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Manila-based visual artist Tita Halaman and her sibling Jerald Angelo elevate their audience’s emotional odyssey by producing indie alt-pop music inspired by Tita Halaman’s brooding, unorthodox oil paintings with accompanying poetry. For the best experience, the two encourage you to listen to the tracks as you embody the depths of the colorful impasto strokes of Tita Halaman’s art and its poignant verses. Taking you into the excelling depths of awe-inspiring artistry, the debut single from No Lore emits a distinctive radiance. “With Little Light” immerses from a buoyant realm that springs uplifting affinities into the passion we utilize on a day-to-day basis. The elusive yet prevailing timbres that twinkle from the intriguing instrumentation have us swimming in jaunty synths that summon an Alt-Pop miscellany of silver linings. Accompanied by a poem and painting by Tita Halaman, she enlists Jerald Angelo to amalgamate in the formation of No Lore. The vitality served by the brother and sister duo has brought a textured depth to the layers they convey in this creative offering. Lyrically we drown in a striking arrangement of words that make you feel mindfully cognizant the more you linger with “With Little Light” on your mind. Stemming from a brilliant message that ushers you to embrace cordial tenors, the meaning radiated falls back on the ability to barely see when we’re trapped in dark places. Having your passion shine through the cracks of these dwellings allows us to weather the storm instead of succumbing to the failure that dreadfully comes knocking. Wrapping our head around the tender love and care that has gone into all detailed aspects of “With Little Light,” we have exceptionally high hopes for No Lore to succeed in the optimistic hues of their messaging. Congratulations on the release of your debut single, “With Little Light.” With this being the first release from you both as No Lore, how did you decide that you would join forces to exude a brightly lit optimism into the music created? It all started with Tita Halaman - as a visual artist, she has a bunch of beautiful paintings with accompanying poems that inspired us to create songs. I guess the current situation has also prompted us to create a way to keep going and stay productive in the middle of difficulty. And so, voila. No Lore it is. What moment or story brought forth the inspiration that you took into the creative process of “With Little Light?" In dark places, we barely see. In uncertainty and failure, we often quit. But some things like passion shine through the cracks and persist. "With Little Light” is about the fearlessness of persistently sparking a flare in every gloomy space you’re heading to. No such thing as complete darkness with a soul that thrives to seek light everywhere. No matter how little, no matter how blurry. There’s always hope and our minds can always focus on achieving it instead of letting our shadows beat us down. With all that’s happening these days, I hope that our eyes can still see light in every place, no matter how little it is, it can always go brighter once we believe. Were there any standout moments during the creative process that made the experience that much more rewarding? What was it like working together for the first time? I think it’s when we realize that we can actually stretch beyond our limits. We did everything by ourselves. Establishing NoLore is purely DIY from audio-video recording to marketing and it’s truly rewarding to discover those things we thought we can never do alone with limited resources. It shows how huge our passion is and how dedicated we are to our craft and it’s beautiful to see that we’re on the same page. We both love what we do and we work together to continuously improve No Lore. If your listeners want to check out the painting and poem that accompany “With Little Light,” what is the best way for them to do so while fully supporting the two of you as No Lore? Our songs’ paintings with poems are very special. Everything’s created by Tita Halaman and she’s a widely exhibited visual artist in Manila (you can check out her art here). Our songs’ paintings with poems are always up for sale and they will also be featured in her upcoming book of paintings with poetry. Anyone interested in the artworks can mail us at titahalaman@gmail.com What's next for you? We plan to continuously release songs inspired by Tita Halaman’s paintings with poems. Right now we’re recording new tunes and we’re very excited to share them with everyone. Like/Follow us on our social media to stay updated! Instagram Facebook

