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In 2020, multi-instrumentalists and songwriters, Brady Daniels and Matthew R. Gibson found themselves in the midst of health scares, changing professions, and a global pandemic. Instead of interpreting the changing times alone, they decided to focus their desire to write stories as a duo. Stories that tell of life’s hardships and the strength it takes to carry on amongst the bitterness that can completely take hold of one’s very being. It is from the desire to persevere where they landed on their name, Bitter Therapy. They began to write together, creating and recreating a library of dozens of new stories to tell. From Pop/Rock to singer-songwriter, this Mesa, Arizona band is exploring their sound; dedicated first and foremost to their desire to write and tell good stories. Fresh off the release of their debut self-titled EP, ‘Bitter Therapy,’ we’re thriving in the realm of all that is the second single on the tracklist. “Free To Be,” embodies the Pop/Rock panache of the versatile stylings that Bitter Therapy taps into. In a buoyantly upbeat offering of feel-good vibrations, we’re fully enthralled with the musical evolution delivered by this dynamic duo as a wave of early 2000’s nostalgia sweeps in rapidly. The amplified guitar riffs that chug alongside the rhythmic bass line complement each colossal percussion hit conveyed. Applying the saturated vocalization that drips lyrics of being overlooked and labeled by people who should know better than to judge you, you feel the authenticity seep in from the quintessence of Bitter Therapy and their heartfelt realizations. Each musical component in this song allows for the perfect development of highs and lows on this sonic voyage of comprehension as the listener reflects on the boundless energy in lyrical motifs such as, ‘they said we weren’t thinkers. Said that we weren’t made for this.’ Being an elevated voice for those who can’t be heard, the morals of Bitter Therapy reign supreme as they pair their artistic talent with the power of good music with a message. We’re thrilled to take a dive into your self-titled EP and listen to “Free To Be.” With such an empowering message shed through the lyrics, what inspired the creation of this song? Thanks so much for the warm welcome and kind words. Free To Be was started as a simple idea of being around a person who seems to want you in their life but never really listens to a word you say. It’s about being overlooked and labeled by people who should know better and learning the hard and important life lesson to be settled in yourself where freedom can be found. Could you please take us into what your audience can expect from the sounds and themes delivered on “Bitter Therapy?" Sound-wise, we explore a more pop-rock sound on this EP.. Tons of drums, electrics, pianos, etc….But we also explore an electronic arrangement on the song, “Before I Go”. Lyrically and themes are all over the spectrum. There’s a song about a father with cancer saying goodbye to his little boy and wife. Another song about people settling for less than what’s best for them and their life. We just want to both create and cultivate good and interesting stories. We think there is something for everyone on the record. Was the creative process that you endured for “Free To Be,” similar to the process endured for the rest of the EP? Could you please share a glimpse of the experience? When we started as a band in May 2020, we already together brought a significant amount of material to the table. Free to Be was the 2nd song we wrote together from scratch with the desire to write something that would make people feel empowerment and freedom. We wrote the song in two sessions, music coming first, and lyrics following. The rest of the record was just us arranging and finishing songs that had already been written or almost finished. So when we entered the studio in January of this year, we really just spent our time selecting parts that would move people and connect them with the stories we were seeking to tell. You dabble between a versatile offering of sounds when it comes to your music. Is there any genre easier to create in? Where did this EP fit on your scale of difficulty to construct? We are both pretty melancholic in nature, so sad stories and themes come pretty easy to us, so this first EP was challenging in that creating the pop-rock music around the lyrics took some more focus. But if you listen closely to the lyrics, we’re tackling some pretty tough topics. On the opening track, Happy Now, it opens with really airy synths and bell-like Rhodes but the song is about a person taking a look at their own life in the midst of the injustice in the world and asking the hard question, “are you happy with your response to the pain around you?”, “are you happy now?” What's next for you? Matt and I are already hard at work on our next EP due out in August. This new record will be more of a singer/songwriter sound featuring more acoustic elements, like strings, Rhodes, and acoustic guitar. After we release this next EP, we’re planning in November to release a single (12 songs we’ve already written) on the first Friday of the month for a year. We’re really excited about the next few years, the ideas running around our heads, and looking forward to new friends and listeners joining us as we explore our developing sound. instagram.com/bittertherapyband facebook.com/bittertherapyband

Houston-based songwriter Tim Qualls is known for his delivery of Rootsy soul music that is grounded in family, heartache, and a positive outlook on life very few write about. Influenced by legends such as Ray Charles, Jamie Cullum, and John Mayer, he is often compared to a ‘soul artist that croons on the piano.’ Fresh off the release of his vibrant new single, “Heartbeat,” Tim Qualls sweeps listeners into a frenzy of sultry vocals in a moody atmosphere of intimacy. Created during the 2020 lockdown, the vulnerable narrative depicted brings aspects of his real-life romance into play while addressing the rekindling of the flame between himself and his wife during a time of uncertainty. There is a certain texture to the essence of “Heartbeat,” that allows the poignant lyrics to jump into a realm of untraditional love songs. The substance recognized goes far beyond traditions as the dark Pop ballad is bolstered by airy synths, tenacious guitar riffs, and indulgent falsettos gracefully cascading with the musicality emitted. Tim Qualls’ warm invitation into his personal experiences sits well in the ears of his listeners. Bringing forth an emotional connection that ties him to his fan base in ways beyond imaginable has this song propelling into an ambiance of newfound passion. Personally describing the sonic voyage, Tim Qualls describes it as, ‘if the movie Drive were best friends with The