diversity. It's a nice mix of soul, pop, and rock and hopefully shows different sides to my artistry, whilst telling a story and hopefully successfully presenting itself as a cohesive body of work. "Like Air" is definitely the most romantic song on the album! Instagram Facebook

From Hamilton, Ontario, Father Christmas is an undefinable duo drawing from Experimental Jazz, Psych-Pop, Stanley Kubrick films, and more. Like a 70's drug-induced ride through space, Father Christmas has crafted their sound with lush guitars, effected vocals, and a solid groove to lock in to. Dripping with attitude and reverb, they dip their toes into shoegaze, dream-pop, and sampled drums and voices to create their unique sound. In a mind-altering realm of pacifying tones, the latest single “Infinite Time,” encapsulates infectious grooves of retro fusion that teeter on the brink of ethereal arrangements. The dreamscape weighs in on a level that is cordially offered to listeners as the prompt of getting fully lost in the music sits on the surface level of spellbinding tenors. Swaying us into this piece with an unalloyed blend of thought-provoking escapades, the elusively flowing streams of musicality remain simultaneously delicate and prevailing. Although you feel like you’re transcending through the eras, you get hints of futuristic hues that are layered into the reverberated spirit carried throughout “Infinite Time.” Gusts of wind, distorted synths, percussion hits and a resonated bass line that speaks for itself are all contributing factors in Father Christmas using experimental elements that should clash, yet somehow, they make it mesh together seamlessly. Solidifying a place for themselves in a carved out lane they’re diligently working on achieving, “Infinite Time,” sits on the cusp of exhilarating and laidback due to the nature of anticipation that seeps into this track. Taking over one song at a time, this eclectic Canadian duo keeps us on our toes as they exude a sector of creativity that most are afraid to explore. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Father Christmas, and congratulations on the release of “Infinite Time.” We love the paths sonically explored in this track! Could you please take us into the meaning behind this song? "Infinite Time" is a song about new beginnings, a song to reflect on past experiences and carry forth a resurgence of those feelings into the future. Even with all the time in the world, it's hard to fully express how you feel about someone and to open yourself up fully to that vulnerability. "Time is infinite, so tell me how you feel, with millions and millions of interlocking wheels" The chorus is based loosely on a quote by Neil deGrasse Tyson about the expansiveness of the universe. Additional vocals are performed by the talented Vanessa Nostbakken. Did you draw from a specific series of influences when creating “Infinite Time?" Could you elaborate on what these influences were? We were constantly inspired by the environment and space we recorded the song in. At the time of recording the album, we rented a converted garage into a recording/rehearsal space. This allowed us to control every sound, and element on the track and gave us the freedom to try new things without the constraints of being in a studio. What does a typical creative process look like for you two when you dive deep into a song? The songwriting process is ever-changing but for Infinite Time we started with the guitar lick and built the song around that line. We rehearsed the song for a few weeks and scrapped the initial idea of the song. We flipped the structure around and re-worked the song to the final version. Kirk came up with this cool alternate bassline to compliment the guitar riff perfectly. It's more melodic than your standard bassline and we felt it really worked with the overall song. What does “Infinite Time,” say about Father Christmas as a duo and you as individuals? "Infinite Time" isn't your typical Father Christmas song. The offbeat drums, the dark breakdown, and female accompanied vocals (Vanessa Nostbakken) make for a new take on our typical sound. What can we expect to see next from you? "Infinite Time" is the second single off the upcoming Equalizer EP due out later this year via WelPel Records. This album is a cohesive exploration of space, time, and the complexities of relationships. There is a sense of tension and release from track to track, with a featured sample of Matthew Seymour (a friend of the band) reading from a 1980's NASA spacecraft manual. We feel that simplicity is the point of arrival and we've implemented that message with this 5-song EP. The title track 'Equalizer' will be coming later this year with a follow-up music video. Instagram