A first-generation young man from his native Kosovo, KADIRI blends his honeyed croon with dark instrumentation and devastating effect in order to dramatically explore the themes of mental health, lost love, and intimacy in his songs. Recording and writing with producers based out of LA, NYC, and his hometown of Toronto, KADIRI is currently hard at work refining his vibrant, R&B influence that trickles into Pop melodies. Zoning in on the extremely laid-back essence that drips charismatically from his latest release, “Like It or U Don’t,” the sizzle gets kicked up a notch as we recline in our seats and grasp the warm rays sent out by KADIRI’s eternal passion. The instrumentation blends a miscellany of Jazz fused guitar riffs that chime in with an opulent zest, as the enticing hi-hats ease you into the tempo solidified by the sporadic drum hits carving out the infectious grooves heard. With lyrical motifs such as, “either you like it or you don’t, won’t change me for you no more,“ playing upon a seamless concoction of time and space, the artistic concoction that is “Like It or U Don’t,” takes the driver’s seat as we let the arrangement navigate our emotions only steering us to spiral out of control. The prevailing timbres that KADIRI emits have us swarming in a reverberated pool of a sultry intimacy that drips from his fervent persona. Lyrically the songwriting techniques on display illuminate the soundscape as we are drenched in the elusive narrative pulling you into a simultaneous sense of anonymity and urgency. KADIRI continues to implicate his glistening spirit through the pieces of work he creates, and with each creation, he dives deeper into an exhibition of his own talents. We love the personal narrative that you explore in this single! How was the writing process when crafting this body of work? Did you find this theme remotely easy to write about? Thank you BuzzMusic for having me, and I’m ecstatic to hear that you enjoyed my new release. The writing process was fairly easy compared to my other songs. Felix (my producer) and I wrote the hook the moment he laid down the beat, and I think that’s mainly because I was just spewing words out of my mouth based on how I was feeling at the time. I was in a strange predicament with someone where it seemed like the relationship was going somewhere but ultimately wasn’t feeling right because I wasn’t able to be myself. I happened to walk into the studio at the right moment to get those feelings out. What are you hoping that your listeners take away from the brooding intensity in this track that allows your musical spirit to dive into the deep? What I’m hoping my listeners would take from this track is to always remember your dignity and who you are as an individual amidst a confusing or toxic relationship. Never be afraid to express how you feel to someone and keep open lines of communication. Sometimes love can make us blind, so just remember the person you are, the beliefs and values you hold, etc. But it’s also that fine balance of putting your energy into trying to make a relationship work and understanding the value of the person you’re with as well, which I also make appearances in my song. Were there any memorable moments from the creative process or studio session that you would like to share with your audience? Did anyone assist you in achieving the desired sound of “Like It or U Don’t?" The most memorable part of creating this record is when Felix, Nick Ianno, Dan Goodman and I were in the studio wrapping up this song this past February. Dan and Nick had just recorded their guitar solos and it felt so great to hear it blend so well with the rest of the song which Felix and Harmonics both produced. The synergy in that room was real. Your sound is so unique and at the same time, we feel it appeals to the masses. Who would your dream collaboration be outside of the direct genre that would allow you to enhance one another’s sounds? I’ve been a huge fan of reggaeton music since 2012 when Daddy Yankee released his “Prestige” album. That being said, collaborating with someone like J Balvin or Rosalia would be a dream not only because of my interest in Latin music but also because I feel like our sounds would somehow mesh together quite well. What would you like new listeners and fans to know about your music? What I would like my fans to know about my music is that I’m not afraid to be vulnerable and honest in my music. If you want to understand who Kadiri is, then dive deep into my music. My first single is about a dark ending to a love story I once had, my second single is about my strong attraction towards people who share similar taste in music. My third and most recent single “Like It Or U Don’t” is about that moment I found my dignity in a toxic relationship. I always try to be transparent in my music because that’s the only medium I can fully express myself. I’m no longer afraid to step outside my comfort zone and try sounds, song concepts, lyrics that I never thought I’d use. At the end of the day, I try to make my music a story, in hopes that even just one fan would be able to understand. Instagram Facebook

LA-based Pop artist Serena Foster is known for her Electro-Pop vibes and unique style of singing. With a passion for performing and the detail that goes into her music videos, Serena Foster has returned with a hopeful message in the latest release of her sonic and visual presentation in, “High School.” Written from a place of intimacy and familiarity, the empowering Serena Foster has dedicated the rhythmic essence elaborated musically in “High School,” to bullies absorbing space in the crowd. Collaborating with Starglow Productions, the cinematic approach taken towards the music video for “High School,” establishes itself in a high school setting. Being a breeding ground for a competitive nature to take over, as kids are attempting to navigate through the years by being seen and heard, the mesmerizing visuals