Weeknd and The1975,’ and we have to say; he isn’t wrong. Enlisting the talents of Houston-based musicians including Ty Robins or Robins Studio, the auditory feel that we grasp from the wistful hues of “Heartbeat,” have us hanging on to each word fervently poured into the speakers. Congratulations on the release of “Heartbeat.” We love the atmosphere you bring to life in this piece! Was there a specific moment or story that inspired you to turn this experience into a song? There were two moments for me for this song. The first started at bedtime while I was putting my sons to bed with my wife. As I was getting one of them ready I started singing this melody and the hook and thought “huh that’s pretty good.” So I told my wife I’d be right back and I went into my studio with my iPhone and guitar and started working out the chorus. After about 8 minutes I had the chorus down and ran back to help my wife finish putting my kids down for the night. About a week later I showed it to one of my writing partners and over zoom, we finished the song in one session. BTW, this was all during the chaos of the 2020s Covid lockdown. So, what we wrote about was the rekindling of the romance between my wife and me, which was happening because we were surrounded by each other and our kids 100% of the day. So instead of talking about the chaos, we wrote about falling in love and spending time together again. I think it turned out to be a pretty vibey pop song. What process did you go through in order to handpick the musicians that would be featured on this record? What was that experience like? The studio process was easy. I went in with my creative partner Ty Robins and another close producer/musician friend Ben Rothberg and said, “listen, I don’t want to overthink this song. Can you just bring over a bunch of Synths and your electric guitar and can we just produce the song from scratch?” And so I sat down at the Juno 60, and the first patch I pulled up ended up being the main synth we used. As soon as I played the progression on the synth we knew exactly where it was going. And I think it was maybe 3 late-night sessions where we finished all the parts. You’ve mentioned a music video to accompany this song release. What can we expect in terms of the visuals? Yes! I’m really excited about this. So I am working with my very great friend, filmmaker Justin Betancourt. We based the entire visual idea off of the 80s synth vibe from the song. So that initial synth patch I played the very first night. And when I showed it to Justin, he told me it reminded him of 3 things, the band 1975, The movie Drive, and also the Netflix series YOU. He thought it would be an edgy, moody 80s kind of video and we really just dialed in the color to match those 3 concepts. We rented this big moody industrial warehouse to shoot my performance part which had a vibe all in its own, especially using downtown Houston in the background when we were on the rooftop. Then for the acting side, we rented an arcade, which is for any guy like surreal, cause we also got to just crazy playing games. Justin also happens to work for this really amazing company that works with a bunch of influencers, and we ended up asking these two special actors Shawley Coker and Casey Cardenas to come to be in the storyline part of the video. They did amazing btw, and are an actual couple in real life, which you can see in the video. It made a big difference. Justin's wife Kirby is an amazing photographer in her own right, and she was there as well as I think 4 other filmmakers that Justin brought in to help, which really changed the vibe on set. In terms of the messaging and themes discussed, what are you hoping that your audience takes away from “Heartbeat?" I think songs sometimes can be overthought. I have PLENTY of those songs. This one is more about VIBE, and making your head bop a bit. This is really just a grimey, gritty, moody pop song that's a little bit sensual. If you can just get into that mindset I think the song did its job. We also sent it over to Randy Merrill at Sterling Sound to master it, and he really did an amazing job to bring the mood into a very modern pop sound that you hear anywhere on the radio. So the theme? I don't know, maybe romance, love, heart palpitations! Instagram Website

From Luanda Island to San Francisco, the alternative artist, producer, and singer-songwriter KingCyborg soulfully reminds us that "Love Never Dies," with her latest chilling single. Known around Luanda Island as 'the girl who's got the moves,' it wasn't long before KingCyborg's music career hit the ground running. Merging sounds like kizomba, semba, rebita, rock, blues, and jazz, KingCyborg took her unique sounds to San Francisco while making tidal waves in our industry ever since. KingCyborg performs shadow work through her music, an outlet for dealing with her traumas, a form of protest; a personal healing journey. Helping listeners embrace their good and bad sides through her latest single, "Love Never Dies," KingCyborg pushes her way through the song like a light in a dark tunnel, climbing her way to fresh air once again. While her astounding vocal abilities serenade us with deep, power and strength, KingCyborg's surrounding instrumentals push a rich electro-pop landscape to keep us locked in and engaged. Without further ado, "Love Never Dies" begins with reverbed piano melodies and KingCyborg's breathy vocals, singing from her chest and sweetening the atmosphere with her low and ominous tones. Once the blistering beat drops with crashing kicks, electrifying synth arrangements, and haunting effects, KingCyborg switches up her vocal delivery with a charming falsetto that offers an overwhelming empowering feel. We're incredibly surprised by the depth and dynamic range within this song, as KingCyborg floats through the second verse alongside her tender piano while meeting up with the scorching beat drop again at the hook. Listening to her lyricism, she steadily reminds us that love never dies in the hands of the bold. Fall head over heels for KingCyborg's latest single, "Love Never Dies," and allow the empowering singer-songwriter to haunt your days with her magnetic vocals and captivating sonics. We can't get enough of the intense feel and haunting vibe of your latest single, "Love Never Dies." What inspired you to create such a passionate and powerful song? Thank you. This song doesn't just mirror the latest events that have been brought upon us in these past years. It reflects life in general. This song It's a form of protest; it's about loss, grief, and release. We hold so much inside that needs to be dealt with and needs to be released to heal. Although we all come from different backgrounds, we share similar traumas that resonate on a deep level. No matter where you are from, we all live in a toxic society where sometimes