Based out of Westchester and New York City, the pop artist and singer-songwriter Kat Spina is back and ready for action with her latest introspective single, "Outside." We're always delighted to feature the soothing and engaging stylings of Kat Spina, and her latest single is no exception. As a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, recording artist, and educator, Kat Spina never fails to spread her message with vast listeners who are constantly excited to hear what she has up her sleeve. Produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Brian Forbes, Kat Spina's latest single, "Outside," touches on the sense of freedom and rejuvenation after breaking free from aspects that don't serve you anymore. With help from her vibrant vocals and cinematic pop production, Kat Spina leaves us with an inspirational message to take away for ourselves. Jumping into the single, "Outside," the song begins with a cinematic string section that brings us into a state of bliss. Once the powerful piano melodies start pouring through our speakers alongside Kat Spina's delectable background vocals, she later makes her prominent vocal appearance and uses several metaphors to highlight a change on the rise. Reaching the song's ground-breaking hook, Kat Spina puts us in a trance through her beaming vocal stylings and the song's blend of organic and synthetic instrumentation, leaving us inspired to flee from the aspects of our lives that bring us down. In Spina's case, she sings of a broken relationship and her inner desire to get back on the right path while leaving those negative qualities/people in the past. Allow Kat Spina's latest single, "Outside," to remind you of dropping people, places, or things that don't serve you anymore. Find "Outside" on all digital streaming platforms. Welcome back to BuzzMusic, Kat Spina. We're always excited to chat with you about your latest creative endeavors. What inspired you to create your single, "Outside," that touches on leaving people, places, or things in the past? Thank you for having me. I was inspired to write this song after keeping a journal of a recurring dream I was having. The dreamscape kept showing me "a way out" of a situation that was stifling. I also found I was meeting unexpected people along the way who supported my need to start over. I kept envisioning an open road and the idea of leaving it all behind me felt liberating and empowering. I am very connected to dragonflies and around the time I was writing this song, they also seemed to appear more, or I recognized these creatures as a sign to be resilient and leave my situation behind. What was it like working with producer Brian Forbes for your single, "Outside"? Is this your first time working together? No. Brian and I first connected in 2012 when I was working on my Chasing Shadows EP. Once that project was complete, I took some time off to pursue a Master's degree. Music kept calling me and when I was ready to write again, we reconnected in 2017 for writing sessions. Outside was actually one of the first demos that we finished. How did you write your lyricism for "Outside" to not only tell your story but to inspire listeners to take action and leave the past behind? That's a great question. For me, I want to take my listeners on a journey. While this song is very personal, I think it can transfer to a variety of situations that require you to be courageous. Sometimes, "dreams fall down" and what we initially thought we wanted for ourselves changes. I struggled with the concept. I had a difficult time being afraid of the unknown and staying in my comfort zone, even if it wasn't the healthiest situation. Trust helps inspire action. Knowing it's safe to listen to instinct, rather than fight the current is the message I hope conveys in this song. So, I opened up to my co-writing partner, Forbes, who helped draw out the story from a place of personal growth, authenticity, and ultimately, fearlessness. We've noticed that you haven't released a single since October of 2020. What's been keeping you busy from then until now? Have you been creating any more singles or projects that you'd like to mention? I actually finished recording a demo for a song called "Lifeboat" that I wrote with my songwriting partner, Janice FitzGerald (who also co-wrote the original songs on my Chasing Shadows EP). After that, I took time to continue building my podcast called Engaging the Muse. So, producing my podcast and interviewing guests this winter kept me busy. I'm very much looking forward to more collaborations this summer and fall. More music on the horizon. As always, thank you for your support and for listening. Instagram Facebook

Alternative Pop-Rock singer-songwriter Nick Ryan is coming back with a vengeance in his recently released single "Jealous Sea." He graduated with degrees in Recording Arts and Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. He was a member of GRAMMY U during college and transitioned to a Voting Member of the Recording Academy in 2016. After many trials, errors, and disappointments trying to please everyone but himself, he has finally taken control of his artistry. Experimenting with various producers both in the Washington, DC area and his new home in Nashville, TN, he has finally found the right collaborators to realize his vision. Taking in the upbeat creation of “Jealous Sea,” we’re fully immersed in the rhythmic essence of Nick Ryan’s relatable narrative exposed under his own authority. Weaving us into a series of blatant meets abstract lyrics, the songwriting techniques of Nick Ryan are met with co-creators Allison Asarch and Sarah Stephenson skillset. Touching on the theme of friends turning to foes as they see you bask in your success through growth, the classic rock-shaped instrumentation enhances the spirit of this subject matter in a way that tells a tale of time. There’s a certain articulation that Nick Ryan carries as he cascades his vocals over the reverberated musical elements. Grasping our attention as he focuses on the emotions evoked through the times described, we eloquently take in bolstered lyrics such as ‘your lips are moving but you're tongue-tied, twisting words from Jekyll into Hyde.’ We have to admit that when the chorus comes into play, the vocal layers that are accompanied by an amplified tempo sends us into an alternate realm of the creative happenings in Nick Ryan’s mind. Smoldering guitar riffs, tight drum patterns and the groove of the bassline have us tapping our toes in a frenzy of anticipation as we clasp onto the quintessence of Nick Ryan at his finest. Welcome back to BuzzMusic, Nick Ryan. We love the entire buildup of “Jealous Sea,” in all of its glory! Could you please share what it was like working with Allison Asarch and Sarah Stephenson in order to bring your vision to life? Thank you! It’s one of my favorite songs. It took us three songwriting sessions to finish it, but it was totally worth it! Most people quit if you don’t finish a song in three hours, but I believe that good things take time. It was our first song we all wrote together, but hopefully, there will be more! We tried to paint a picture by incorporating the seven deadly sins and sharks smelling blood. It’s about self-sabotage. We were particularly inspired by “Jealousy” by Liz Phair for the vibe, but it’s a totally different song. The subject matter addressed is relatable for people far and wide. Was there a specific moment or story that inspired you to take this theme and turn it into a song? There was, but it is relatable to many other situations in my life since I had the idea back in 2009. Specifically, there was a friend I had in high school that I could tell wasn’t really a friend, though he came to all my parties and was part of the same circle. I could tell he was jealous by his words and actions. I auditioned for the talent show senior year and he praised me for being able to learn guitar in three months. After graduation and at the beginning of college when everyone was finally able to get a Facebook, he was the only person that didn’t accept my friend request. I thought it was very strange since I had no issues with him, plus he borrowed a few of my video games and I received nothing in return. Ironically, he isn’t doing music anymore and I go to the GRAMMYs every year, so karma has a way of working things out. But, there have been many people in my life that were incredible artists, musicians, illustrators, actors, etc. that had so much potential and talent, but they gave up on their dreams. I would have loved to have them on my team. I had the first line “I see your eyes, they’re green with envy” and the lyric “now you’re swimming in jealousy” in my head forever and I had just gotten into rock music since the video game “Rock Band” came out so, besides Liz Phair, I was inspired by Garbage, Hole, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam. I’ll probably do a Garbage style electronic remix for my remix album. With it being five years since the release of your album ‘Lone Wolf,’ how have you found yourself growing as an artist? It’s so crazy how time has flown! I started writing this album in 2016 and a majority of the songs were written in 2018. That’s when I really started cowriting which helped me get out of my own head while staying true to my vision. I was actually going to shelve this record because all of the industry people I was taking advice from not impressed by most of the songs. It made me so depressed, and I felt like everyone wanted me to quit all my hobbies and change everything about myself to fit an image that I did not want to be. I had to cut a lot of people out for my peace of mind, and it has helped me stand my ground and stick by my vision, morals, and values as an artist and a human being. I was always such a pushover and never said what was on my mind for fear of conflict or judgment, but I’m glad I’ve become strong-minded. It’s so important in this industry because it will eat you alive. What can you tell us about your forthcoming album ‘Nemisis’? Does “Jealous Sea” reflect the direction you’re taking this project? ‘Nemesis’ is a dark alternative pop/rock album. It’s raw, with no autotune, and finally, my vocals, guitars, and drums are in the forefront of every song. I’m just so grateful to have finally found a producer that plays almost every instrument and is on the same page as me. “Jealous Sea” is probably one of the happiest songs on the album! It’s super dark, but so much fun. There’s a lot of humor hidden in between the lyrics and lots of references to 90s sitcoms in about half the album. I’ve also re-recorded and remixed three of my previous singles for the album to fit the sound of it and I cannot wait to share those versions and the music videos for them! It’s going to be a full visual album. Shout out to Jordan Grubbs and Thomas Obrien