guide us through a narrative of a young girl, portrayed by Serena Foster, being bullied as she tries to find the self-esteem within herself to break free from the toxicity that cliques can have on one’s self. Hitting home on all the significant factors that bullying in schools embodies, the power that fuels the meaningful timbres of Serena Foster is unmatched. Enduring pain and hurt from her own personal experiences, these moments have encouraged Serena Foster to spread awareness with this musical creation in hopes that this song can help anyone who has been bullied. Between the anticipation emitted on the tennis and basketball court, exhilarating choreographed dance numbers, and the illuminating light that shines on cliques, Serena Foster outdoes herself in this heartfelt performance that is meant to showcase the resilience that comes from hurdling over these hardships. Capturing her empathetic quintessence through the brilliant execution of a song and video that pair together like a fine wine and main entree, this timeless piece has us fully enthralled with the creative genius awakening in Serena Foster each moment she gets. The intimacy shed in “High School,” is a message that so many need to hear. How has the reception been for this music video and single? Is the style of this project like anything you have done previously? The reception for this release has been so incredible. This song and music video are so special to me, and something I have wanted to release for such a long time. I have never done anything like this and that is what makes this moment for me so very special. Could you please share a glimpse of the authenticity that has been captured through the cinematic component? Was this your vision from the beginning, and what was it like on set working towards something with this much power? There was nothing was more authentic than literally burning an old yearbook at the end of the music video, and walking away from the fire. For me, it all started with the basic concept of high school drama and a tennis match. I had an idea of what I wanted for this video, so I went to Kate B (the director), and she truly brought this entire vision to life for me. Kate and I truly worked from our hearts on this project, and I am so blessed for everyone that made it happen. Working on the set felt effortless because we had such amazing chemistry together as a cast and crew. I knew we had a powerful concept, and to have it executed the way we did, is something out of a movie. We love your sense of community that you bring outside your artistry. Could you please tell us a bit more about your non-profit organization No More Bullying? Of course! “No More Bullying” is a non-profit I started in 2020 with my friend Benjamen Janey! I plan to go into elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools to give assemblies and inspire kids to rise above bullying or any kind of discouragement towards doing things they love. What is the main message that you hope to send out to your audience as an artist? My main message will always be, to do what you love, and be who you want to be. I hope when my fans listen to my music or watch my music videos, they feel inspired. I hope they feel the way that I feel when I watch or listen to my favorite artists. I hope I give them the power and courage to be 100% themself. I hope I do what Lady Gaga does for me. Instagram Facebook

Not of our time, Jaclyn Manfredi is a rich blend of influences, old and new. Lyrical wisdom shines through her fusion of classic soul with a modern slant as she possesses the endearing qualities of all your favorite R&B superstars. Sculpting a definite raw vulnerability that fluently oozes from the soul-infused timbres exuded in a Jaclyn Manfredi masterpiece, her most recent single “Better Match,” has us scuttling towards her inviting embrace. Vinyl static welcomes us into the warmth emitted by the acoustic guitar strums causing you to melt in the very place you stand. Accompanying the infectious simplicity of the instrumentation with her buttery vocal performance, Jaclyn Manfredi promptly makes you feel her soothing timbres greater than you hear them. The opulent swing that washes over you in “Better Match,” carries out a rhythmic essence that escorts the intensification in your flourishing thoughts. You can’t help but gravitate towards the harmonious bliss radiated by Jaclyn Manfredi in this showcase of heartfelt emotion, with a hint of her unapologetic persona. The brilliance that lies in the full arrangement of “Better Match,” is reminiscent of the crooning talents of the late Amy Winehouse as Jaclyn Manfredi simply takes our breath away as she has us submitting to her extensive skill set. With “Better Match,” being the perfect showcase of what Jaclyn Manfredi has to offer her swiftly emergent fan base, we’re intoxicated off of the sultry melodic hues that she continues to serve at the sonic table. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Jaclyn Manfredi! Congratulations on the release of “Better Match.” We love the style in which you perform this piece! Could you please take us into what sculpted your inspiration for a track so full of emotion? Thank you, I appreciate that! The thing with “Better Match” is that I'm really honest with my lyrics. This is something I’ve been working on because I think that’s where the best writing comes from. This song is built around what I was going through at the time of writing it, which was heartbreak. I remember sitting down in my session and wanting to just talk about what was going on. I started to sing random words that weirdly all made sense together. In a way, I feel like the song wrote itself because I was pulling from such a real experience. With such an elegant sound, you dabble into the perfect amount of edge. How would you describe your recording and writing style that has helped to enhance what we hear on your tracks? I think my writing style has evolved from when I first started writing songs. As you grow up, you start to experience more. I think that plays a big role in how genuine the lyrics are. The more real I get, the more edge it has. Could you please share a glimpse of what it was like bringing “Better Match” to life? Was there anyone assisting you in achieving the desired soundscape we know and love? Back in 2019, I first started writing this song with Alex Houton. He started playing some old-time-sounding chords that I fell in love with, and I started singing over it. I remember pouring out everything I was feeling in the session that night. We finished the first verse and chorus, but then the song got lost in the mix once covid hit. A year later, I found the song in my notes and I wanted to write a second verse about how I am now. I think the second verse is the best part because it gives hope to the listeners. After that, I brought it to my producer, Nicholas Belvis, and he helped finish the story. In terms of the messaging, you put into “Better Match,” what are you hoping that your listeners take away from this song? This song is about heartbreak but realizing your self-worth at the same time. I think the biggest message I want people to take away from this song is that healing takes time. It hurts. It can be challenging but it’s a process. I want people to know that they’re not alone in it and that there’s hope in healing. That they’ll probably be better for it in the long run, too. What's next for you, Jaclyn? What's next for me is to keep creating more and more to share with everyone. I’m going to continue writing, releasing, and pushing my boundaries. I'm thankful for all of my followers/fans who've helped me get to where I am now and I'm excited to meet everybody I haven’t yet. Instagram

Emo Rap artist Gun Boi Kaz is coming in hot with the release of his latest track, “Drove U Away.” Plunging into the art of music at the age of 16, he used the creative aspect of writing as an outlet and coping mechanism for life’s trials and tribulations. Inflecting Punk-inspired melodies into his musical style, he continues to keep his fan base on their toes with every single release. Emanating the melodic hues that we discern and love, the instrumentation to “Drive U Away” trickles into a euphonious bliss that has us sedated upon first listen. The realm of soothing melodies that come flowing into the speakers is concurrently lulling and enticing as we bask in that vivacity of this mid-tempo creation. Gun Boi Kaz is recognized for the sentiment that he transfers into his vocal performance as he echoes a tale intimately known to the young artist based on real-life experiences that leave him weak and searching for a way to channel the narrative. Bringing listeners to the edge of their seat as he serves up melismatic verses and the utmost spellbinding hook, we are familiar with the bubbly elements that sparkle in luminosity as beams of hopefulness seep through the cracks of Gun Boi Kaz’ elusively flowing universe. “Drove U Away” lyrically brings up the question of what drove away from the apple of his eye. Fixating upon the, what if and what could have been, the heartfelt tenors that are conveyed touch on the vulnerable persona that Gun Boi Kaz is never troubled to showcase. Rhythmic in its essence, we’re familiar with the desire that is purposefully situated in each one of Gun Boi Kaz’ timeless descendants. We see you’re back with yet another emotionally hitting single. “Drove U Away,” most definitely had us stewing in our inner thoughts! Could you please share a bit about this piece and what it means to you as the creator? This track reflects on a pretty awful breakup and the aftermath of it. It breaks down what it’s like to have the love of your life walk out on you without knowing why. There were times where I couldn’t sleep for days on end because I’d be too wrapped up in my thoughts, wondering what made her leave. That being said, making this song was sort of a much-needed cleansing for my brain; it was a way for me to sort through my thoughts and get them out of my head for good. Now, your last release ‘Walked Away,’ was held to a high standard on your behalf, and listeners were loving it! What differences did you find in the creative process of ‘Walked Away,’ to “Drove U Away?" Do the themes touch on a similar experience or is it a different story this time? Both songs have very similar themes and discuss the same subject which is why I dropped them back to back. However, ‘Drove U Away’ definitely follows a more melodic/pop sound, while ‘Walked Away’ stands more on the hip-hop side. ‘Walked Away' was also a solo track