the seed is planted by our parents, families making it more challenging to deal with such traumas. We are presented with two choices; to either continue living in this limbo or face our demons. The purpose of this song is to remind people that Love conquers all; no matter what situation life throws our way, Love will never cease to exist. Love is an energy that runs through our veins. Is powerful, loud in so many ways. A melancholic but powerful song. Did you produce the sonics within "Love Never Dies?” What inspired the dynamic sonic arrangement and powerful beat drops? This beat was produced by Epilepsy. When I first heard these instrumentals, "Love Never Dies" came flowing so naturally in, it only took me 4 or 5 seconds of listening to the beginning of the beat to birth this song. It sparked many emotions that were not even mined, and it all compiled into this moody, powerful song. That is how my brain works. I don't have to listen to a beat entirely for a new song to be born. I find myself just going along with it while the moment is playing. It's exciting to be caught off guard and not know what will come next when I'm creating. It happens automatically. I can't really put into words or detail how the magic works. Does your lyricism usually touch on rather passionate and empowering themes, similar to your words in "Love Never Dies?” Yes. Indeed. Most of my art is very gloomy and sad. It does not mean that I'm not happy. That is just my way of expressing my thoughts and feelings. Uplifting songs never really caught my attention. I was always drawn into the dark, sad-moody melancholic songs. There is where my happiness is at. It's where I can combine all the emotions, mold it until it reaches its majestic form. I bring my many alter egos and different aesthetics to my art, and in every song, I create I'm in connection with my ancestors and the cybernetic world. The trip is never the same. What do you strive to represent as an artist, and how does your music reflect what you stand for? My art examines good and evil through a series of spare, cryptic parables through Shadow Work, where I practice healing and Self-growth, which requires one to surrender and accept instead of attacking everything you don't want to feel, or address. It requires that you deep dive into your traumas and pain. I'm a big advocate of Love and that there is no light without darkness. We possess both, and both go along like ying-yang. People always want to categorize and pin others down and tell them who they are. The way I flip the coin is by being myself and watch the reaction. And music is the vehicle I use to deal with dualities, either seriously or playfully. It's an endless experience and discovery. I always felt partial cybernetic with both organic-dimensional spiritual and biomechatronic. I'm constantly tapping into the mystic and cybernetic world. I'm always trying to evolve into something that I actually cannot be. It's always present in my art. My music represents a certain degree of neutrality. I don't fit in a particular category; I'm a part of all (sometimes). My art is my diary, it's sacred and intimate, it's my temple, a profound letter to my self and others, and it documents the journey of self-discovery, self-love, and finding peace amongst all of the chaos in the world," and I wish to share it with others. I hope that more people tune into their inner Selves and embrace every wave they encounter. I hope that my art encourages, helps others who are also battling with their traumas to heal through my melodies. We are all going through something, and sometimes we cannot express ourselves, so we need someone else to speak or sing those emotions for us. I feel like I'm at service for others as well. What's next for you? KingCyborg has so much more in store. I'll be releasing more music and continue to challenge and expand my art. I feel like now I'm more hands-on-deck like never before. I have this avalanche of new songs coming in every day. It can be problematic for my mental health sometimes because my brain is always in GO mode. Operating non-stop is an out-of-body experience. You will definitely hear more from me. Stick with me. Although things are still uncertain because of the pandemic, I plan to perform in different venues, go on tours, and collaborate with other musicians. Instagram Artist Website

Originally from the Midwest, Tory Floyd grew up between two worlds where she would either put on-at-home concerts that would cater to her parent's heavy rotation of artists like The Jackson 5 or build a deep relationship to the world of sports. Since 2018, she has constantly been in the studio with her number one collaborator and producer; her brother Preston Scott of Press Tone Productions. Her soulful pop style pulls influence from melody master Ariana Grande and lyrical storyteller Julia Michaels. Expanding her impact on the industry, Tory Floyd has caught the attention of those in the TV and Film world all while having multiple nationally and internationally aired music placements. Her artistry speaks for itself as she is fresh off the release of her most recent single, “A(WY).” Casting a tune into the realm of edgy pop meets R&B fusion, the song's decoded title translates into “Alone (With You).” The soothing instrumentation hosts the versatile vocalization of Tory Floyd’s sultry vocalization as she dips between a spoken word essence to kick off the track, but exudes her extensive vocal range throughout her introspective croons throughout the remainder of the composition. Tapping into a tenacious persona that hones in on knowing the value of yourself, Tory Floyd navigates listeners through the anthemic narrative catered to anyone waking up to a relationship that diminishes their value and holds them back. Stimulating our headspace with an array of harmonies more bone-chilling than the last, the musicality brought in unison is a seamless example of what brilliant production techniques can do for an emerging artist. Flaunting the wisdom she yearns to share with her fan base, the dreamscape of sounds collides in a rhythmic kingdom of introspective thoughts through an imaginative lens of silver linings. With a string of releases set to be launched throughout the course of this year, Tory Floyd is here to reiterate that it’s time to take back your control. We felt such a connection to the lyrical content released in “A(WY).” What inspired you to tap into such a vulnerable subject for this particular record? This latest release, “A(WY)”, with Press Tone Productions is an edgy pop/R&B blend. Decoded, this title means “Alone (With You)”. With gritty Ariana & SZA vibes, this is the anthem for anyone waking up to a relationship that diminishes your value and always finds a way to hold you back. It’s especially fluent in the female perspective; knowing when it’s time to take