for making this project happen! What's next for you? The third single from the album, “Welcome to the Nightmare” is releasing May 21st! You can save it here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/nickryan/welcome-to-the-nightmare. I’m also continuing my “Summer of Covers” series with four songs from 1991 that have inspired me, which was the first year I really got into music. I figured it would be a good foil to the album since most of these are happy pop songs. I also recorded an MTV Unplugged style album this month that I plan on releasing next year between LPs. It was a fun show, and it was so great to finally perform with a full band for the first time in over a year. I have many more projects planned, but I won’t spoil anything, so be sure to tune into my YouTube channel and social media for updates! Instagram Facebook

Gesny is a young rapper, singer, and graphic designer posted up in the Midwest. He first found music at a young age and eventually fell in love with it as a way to express himself and speak to his listeners. Stating, ‘It’s like the world and I each have a tin can and music is the string that allows us to communicate.’ The latest single by Gesny is titled “Cherry Blossom,” and it hones in on an Oriental feel throughout the delicate instrumentation that signifies growth. Serving as an anthem for fresh beginnings after experiencing a hard year, the reflection that happens in the lyrics professed truly speaks to us on a personal level. “Cherry Blossom,” also serves as an ode to a special person who was able to get Gesny through the hardships, so he could see better days amongst the horizon. Although producing a meaningful message, his lyrical dexterity is not compromised as he ensures to produce an ample display or wordplay. The melodic verses that we weave through embody such a vast amount of charisma. You hear passion pour into each carefully fashioned word that is articulated and you grasp onto the emotion placed behind a song of this caliber as you hear Gesny riding the flourishing waves with a textured dimension in his vocal delivery. With moments throughout the composition that solely focus on the music laced into the beat, you have personal instants to reminisce on the trials and tribulations you have overcome in your lifetime as Gesny’s verses simmer in your mind. Be prepared to tap into your self-awareness as you triumphantly embark on the sonic voyage of “Cherry Blossom.” Welcome to BuzzMusic, Gesny, and congratulations on the release of “Cherry Blossom.” As you touch on the growth that has flourished over the past year, could you please share with your audience what this song means to you on a deeper level? There are really two pieces to "Cherry Blossom" and the first of those pieces is that this song represents a change in both mindset and circumstance. Last spring things looked dismal and I know at least for me personally, and I'm sure quite a few others, there wasn't a lot of hope to hold on to. "Cherry Blossom" represents not only the fact that things are looking up now but also the fact that we should celebrate that they are. The other piece of this song is that it never would have been possible without the person it's about. I had someone who was there for me, and never gave up on me even when I failed them. Whenever I just didn't have it in me to believe in myself they would always remind me that I was "worth belief in". This song never would have been possible without her, and I wanted to make sure that she knew how much she means to me. How long did it take for you to create “Cherry Blossom?" Was there anyone else part of your team assisting you in the sound or release? If so, how did they contribute to the vision? Compared to some of the other songs that I've made, Cherry Blossom took a surprisingly short amount of time. I was actually working on making beats for some of my friends but when I made this one I just put so much of myself and so much heart behind it that I couldn't part with it. The first verses and the chorus came to me really quickly and the hardest part of the whole song was probably that second set of verses. I worked on them at school and at work and at home though and eventually I was able to get what I felt truly expressed the feeling behind "Cherry Blossom". If there was anyone else I could thank it would have to be my engineer JPKilledIt for his fantastic work on the song. Promise it would not have sounded as refined and clean as it does now without his expertise. And of course, this song never would have been possible if not for the person it's for. What does your typical creative process look like? Could you please take us into how “Cherry Blossom” was created? I had recently discovered some exotic instruments in my DAW that I could use to make beats, one of those being the Japanese harp, or Koto, that you hear in the background. I've always been fascinated by ancient instruments like the Koto or the Chinese Erhu and I'd always wanted to make a beat with them and combine ancient sounds with modern beat-making. I always like to title my beats too, and as the beat began to take shape it sounded more and more like a cherry blossom. Couldn't exactly explain