which I made by myself. On the other hand, ‘Drove U Away’ was made over FaceTime with Multiszn after I met him through TikTok. Overall, the two tracks share a lot of similarities in their meaning, but also contain many differences in how they were made. How important is it for you to showcase the vulnerable side of your art when creating these masterpieces? I think being vulnerable is so important especially as a male artist. People go through things and most of those people don’t like to talk to others about it. And because of that, we have kids who struggle with mental health every day and go unnoticed for it. I intend to be someone who can help others realize that they aren’t alone in their struggle and that they should make an effort to be open about that sort of stuff. By being vulnerable in my content, I hope I can inspire others to do the same in their everyday lives. You previously mentioned that you have a TON of new music coming our way in 2021. Are you able to let listeners in on what they can expect from the forthcoming releases? Well, I just got back from a trip to Arizona where I finally filmed a music video for my most popular song, ‘Numb III’. That was actually supposed to happen last year but we had to cancel because of COVID. I also did another video for a new song and have been working on a bunch of new songs that are bound to impress. I also want to focus on branching out and trying different styles, so it’s probably safe to expect some punk-pop, melodic-trap, hyperpop, and more in the near future. Instagram Twitter

UK Glasgow-based Alternative Rock Artist BAZ.M sings with the passion of a man who has been to hell and back and survived with his spirit intact. The progressive mixture of his punk attitude, heavy rock guitar, and electronic textures has been steadily attracting attention. With the release of his most recent single, “Evil Twin,” BAZ.M takes his talents to a new-found dimension of electric energy and sizzles that radiates from his prevailing vocal performance. Plunging into an eccentric soundscape that births an ominous foundation of looming synths and a boisterous persona bubbling to the surface of the depths it knows, we’re fully immersed in the broadminded artistry that has BAZ.M showcasing a gothic realm of divergent collocations. “Evil Twin” simultaneously remains both buoyant and dark as the festering chimes of spontaneous whistles tune in and out of the composition to remind us that there is a mysterious side to BAZ.M we need to tap into. Dripping in a surge of heavy guitar licks, we’re intrigued by the stimulating raucousness that continues to pull us back to the unforgettable chorus. There is no denying the talents that BAZ.M holds as he raises the bar with his charismatic timbres. Performing each word with a purpose, the harmonious elements that radiate from “Evil Twin” have us in awe of the complexity rising from the bellows of the shadowy lanes paved. It is no wonder that BAZ.M continues to lure listeners in with his experimental sound and illuminating charm, the two go hand in hand for his melodic compositions of pure genius. Congratulations on the release of “Evil Twin.” This track just takes so many avenues of creativity, and we love it. What inspired the concept behind the lyrics of “Evil Twin?" The title of my Upcoming Debut Solo Album is “Split.” When my youngest daughter became very ill then unfortunately died, a ripple of actions and reactions and outcomes on different areas of my life happened, in short, I now know I went into what they would call a ‘Split’ in my psyche as a defense mechanism, the darker shadow self took over or I let it take over I let anger take over self-destruction and addictions with no reasoning that this was to the detriment of myself and others, I had a reason to be like this ? and I didn’t question it at the time or for a long time following years till I started a realization of needed change. Facing those actions and consequent equal reactions, The tracks on my Album are a lyrical dictation a self-therapy of sorts. ‘Evil Twin ‘ is me honestly telling the story of my battle with my ‘Evil Twin’ that I became for too long, I seemed to enjoy some of his ways tho... Could you please share a glimpse of the creative process with us? What was it like bringing the energy in this song to life? The whistles at the start being something that just came from me picturing my ‘Evil Twin’ as I went to lay down the vocals in the vocal booth. Out of nowhere, I started the whistles which reminded me he was still lurking nonchalantly waiting for his chance to get out again. So the first synth line and sound had to be his harsh abrupt and dark presence. I wanted to have the kick drum and ominous arp sound. The track itself delivers the chorus quickly bringing in my Punk attitude but also using that attitude to stand up a fight against my Evil Twin as the fight builds you can hear the reverse voices, and what I would say, arrogant lurking whistles of My Evil Twin battling hard to get thru ...and my frustrations with the fight. What are you hoping your audience takes away from the heavy-hitting liveliness of this track? Evil Twin is a tough song and I wanted the hard struggle and constant pounding to be true to the battle it can be for anyone similar to myself who has