back control and when it’s time to bounce. On this one, the track was actually made prior to the lyrics and melody. My brother and producer, Preston Scott, had put it together at some point earlier. One day I was in the car and it started playing when I was listening to some other tracks we were working on at the time. This one didn’t have a concept but it felt gritty and had a strong, yet subtle confidence to it. I started free-styling off of ideas I had already jotted down and one stuck out as that perfect starting point: “I’m gonna make it on my own, until the day that I decide it’s better than being alone”. This stemmed from a recent experience that reminded me it’s better to be on your own and the best version of yourself, than with somebody else and hide the parts that were always meant to thrive. The marriage of the track and the concept came fairly quickly once they were introduced. With such an extensive vocal range, we would love to know how you approach your harmonic layers. Could you please share a glimpse of what the creative process looks like when fine-tuning one of your songs? When it comes to fine-tuning a song, especially one with multiple vocal layers, it takes flexibility and patience. We’ve found that the best way that works for us is to lay down the lead vocal, cut together the basic foundation of the song and then add the layers and adlibs after it’s had its time to sink in. When you know what the overall goal of the song is, it’s much easier to elevate from there instead of trying to get fancy before you know what the building blocks are. Do you find that the environment where you reside plays into the sound you’ve crafted for yourself? I would think everyone would say “yes” to this question on some level. It’s hard not to be influenced by what you surround yourself with. For me, I’ve moved around a lot in my life so I understand pulling inspiration from many places, but where you are in a current moment will always have the greatest effect on you. LA is where I live now, so the diversity in not only interests and backgrounds, but the diversity in music plays a role in my sound as well. A city like this gives you a bit more permission to explore and potentially “fail” at the parts of your sound and style you haven’t tried yet. It’s also the home to such extreme highs and lows… so it allows you to tap into your most intense moments of joy but also forces you to embrace the deepest moments of loneliness and insecurity. I feel like this song, “A(WY)”, meets you somewhere on your way back up the hill. You’ve accomplished some wonderful things throughout your career so far! What happens to be the highlight? One of the clear highlights so far was having one of my songs featured in a recent episode of the hit show, Grown-ish on Freeform. The song they used was called “Bloom” and it was written during a pretty low point dealing with anxiety and doubt. Basically, I was trying to write my way out, so it’s wild to see it used on a show like this where the characters are navigating some of these same big questions. The best part is, not only did they want just one version of the song, but they decided to use two; the acoustic track opens the episode from black. You can check out the season 3 episode (“No Halo”) of Grown-ish featuring my song “Bloom” on Freeform & Hulu. What's next for you? Be on the lookout for “A(WY)” in an upcoming episode of The CW’s Black Lightning. It’s always exciting to hear my songs on a platform like that. As for the music, we have a string of releases slated for rollout throughout 2021. Definitely, some lighter pop/R&B coming soon in contrast to this edgier sound in “A(WY)”. This is a great year for putting out new music and I’m running right alongside it. Introspective, yet rhythmic, what we have in the queue really feels like the culmination of the human experience: both complex and colorful. Instagram Website

MARIS BEN is a Tunisian singer, composer, and songwriter based in Paris, France. She began her musical adventure at the age of 12 and began writing music by the age of 15. She plays the guitar, ukulele, and keyboard and has had various professional experiences from classical orchestras to music bands. The pandemic has been hard for everyone and MARIS BEN is here to tell her story. Her new single, “I Hear Them,” walks us through the path of darkness she discovered within herself, and how she used this as a way to heal from inner wounds, make peace with herself and share wisdom and light with those around her in a collective society she thinks has failed by design. This song kicks off with a tranquil sonic landscape comprised of harmonious synths and subtle, yet rejuvenating percussion sounds. With its essence of spa music, the backtrack of “I Hear Them,” immediately triggers a psychophysiological relaxation response within the listener. MARIS BEN further transports us into a deeper state of consciousness with her fragile vocals that will continue to caress the ears of the listener long after the song is over. After producing an atmosphere of explicit serenity, MARIS BEN slowly switches gears into more of a dramatic and pensive experience. The tranquil production in combination with MARIS BEN’s songwriting that will have the listener questioning their beliefs creates the introspective masterpiece that is “I Hear Them.” MARIS BEN has 'awakened,' have you? We love that the lyrics of “I Hear Them,” encourage introspection within the listener. Can you tell us what the main message is behind your lyrics? I think like everyone, I have a love/hate relationship with society: not liking it bossing me around but also knowing that I’m linked to it by force and cannot live fully detached from it. I have to be honest, there is so much anger in the lyrics as if through them I was speaking to my old self or to anyone who is found in that position of being completely lost and not finding their place and themselves and try to take their side. Through my lyrics, I wasn’t seeking to blame anyone who’s lost, I personally think we all have tried being fake at a certain time in our lives and that is completely okay because that is a way for us to learn who we really want to be, the only trick to it, is to not be lost in the fakeness that the society imposes us. And that is what I wanted to convey through my lyrics, I wanted it to act as a “wake-up call”, we might not be able to change society to shape it exactly how we want but we can find our own inner balance with it. When it came to the songwriting and the entire creative process of “I Hear Them,” what was your main inspiration for the song? To be honest, when I wrote the song, I was going through depression which I think is normal due to the pandemic and the endless lockdowns I had to go through in Paris, France. And to top it off, the skies of Paris were very grey for a week