how that works but when I played the beat back I just had this image in my head of Japanese cherry blossoms in all their glory. After I decided to keep the beat and not sell it, the name stuck and from it came parts of the themes and inspirations that you can hear in the song today. If your audience could take away one thing from this song, what would you want it to be? Chin up, life's getting better. Celebrate special occasions or even just the quiet moments. Bear the trials with your team and don't try to do it alone. Try to look at life like a rose petal; blooming, bright, not free of thorns, but worth it because of the beauty. Tell the people who have stayed down with you that they have changed your life. Dream on and dream often. Fly to Japan and take your best friend with you, or go grab your favorite drink with a loved one. Be reminded that God and others love you and that you are worth being believed in. Never forget that for all its struggles, life can still be a Dreamland. Instagram

Merging the worlds of psychedelic rock and proto-punk, The Qwarks are cruising through from Brighton, UK, where the trio first embarked on their musical journey. During the lockdown of 2020, Phil Johnstone, Simon Young, and Nick Flowers refused to let the boredom set in and decided to form their rock band. Channeling their energy and emotion into their music, each member brings a unique and charismatic talent to the table. Keeping their fans thoughtful, The Qwarks always have a deeper message behind their words. With their latest single “Terrible Boo Boo,” an English saying that describes ‘an ignominious faux pas endangering social approbation,’ they delve into the social constructs created by a society that mask one’s primal instincts. The Qwarks take advantage of their growing platform to emphasize intrinsic desires for existential freedoms that are often squashed by corrective punishments, humiliations, and expectations. In addition to challenging the everyday thoughts of their listeners and encouraging introspection, The Qwarks focus their time on raising awareness of animals in captivity and fighting to free them. Instagram Facebook

The resilient singer-songwriter and soulful artist Regina Madre brings listeners deep into her personal life with a jazzy and bluesy powerhouse single entitled "Never Be the Same." When one thinks of the musical stylings of Regina Madre, one's bound to think of the passion, soul, power, and relentlessness that she delivers through each of her releases. Never losing faith in her talent, vision, or spirituality, Rebecca King Crews (Regina Madre) is more than a fighter, as she continues to inspire listeners with her dense and compelling music. Sharing a personal story with her latest single, "Never Be the Same," Regina Madre's emotionally volcanic vocals and lyricism take listeners through the lowest point of her marriage with actor/activist Terry Crews. While their current relationship is rock solid, Regina Madre shares a personal and behind-the-scenes look at the ups and downs of a modern relationship. Listening to "Never Be the Same," the song opens with tender piano melodies, uplifting strings, and short/jazzy drum breaks. As Regina Madre's breathtaking vocals take the stage, her natural vibrato and innate soul seep through our speakers without a dull moment. While she begins touching on the fragility of a relationship's low points, she makes her way to the soulful and bluesy hook. Accompanied by a plucky bassline and serene strings, Regina Madre delivers her powerhouse vocals with the utmost charisma and passion, leaving any listener in awe of her natural talent. As the song comes to a sweet and savory end, a bright organ and electric guitar pierce through while emphasizing the song's emotional rollercoaster lyricism. We honestly can't get enough of the heavy and organic instrumentals, as it makes for an exhilarating sonic experience accompanied by someone as naturally talented as Regina Madre. Find Regina Madre's latest single, "Never Be the Same," on all streaming platforms, and catch the song's animated music video on YouTube. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Regina Madre. We can't get enough of the power and soul you've delivered within your recent single, "Never Be the Same." When did you begin writing this personal and heartfelt piece? I began writing this song in about 2015. It was close to five years after our “D-Day.” My husband and I had spent about 2 to 3 years in therapy trying to rebuild our marriage. And though I felt the frame was up and much of the structure, it definitely was a different house. As a child, I was quite shy and found it hard to verbalize my emotions. I took to writing songs to get my feelings out. The same was true in my marriage. Though I fancy myself as an outgoing woman, when something really hurt, I would be reduced to silence. I would just sit and play my piano and little melodies came to me. The melody for this song was born out of a little piano intro, that is playing at the very beginning of the song. I just kept hearing that little melody and it was in my phone for about a year before words began to come. Was it challenging to create such a personal