or had that battle on their hands it’s a rough constant ride and I empathize with those who have that similar battle. All of these tracks on the Album have been difficult for me to listen back to as I truly immersed myself in the pages the lyrics were taken from and the memories that have come back to me through the recording of the Album most of which again I didn’t remember at the time as I was in my ‘Split’ persona. Are there any memorable moments from the minute you started writing this song to the day it was released that have shaped the launch experience of “Evil Twin” for you? The Album has definitely been cathartic I made it for me and I hope through the Album the listeners may see they are not alone through some of the emotions portrayed. that life does deal s*it cards but it’s worth the fight through it’s not easy I know but you can claim your life back. What's next for you? I am currently preparing the release of the album as a whole piece of work for later this Year with tour announcements hopefully on the horizon. I'll be doing a video for Evil Twin as soon as the current situation allows. Instagram Facebook

With roots in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, and New York, the singer-songwriter Cam Schnell takes his explorative sound to new depths with his third studio single, "Be Alright." Influenced by the 50s, 60s, and 70s sounds of rock n' roll, pop, funk, and country, Cam Schnell's sound is bound to get listeners through the good and bad times, as he's aware that music is essential for all aspects of life. One can spot Cam Schnell on stage in white Chelsea boots, black pants, and a Houndstooth blazer while slamming his red acoustic guitar, leaving listeners in awe of his charisma and performing abilities. Elaborating on his recent uplifting single, "Be Alright," Cam Schnell powers through with his nostalgic rock instrumentals and his spirited performance. While addressing our daily grind, romance, uncertainty, and everything in between, Cam Schnell lets us know that everything will "Be Alright." Listening to "Be Alright," the upbeat banger opens with lively electric guitar melodies, an accompanying rhythm guitar, and crashing drum patterns. Cam Schnell later enters the song on an energetic note and begins singing of our trying times while relating with us on an incredibly personal level through lyrics like "Even though the man's got you down, tomorrow is a brand new day, its all gonna start to break your way." Moving through the song, we land on the sweltering hook where Cam Schnell and his accompanying instrumentals offer vast similarities to the groovy sounds of 60s surf rock, primarily through Schnell's vibrant vocal delivery and the song's crisp electric guitars. Leaving us with boundless optimism and hope, Cam Schnell is truly an artist to keep an eye on. Discover Cam Schnell's third studio single, "Be Alright," on all streaming platforms, and let the single keep your head held high. We adore the energy and liveliness within your latest single, "Be Alright." What inspired you to create a song that reminds listeners to hold on for better days? I always enjoy songs that are happy in mood and invoke positive emotions. I think a lot of artists nowadays tend to write sadder songs that are slow, plodding, melancholy, etc. I have songs like that too, but I try to be the leader to provide a "pick-me-up," instead of a "bring-me-down." I personally thrive off of energy, excitement, and the "good times." I wanted to take an opportunity to write something so big and bright that it can put a smile on anyone's face. Life is hard enough as it is- if I can have a voice or make a song that brightens someone's day, restores hope, gets someone out of a funk, or makes them want to dance, I am all for it! Music can obviously go a lot of different directions, but I wanted to make something that can beat any bummer, and get people to think positively. Trust me, everything is gonna "be alright!" We must note the brilliant 60s appeal and sound within your recent single, "Be Alright." Why did you want to capture such an energetic and lively instrumental atmosphere? What inspired the 60s approach? I am very much inspired by music from that time period - there are far too many influences to mention. I have always been drawn to that general era of music because there were so many original ideas, experimentation, and overall fun songs! I wanted to create something that was simplistic, yet dynamic. It is slightly more than a bare-bones song, instrumentally, in that it has vocals, drums, bass, guitar, and keys. I wanted to create as much sound as I could with those elements. I wanted drums with punch, bass with pop, and bright vocal harmonies to make a powerful lend-a-hand, go-get-em song. The opening guitar riff was designed to be catchy and really hook the listener from the very beginning. It will get in your head and before you know it and you'll start humming it throughout the day- at least that's the goal. Are you usually one to create such nostalgically sounding songs, similar to "Be Alright?" Or was this your first time experimenting with sounds of the past? I think I have "that" sound or style in my repertoire, naturally. However, I like to try new things. I never want to make two songs that are similar enough