straight and it accentuated what I was already feeling and so I knew that had to face my demons and one of them was society and the other was my very own worst enemy: myself and the voices in my head. I never wrote such a song before where I face my demons, it made me feel vulnerable but also powerful as I felt ready. I felt relieved after it, it is so satisfying how we humans have the ability to turn something so ugly into something beautiful and creative. We were entranced by the natural essence that radiates from the production of “I Hear Them.” Could you tell us about the production and the recording process? “I Hear Them” is a very important song to me for many reasons. It is the first project I work on with a team. I usually work solo and do almost everything on my own but not with this one. And what is beautiful to me is that the team I worked with is a team I have never met in real life, we worked on the whole song in distance and I find that magical, I never met those people but I can feel their emotion and soul in my song! It all started when, I shared a short demo of the work in progress with I-Pku a Gabonese Music composer and producer based in Tunis, Tunisia; and to my surprise, he loved it and suggested that we co-produce. I still remember the goosebumps I had when he sent the first demo! And then through his contacts, we added real instruments such as the violins and the bass guitar. I had the recording done in my university as I have access to the studios there but for the mixing, it was done in Bluebox Studio Tunisia with I-Pku behind it! How does “I Hear Them” compare to your other songs? Has your music style evolved over time? Definitely! I’m discovering new things every day about music and about myself. Over the span of a year and a half of music production, I can see my style changing and evolving and I’m so happy about it! “I Hear Them” is more of a Pop Alternative vibe, it is also edgier and bolder. It shows a part of my personality that has been eclipsed a bit in my other songs, but now I’m fearless to show. I think this song marks a new chapter for me in the music-making! What's next for you? I have many other projects in the making! Another single will be released this summer and it will also be co-produced with I-Pku! I’m so excited about it! So stay tuned on my social media, Spotify, and youtube for new projects to come! instagram.com/marisbenmusic

Tinywiings is a Canadian rapper, songwriter, and poet based in Vancouver, BC. Originally from Calgary, Alberta, Tinywiings found her love of poetry at only age 7 which eventually led to her passion for music. After releasing her first single in August of 2019, she has been quickly acquiring recognition and support from across the globe. Tinywiings’ hit single ‘Ruthless’ featuring Eazy Mac won her Rap Recording of the Year at the YYC Music Awards. In spring 2020, Tinywiings placed 5th in the WorldScout international hip-hop contest with over 1600 other contestants and the competition being judged by fan votes and by industry names such as Scott Storch and Steve Lobel. Fresh off the release of her most recent single, “S.I.M.P,” Tinywiings takes on an inimitable approach to 2003 released ‘P.I.M.P,’ by 50 Cent. Completely altering its established instrumentation and flow, the femme power that is sprinkled into this track radiates the surge of energy we needed through the speakers. Enlisting the production talents of Unkle Ricky, the effervescent bounce that transmits dynamism through your soundwaves is unmatched. The foundation created has the perfect contrast of low to high-frequency elements that give the resonance a seasoned finesse. What we love is the self-assured poise that Tinywiings captures as her vocal delivery exudes a hunger in her tone. Lyrically offering up a polished presentation of her knack for wordplay and ability to have you locked into the track, the fierce persona of Tinywiings comes off as sultry and bold as she’s a woman who knows what she wants, and when she wants it. The sensual lyricism that she conveys allows her spin on a classic to fit in a similar realm, all while giving her fan base a taste of what Tinywiings encompasses. “S.I.M.P,” is here just in time for the summer weather and we recommend turning the volume up all the way as you digest the buttery cadences provided. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Tinywiings. The energy you give us in “S.I.M.P.” has us through the roof. What inspired you to take a classic and remix it the way you did? Thanks for having me! To be honest, the idea came to Unkle Ricky and me at a studio session when we were working on another track. We were talking about how funny the term “simp” is and how it is used so often lately. It was Ricky who said “oh my god, S.I.M.P.”, and we both knew exactly what we wanted to create from that moment. What was it like bringing this vision to life with Unkle Ricky? How did this collaboration come to be? It was so much fun bringing this track to life. We wanted the listener to be able to recognize a familiarity in the beat right from the beginning of the song along with a hook that demands attention. I wanted to keep the verses aggressive but fun with clever punchlines and hard bars while creating a “female version” of the original. Ricky and I met last year and after our first session together, we realized we were on to something special and that we make amazing collab songs. Since then, we have been busy creating and working on projects together. Could you please share a glimpse of the creative process you endured as you built the rhyme schemes for “S.I.M.P.?" The hook was probably the easiest part as it was basically my female take on 50 cent’s hook, so I just put my own twist on it. The verses were fun to create. I wanted to make people laugh while still being impressed with the rhymes. I always try to challenge myself with flows and multisyllabic rhyme schemes. I definitely wanted for people who had never heard the term “simp” to grasp an understanding by the time the song was done based on the lyrics. What are you hoping that your audience takes away from the messaging you portray in your artistry? I hope that my audience can appreciate the creativity that was put into this as I feel it is a very unique “remix” of a classic track. I definitely would hope that the older generation of listeners feels some sense of nostalgia, while also capturing the attention of the newer hip-hop generation, who may have not even heard P.I.M.P. I also hope that people can understand this song was purely fun and that I have nothing against anyone who is a simp, haha. What has been your personal favorite release of 2021 so far? Why? I think “Her Face” has been my favorite release this year mainly because I received such overwhelming love and support from the track and I actually assumed the song would flop. It’s hard for me to choose just one release though because I love every song dearly for such different reasons. Instagram