and honest single like "Never Be the Same" when writing about the ups and downs of your relationship? Absolutely. Again it can be hard to be so vulnerable with people you love but at the same time sing it to millions. I’m always authentic in my songwriting. Even in my attempts to make the song universal, I try to tell the truth. This is certainly challenging when your marriage is in the public eye. I most definitely had moments of misgivings about recording the song and putting it out. Did you have any help when crafting the sonic and instrumental atmosphere for "Never Be the Same"? What sort of vibe or feel did you initially have in mind? My producer on this cut, Stephen Rezza and I sat down and talked about the vibe of the song. He’s a young man with an old soul!!! We share a love for old music like we are the same age… Aretha, Stevie, you name it, this young man knew it all! I shared with him my desire to craft a song that merged all of my musical taste together from rock to gospel and even jazz. My sonic inspiration for the sonic pallet was a 70s rock anthem “Knights In White Satin” by The Moody Blues. I heard that song in my house as a kid over and over again. I would dance and swirl around the room to the orchestrations of the ballad and the swooning vocals. My good friend and A&R on this album, Andrae Alexander, Who is a kick-butt keyboardist an organist, and all-around amazing human, found me the most baddest orchestra to pull in the strings, and that was the Matt Jones Orchestra out of Chicago!!! Though I wrote the song, both chords, and melody, and I had known for a while what I wanted. I do not have the talent or the skill to orchestrate such complicated strings on the keyboard, nor did I want to try to do that..I wanted that live orchestra sound, and boy did they deliver! We added live drums to give it just the right pop and my boy Reggie Johnson came and brought the thunder! BGV‘s by Jared Jenkins arranger and vocals by Taylor Green (“The Voice”) and Mariah Maxwell (Sunday Service Choir) gave it that angelic power. Engineering by Omar Loya,who did the whole project, and mastering by Kevin Granger. Could you expand on the creation of your animated music video for "Never Be the Same"? How does the video emphasize the song's theme and concept? Wow, this was really a dream project for me! As I was laying in bed one night with my earbuds in, I was listening to the song for anything I wanted to change. And suddenly I started seeing visions of myself walking around the house singing the song then talking to myself in the mirror while my eyes turn green. I said, “Oh my God!!!! I have to turn into a werewolf !!!! That’s it!” It was Elphaba in “Wicked”, the moment her soul goes dark, and she can’t go back. Then I said, “oh no, that’s a really expensive video!“ Dang it! Then I thought, “Not if I animate it!” - an idea was born. I reached out to my girl Piper Ferguson, my photographer, and director of all my music videos, to find an animator, and she knew just who to send me to. I was introduced to Andrew William Ralph through his agent who is a good friend of Piper's. We talked about the story together and he did an amazing job! He really heard my heart and took specific notes to run true to my story. I simply love this video! The Darkside of the human heart is a cavern entered into through betrayal. There is no beast more feared than a wounded one. And who hasn’t become this beast? I think it speaks for itself. What's next for you? A lot! As you may or may not know I wear many hats! Of course, I am releasing the rest of this project so the whole album will be out in June! We will be featuring the new single at that time, a summer Downtempo jam called “Reaching for the Top”, along with its a live-action video! My husband Terry Crews and I just released our audio memoir “Stronger Together“ for Audible. We will be continuing to promote the book as well as doing speaking engagements around it. Then, more music! I’m continuing to write and create as I speak and looking forward to putting out more music! And as the world opens up, we’ll get on the road! So thankful to be doing what I love! Instagram Facebook

The South Florida-based electro-pop artist and singer-songwriter Kendra Erika releases a lively summer banger that pays tribute to her partner's duality entitled "Gemini." Using her voice as her superpower, Kendra Erika's powerhouse and dynamic vocals have landed her multiple tracks in the top ten of Billboard's Dance Charts. With a voice that pulls on anyone's heartstrings, Kendra Erika stops at nothing until her music evokes deep emotions within her audience and listeners. As we approach "Gemini" season, Kendra Erika leaves us with an upbeat groove while touching on the many aspects she feels when encountering the sign of the twins. Through her thumping electronic basslines and pulsating drums, Erika makes the experience all the more powerful through her sensual and mysterious vocal delivery. Diving into the single "Gemini," the track opens with a lively electronic beat accompanied by a melodic array of synths and floating background pads. As Erika begins adding to the song's ambiance through her breathy and sultry vocal delivery, she later touches on the confusing yet invigorating feeling of being in the presence of her Gemini partner. We truly adore the upbeat and energetic feel of this track, as it makes for the perfect song to keep on repeat while hitting the open freeway during our sweltering summer days. Through each transcendent and celestial synth arrangement, Kendra Erika brings us deeper into the mystery and glamour of romance through her lush vocals and playful lyricism. Ride into "Gemini" season with help from Kendra Erika's latest single, now available on all digital streaming platforms. Listen to "Gemini" here. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Kendra Erika. We love the upbeat and mysterious vibe of your latest single, "Gemini." What inspired you to create a song surrounding a Gemini's dynamic ways? The concept of a Gemini is very dynamic, astrological or not. One of my producers in LA, Chris Garcia and I doubled up to write this one. The fact that we both, in sync, started singing “Gemini” in the place where the hook is, is super meant to be, especially because it was a dual and parallel thought and idea that we had together. It wasn’t until after the fact that I realized the most turbulent, yet most thrilling relationship I ever had, was with a Gemini. So, this was a long time coming in writing about it to channel that past experience. Did you produce your single "Gemini" yourself? How did you create the sonics to complement the song's lyrical theme? Chris Garcia (Lana Del Rey, Dua Lipa, Santana) and I teamed up to create “Gemini." He provided the track, and we sat down in his studio and wrote to the track he curated. How do songs like "Gemini" represent your brand and the music you create? Do you aim to delve deeper into the electronic/dance realm with your future releases? I would absolutely love to continue trailblazing down the electronic/dance road. A couple of ballads here and there to allow the blaze to breathe, and to showcase a more intimate facet of my vocal ability. But, delving deeper into the EDM realm is where I will drive the chariot moving onward. Being that you've landed multiple tracks in the top ten of Billboard's Dance Charts, do you ever find it challenging to create music that reaches the bar and standards of your previous well-received singles? With each song I’m building, I never want to put that unnecessary pressure on myself to meet those bars or standards. Does that mean I don’t strive for excellence? Of course not. Each project is different, so being a believer in nostalgia, every song and production is going to be the best in its unique form. Let’s just say I have adapted a “c’est la vie” attitude, with a “carpe diem” mentality to achieve the most quality out of each song. The universe has its hand on me. What can we expect to see next? The next single called “Rapture” will be released in the heart of the summer. And, from there, more pedal to the metal as far as new music, and live performances to come in the near future. Instagram Facebook

Based in the UK, Rosel is a multi-instrumentalist and producer who draws musical inspiration from countless genres including cover future house, post-rock, R&B, post-punk, and dance. For the past 8 years, he had been working live events as a production manager, until last year when he decided to write and produce his own tracks under the project name ‘Rosel.’ The lockdowns of 2020 ended up urging the artist out of his hiatus and back into the creative processes of original music. With the project ‘Rosel’ the ultimate goal is to combine sounds and visual arts in order to construct textures and atmospheres for fans to experience, rather than simply hear. When it comes to the creative process for his music, Rosel looks to the type of sounds he wants to hear when searching for new tracks. While he may begin the process with an original idea, he often finds himself becoming more imaginative and animated as he mixes his instrumentations. He emphasizes the importance of revealing his authentic self through his art, which further encourages his fans to do the same. Instagram Facebook

Soaring in from Austin, Texas, Champagne is a brand-new classic rock band that incorporates flavors of various genres, which keeps their music unique and refreshing for the listener. The project was originally founded by Nick Seaman, who grew bored with his regular office job and eventually searched for an outside hobby to increase the excitement in his life. After asking his co-workers to join him for a gig under the name Astro Maniac, the budding artists fell in love with the music scene. The former office job co-workers then formed the band Champagne which officially released its debut self-titled EP 'Champagne' in 2021. With flaming charisma and contagious personalities, the band’s chemistry and cohesion are what make their music so memorable. With the lyrical EP concept of love, Champagne showcases their passion and self-reflection through their songwriting. Combined with exploding guitar riffs, soulful bass lines, and exuberant drum patterns, their thoughtful lyrical message will resonate with fans, making them restless for what Champagne has to offer next. Instagram Facebook