to where a listener would not be able to quickly tell the difference between the two. As I write and release more songs, each song will be standalone in that it will stand out from the rest, and be its own song. I like to explore different sounds, structures, and subject matter when it comes to my music. So, you can expect to maybe hear songs that are in the same vein as "Be Alright," but there will definitely be elements that make each song unique. Seeing as your brand seems to surround your upbeat and energetic live performances, what would you say you miss most about performing live gigs and shows? I have always enjoyed being in front of crowds. Being on stage is such a unique feeling that many people never get to experience, so I always feel like you have to make the most of it. I find it exhilarating, and it's also fun not knowing what each individual performance will bring. The feeling of having a crowd focused on you and listening to your message is very powerful, so I cherish every opportunity I am able to perform live. It's a special feeling when you knock a song out of the park and you know that the audience believes in you. What's next for you? Well, I have to buy a new pair of white boots as the pair I currently have is getting worn down...just kidding! I plan on continuing to write and record new music, as well as continue to make music videos! I really enjoy making videos because they are a visual interpretation of my own song. Involving another sense to add to the song can really go a long way, in my opinion. I am going to keep evolving as a songwriter and continue to step outside my comfort zone, as it is a great way to grow musically. I look forward to performing live again, and I am excited for what is in store for the future! Instagram

Hood the Shogun is a rapper and producer straight from the Bronx. With his ambitions set to make his own wave in the music industry today, he places emphasis on the motion of togetherness with his friends and the collective that he has chosen to rise with. Music has always had an impact on his life and with his extensive knowledge about various avenues, his father remained the main inspiration for the drive that he has today. Taking a step into the cognizant verses he steers us through, Hood the Shogun has us submerged in the essence of every last word he rhymes in “Dragon Tales (Moment of Peace).” The prevailing keys in the wistful instrumentation combine elements of lightheartedness as Hood the Shogun delves into his authentic universe bar for bar. His tonal distinction dips into the passion that fuels his artistry as his voice sheds the lyrical dexterity prominent in the wit he holds. Accentuating his message in a way that has his audience fixated on what he has to say, Hood the Shogun is a visionary. You’ll notice the importance that lyrics hold to Hood the Shogun once you fully listen to “Dragon Tales (Moment of Peace).” He doesn’t use an incursion of cadences to get his message across, but you will notice that he sticks to his intricately written script and immerses us in a gratifying flow that fluently transports us through the motions he is a witness to. The allure that drips from the speakers has him hooked on a nostalgic approach as we pick up on glimmers of old-school Hip-hop paving his paths. Although entirely in a lane of his own, the refreshing wisdom that is brought to life in his organic spirit, has us reminiscing on the roots of Hip-hop that we know and love. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Hood the Shogun, and congratulations on the release of, “Dragon Tales (Moment of Peace).” You allow yourself to get real with your fan base, and we appreciate you for that! Could you please take us into the meaning behind this song? I wrote this song as a way of approaching/thinking about my problems in a more optimistic way. Since this single is part of my project “HOPE THIS WALK CLEARS MY HEAD”, I had it follow the theme of dealing with my own thoughts, similar to the other tracks. This track stands as a piece of nostalgia for me, and as a reminder for me to not let the tough tribulations of life worry me. Could you please share a glimpse of what the creative process looked like when structuring this track? To clear my mind of things I thought too much about, I would take several walks, and on those walks, I would write lyrics. I usually looked at my problems from a more grim light, but there was a time where I felt more positive about the thoughts that would normally bring me down. I took that same energy and put it into the lyrics for this song. Hailing from the Bronx, what is your take on the music scene that you experience locally? Have you found it to shape the sound you currently have? The music scene around me has definitely shaped my sound a lot. Being from the Bronx, and the city in general, I’ve always been around a diverse range of music/musicians. from jazz, to rock, and most importantly, hip-hop. At an early age, my pops put me in music lessons for piano and drums when he saw that I had an interest in music. He also taught me how to use programs like FL Studio too, so when I listened to music for fun as a youngin, I would always listen from a creator's perspective. This made me more particular about the sounds that I liked, later on