This UK-based multi-instrumentalist began writing and producing music under the moniker of ROSEL in 2020. Producing sounds from various genres including cover future house, post-rock, RnB, post-punk, and dance, ROSEL is merging various aspects of electronic and ambient influences in order to carve out a unique style that draws inspiration from artists such as Radiohead, Apparat, Burial, and Warpaint. Casting ominous hues of mystically charged resonance out into the ears of his listeners, ROSEL is here to deliver his most recent single, “Tokorrow.” Fusing together elements that heighten your senses in a purely instrumental soundscape of ambiguity, the transcending synth layers coincide with the mid-tempo drum patterns that deliver a foreboding experience to the forefront. Emanating a delicate showcase that submerges your speakers in noteworthy expressions, the auditory field of dimension swallows you whole as you reach out to grasp the emotions evoked from its progression. ROSEL has done an exceptional job at using complex components that remain a focus as they ease themselves into your mind in a thought-provoking frenzy of underground immersion. Balancing out the dark tones with a blissfully raw ecstasy, the mechanical grooves punch through the layers as you welcome energy in at each transition of “Tokorrow.” Evolving a sense of organized chaos in the sheeted layers explored, the almost ethereal tendencies of ROSEL are presented with a chronicled juxtaposition. Kicking off 2021 with his debut single, ‘Square One,’ we admire the personal fruition that ROSEL has demonstrated as he continues to offer up his bolstering techniques in a realm of futuristic appeal. Congratulations on the release of “Tokorrow.” We love the sonic voyage that you take us on through this track. Could you please share where the inspiration came from this creation? Since March 2020, I've been working on various tracks for a few months now. My focus on Tokorrow was fairly simple - it's fusing the kind of sounds I want to hear when I look for new music. The original idea is very different from the finished track. While mixing I started to hear and imagine more animated versions of the instrumentation, especially the bass. I essentially remixed and resampled the original song audio and this is how it came out. In your own words, what is the narrative that “Tokorrow” is releasing? What does this say about you as an artist? As it's my first own release, it's a statement on intent going forward I suppose. Of course, it's lost in the vast ocean of music that's being released every day, but it's an indicator of what Rosel is about. Looking back in a couple of years I think it will be sounding similar or at least close to what I was wanting to achieve long term. To put it simply, it blends the kind of sounds I like. Sonically I'd probably say it's warped, but in a good way, it's meant to sound the way it does. It's just what I like, in my style, that's why we create what we do. How does “Tokorrow” compare to your January release of ‘Square One’? Have you learned anything different from the release process this time around? Square One was technically my first release, but it's a remix of an @arthurgarros single. The aim of that track was to blend the Rosel approach to production on Arthur's track while also incorporating a dance/club element to it. Friend and producer @iamlhotse approached me to work on the single release and it was a really fun project to do. It pushed me to start putting out my own sounds, so I'm grateful for the opportunity. On the flip side, Tokorrow is my own first written and produced release under the moniker of Rosel. The releasing process is arguably the most difficult part for any musician or artist. You can sit at a desk all day writing music and create as much gold as you want but you need to work out how to access potential fans and people actively wanting to hear it. It's extremely hard to cut through when so many people are making good music. Rosel is very much in its infancy so I'm certainly still learning on that front. What is your mission statement as an artist? Under normal circumstances, I work in live events as a production manager and I've been outside of this direct artistic creative process of making music and art for about 8 years. Covid-19 allowed me to restart my creative endeavors again. The project 'Rosel' is all about putting out a combination of sounds and visual arts, resulting in textures and atmospheres. Too many of us don't show ourselves in the most honest way or are too scared to put out our ideas for fear of being rejected by our peers. I've left that mentality behind and started 'doing', rather than overthinking. That's the lifeblood and drive behind Rosel. Instagram Facebook

DJ Trotsky is a Los Angeles, California-based producer and songwriter who works with and develops Pop artists. Dedication is prevalent as he works in a variety of contexts including turning incomplete songs, collaborating from scratch, writing top-line, building tracks from the beat up, and simply producing artists with already-written songs. Through these many guises, DJ Trotsky tailors his perspective to suit the situation. He explains, “Often the best approach in my work is just me disappearing and serving the song.” Simmering in a time where the world has presented us with uncertainty, discomfort, and all-around angst due to the current state of the world via the pandemic and lockdowns endured, DJ Trotsky has taken this time to self-reflect and most literally listen to that voice inside his head. Fresh off the release of his latest avant-garde production, “God Will You Say If You Still Love Me,” the vocal descant and lyrical motif of ‘God will you say if you still love me/Even though we disagree on/Some important topics now and then,’ graced the celestial introspection of DJ Trotsky as he arose one morning. The superiority that drips from this arrangement ushers us into a realm of Pop meets Rock virtuosity. Rhythmically subverting our minds with a profuse composition, the numerous elements that are encapsulated in “God Will You Say If You Still Love Me,” prove that the difference between good and great is in the details. Fashioning an ethereal atmosphere that fixates on ultramodern vibrations, you’re not only entranced by the comforting vocal melodies exuded by DJ Trotsky, but by the upward magnitude of the crisp guitar riffs, and electro-ambiance consistencies that have you spiraling out of control while the thunderous bass keeps you in perfect time with the record. We’re taken back by the impact that twenty minutes and a double espresso can have on a witty creative such as DJ Trotsky. Exuding the brilliance behind his artistic ventures, we’re here for “God Will You Say If You Still Love Me.” Congratulations on the release of “God Will You Say If You Still Love Me.” We are completely blown away by the entire composition from the creation process to the final masterpiece. Although initially created in the span of twenty minutes, could you please share what the fine-tuning looked like when bringing this piece to life? Yes, this happened fast. the writing itself happened fast, of course, the singing and recording took a bit longer. When I first sang it into my phone there were a few strange notes in the melody . . . I was sure I wanted those notes but it became tricky to find the proper accompanying chords. I actually ended up singing it into my computer, then figuring out my guitar part. then playing the bass, then changing the guitar part entirely. Also, because the world seemed in such a state of disrepair, the lyric seemed to be coming from a sarcastic place ranting in anger to an uncaring creator. When I cranked up the distortion on my bass and guitar and added an aggressive drum loop combination the sounds of the “band” seemed to express that frustration and anger. How could a loving, caring cosmic force allow such misery to occur in our world? a global pandemic. a lunatic president lying about its reality. black people getting killed in the streets. demonstrators marching with and without masks. The world seemed completely insane. how could a benevolent creator allow such misfortune? Because initially, the song seemed to be of such sarcasm and disdain I allowed it to come forth that way because that’s how I saw the world. As I shared the song with friends, colleagues, even a good songwriter friend who’s a pastor! he said - “this song goes into the category of art and stories that ask god 'why have you forsaken me?'” or questioning God, or having a conversation with God, another friend compared the song to “the song of job." I came to realize that this song fits into a long-standing tradition of artists questioning the nature of the universe? is there a god? is there a divine plan? how do we make sense of senseless tragedy? I just allowed the process to happen fast, not too much second-guessing. it was something that I felt needed to be said, to be asked, to be shared. I was not sure what it would mean but I felt it was my responsibility to let it come out to create a conversation around these issues during a time when so many were wondering similar things about their lives and our world, but we are all mostly thinking this silently to ourselves. As I was until this song burst forth. With the various capacities that you work with artists and music, how did you know that this was a song you would release solely versus having another artist perform it? This song and even my own changing reactions to it originally had me thinking somewhere between only I can sing it and also that no one else would want to. I’ve now had a shift and will probably record a more country Americana version that might inspire a country or Americana artist to sing it. You’ve mentioned that maybe one day there would be a more delicate version of this song birthed. Which artist do you see behind exuding the more intimate side of “God Will You Say If You Still Love Me?" Because the song addresses people’s own relationship to the role of spirituality or religion in their life, it’s hard to predict who might resonate with such a sticky message. or maybe it’s direct? I still can’t tell, but that said I’d love to hear phoebe bridgers, st vincent, or any Allen sing it; not that either of these amazing ladies needs any help with the songwriting of course. Who do you hear? In terms of the theme and message offered up, what does this song mean to you? What would you like your audience to take from it? We are going through an amazingly strange almost apocalyptical time, of course, crazy things have happened in world history, but not so much in recent memory. not a lot of people alive remember the world wars from personal experience. somehow this pandemic made us all aware that we are literally breathing the same air, spreading the same germs and virus, suffering from universal racism and caste systems. for me as an artist, songwriter, producer. I knew I would have to express this in some way in my music. during the lockdown, I made a lot of music that I’m releasing now gradually, but when this song burst forth. I knew I had made it happen, fast, before I lost my nerve, to say something intimate, vulnerable, difficult. Judging from the reactions of fans and friends who’ve heard this song, it touched a nerve and expressed something that needed to be said, not to be pretentious but we all look to the arts to help us figure out and give words and voices to what we feel, what we’re going through. The changes we’ve gone through in the past year and the implications and shifts that will impact the future will change how we all live in the next decades. the loss. the sadness. the confusion. the connection. It’s totally scary. and with good reason. We should be reaching out and talking to our friends and family and community about the big issues. and listening to people with stories to tell. and we should all be asking the big questions. and wondering what it’s all about. If there’s a higher power or god or universal force . . . this is a good time to improve that dialog. and look at the ways we view our part in the world and our place in creating a new future. I went to a Quaker high school in Poughkeepsie, NY. the Quakers believe that we should address “that of God in every person," I think that’s a great way to hold it and to live and love. Instagram Facebook

Releasing hit after hit, the Jacksonville-based 18-year-old hip-hop artist, songwriter, and rapper Trill Jimi return to soak in his career's success with a new music video entitled "EUPHORIA." After the release of his surprise album, 'Avatar Ascension,' Trill Jimi accumulated over 30k streams within the project's first week. Constantly striving to make a difference in people's lives through his music, Trill Jimi later found himself with the desire to drop out of university and hit the road to chase his musical dreams. Now releasing his recent music video for the smash hit, "EUPHORIA," Trill Jimi soaks in the sun by Florida's oceanfront while delivering an energetic and passionate performance. The single itself is genuinely irresistible, as Trill Jimi's charm and charisma make for an engaging and authentic adventure. Starting our venture into Trill Jimi's music video for "EUPHORIA," the journey begins with shots of the serene ocean alongside samples of seagulls and wildlife abound. Directed by JXProductions, they've truly captured the essence of pristine cinematography, as Trill Jimi and his lush surroundings have us dreaming of a beachside cocktail. With shots of Trill Jimi from afar or up close and personal, it's without a doubt that his career will soon take off, as his energy and positive attitude radiates while delivering his confident and self-assured bars. The song itself is indeed a bop and a half, as Trill Jimi leaves us wanting more positive, beaming, and empowering tracks like this. Watch Trill Jimi's latest picturesque music video for "EUPHORIA" on YouTube, and keep an eye out for the young hip-hop artist as he continues to shred through our industry. We adore the energy and life that's captured in your recent music video for "EUPHORIA." What inspired the creation of the single itself? What pushed you to create such an empowering track like this? Whenever I make music, it’s just a representation of how I feel in the moment. My songs are kind of like pages in a diary. “EUPHORIA” wasn’t a planned song, nor a written song. I was just in the moment and created this song. When I am getting ready to work on music, I think about the feelings, emotions, and thoughts that I am experiencing at that exact moment. I then bring them to life through my songs. What was it like working with JXProductions for your music video, "EUPHORIA?" Should we expect more visual collaborations from the two of you in the future? Working with JxProductions is amazing! We have collaborated many times over the past two years on many of my released songs. We definitely will be working in the future to bring more visuals to my upcoming releases. What sort of vibe or atmosphere were you aiming to capture with your music video, "EUPHORIA?" What inspired the oceanfront scenes? “EUPHORIA” is very different from the rest of my other releases. It has a much more chill, euphoric vibe (which is my I named it Euphoria). When I envisioned this song, I saw peaceful scenery so I decided to film it at the beach! We've noticed that your music and visuals always seem to represent tremendous positivity and confidence. What drew you into creating such uplifting music, rather than creating music that's more self-centered and vague? Music is something very important to me. As a musician, I plan to make a change in the world through my music. Music is extremely powerful, especially in today’s times. A lot of music nowadays is not very positive. This is programming our society to live what they are listening to. This is why I focus on make uplifting music thematic people can relate to and feel. What's next for you? Next, I’m planning to continue releasing new singles every single month with a music video. I’m also planning to drop a project sometime later in the year! Instagram Twitter

Hailing from Austin, Texas, Champagne was founded by Nick Seaman after asking his co-workers at his boring office job to help out with a gig under the original name Astro Manic. Within the outstanding natural chemistry between the members, Champagne was thus formed. Fresh off the release of their debut project into the year of 2021, Champagne shines brightly with their six-song self-titled EP ‘Champagne.’ Fixating ourselves upon the edgy sounds of the anticipating “Romantic Robbery,” we’re fully absorbed by the compelling guitar riffs, resonated bass line, and exceptionally punchy drum patterns that enhance the foreboding vocal performance present in the mix. There’s a heightened sense of mystery that weaves through the verses before the jaunty elements explode in the chorus to deliver a feel-good ambiance rich in passion. Casting the light towards the darker elements in the composition, there’s an impeccable balance that is radiated through “Romantic Robbery,” that hones in on nostalgic tenors in the genre of classic rock as we hear the psychedelic attributes glistening all the way to the distorted guitar solo that is heavily etched into our minds. Champagne is a breath of fresh air that continues to embrace its authentic roots through harmonic bliss. Delivering us a newfound utopia of sonic fusion each time they perform, we’re happy to bask in the glory of the musicality they allow us to simmer in. “Romantic Robbery,” is only a piece of the licentious pie that you get to indulge in when turning up the volume and amplifying the sound of Champagne. There’s plenty to go around and with their self-titled EP, you get to experience all of the flavors. We love the spirit that “Romantic Robbery” emits. Could you please take us into your reasoning for making this the lead single on your EP ‘Champagne?' Thanks for having me! We decided to lead with Romantic Robbery because it really showcases our unique sound and style. The title is different and really stands out. This was one of the best performances on the EP and really voices me as a songwriter. It’s definitely a great starting point to our sonic journey, and really sets the tone of the EP. Love What inspired the narrative that we hear in the lyrics of this track? The narrative for this song is really about the ebb and flow of new love. I just met a girl and I never expected anything to really come out of it, just taking it day by day, and the next thing I realize I can’t stop thinking about this girl. I thought “she really stole my heart” and it made me realize love isn’t really a choice, We love who we love, and we can try to avoid them all we want but if you find a special person they will eventually steal your heart. You mentioned that Covid-19 played a role in pushing your release date for the EP. Is your band still affected by the wrath of the pandemic? How did you grow from this experience? Covid is slowly releasing its grip on our development. We have begun to rehearse and get together to finally get back out to playing live shows and touring. Honestly, the pandemic really sucked for us, we had created a ton of momentum just as the world shut down. It was unfortunate timing. This experience tested our strength but we learned to just hold on and keep pushing as much as we can. Even when everything we worked for was suddenly put on hold and eventually lost, it didn’t matter, we just got back up on the horse and continued to keep doing what we love to do. Nothing is going to stop us to get to where we want to go. Could you please share the concept of the six songs heard on ‘Champagne?' What do listeners have in store? The concept of the EP is the journey of love. The intro of unsettling but exciting emotions, to the focus of You and the robbery of our hearts for one another, and then to understand the intentions of our feelings, to tiptoeing through the lofty ness that is love and new relationship energy, and finally ending with a longing of their presence and hoping love would come back. The EP is a raw and filterless expression of the two strongest emotions we as humans feel. Love and loss. We tell this story through our unique choices of tones and our wide diversity of influences that shape the sound of Champagne. Instagram Facebook