driving me to get serious about creating music of my own. What is your favorite lyric wrapped in “Dragon Tales (Moment of Peace)?" What is the significance behind why it’s your favorite? “You see the world might crumble, but I won’t fumble down, or tumble out into the pits with the devilish hounds, Cerberus bark and that’s a helluva sound, ain’t no beware of the dogs if no fence around” I messed with this line a lot because, to me, it was a nice way of saying, when things get bad, I won’t fall. Even when my world seems to crumble, or it seems like I’m going through Hell, I won’t let that change my view on things for the worst. What's next for you? I have a few pieces of music coming up soon with artists I work close to like Pharoah Key, Mr. Massacres, and my music collective at college. No dates on anything yet, but they will be soon, and they will be fire! Instagram

Kayla Silverman is known for the immense live performance experiences she currently carries under her belt, such as her 2019 headliner show promoting her EP 'I Believe,' performing at popular venues The Cutting Room and The Bitter End in New York City. Being a recording and performing artist, Kayla Silverman has accomplished monumental accolades in her musical journey surrounding her songwriting, and compositions as her rapidly growing fan base continue to climb the ladder. Listening to the most recent release from the buoyant artist herself, “Look Away,” has Kayla Silverman’s infectious vocalization pulling us into her spellbinding embrace. The manner in which her delicate timbres tackle a prevailing nature as they cascade upon instrumentation that drips your speakers in rhythmic synths and up-tempo grooves has you out of your seat and moving to the music before you. Kayla Silverman allowed a gloomy moment to shape the inspirational journey for “Look Away.” Written with the intention to inspire her audience to dance all of their problems away, the eclectic ambiance portrayed in “Look Away,” was inspired by the gut-wrenching feeling of looking in the mirror and not liking what you see. If you listen carefully to the lyrical content impeccably sprawled throughout this body of work, Kayla Silverman’s intricately crafted lyrics have a negative connotation to them due to the subject matter that she is fervently addressing. The addition of the effervescent instrumentation that springs feel-good vibrations to the liveliness combats any pessimism heard and in turn, allows this song to shine in its saturated format of acknowledging your flaws and loving yourself regardless. Encouraging her fan base with each word she utters, Kayla Silverman casts glimmers of hope into the mind of the ones tapping in. Congratulations on the release of, “Look Away.” We love the theme that this song touches on. Could you please take us into the creative process for this song, and what it looked like bringing it to life? This song has a really interesting backstory. I co-wrote this song with my childhood friend Talia Yadro. I was inspired by a poem that she made that was about someone watching the person they love fall in love with someone else. I loved the concept, but decided that the narrator didn’t need to be talking about another person, they could be talking about themselves. I decided to shift the focus to someone looking at the mirror and not liking what they see. Here, the narrator is falling in love with being someone that they are not. The idea of incorporating an up-beat element to the instrumentation is genius! How was that idea formed? Was that always the direction “Look Away” was headed? I love the idea of putting sad lyrics to upbeat and empowering music. These seemingly contrasting principles actually combine to create a more complex meaning behind the song. I interpret that the takeaway message of this piece of music is that yes, we are all insecure and will always have things we want to change about ourselves, but that does not prevent us from being loving and accepting ourselves. Originally, this song was supposed to be a gorgeous ballad. The riff that the guitars play in the intro was actually supposed to be played by a piano. I remember messing around with the textures of the intro one night. I played the riff on the guitar and immediately knew I had to completely change the whole vision of the song. With the numerous accomplishments that you have received on your journey, do you find that any of those awards or experiences shape the way that you write music today? I definitely find that both my successes and mistakes have shaped me into the person and musician that I am today. I am very grateful for all of the accomplishments that I have accumulated through the years as it continually solidified the fact that performing and making music is my own true passion. But, in retrospect, I am most thankful for my mistakes and shortcomings. Every single one of those errors has uncovered things that I don’t want to include in my musicianship. What is the main message that you send out to your listeners through the music you place forth? For me, music has always been a safe space where I can step away from reality. Music to me is cinematic and overly emotional. With every single song that I write, I try to create a whole new world for that song. This is because I want my music to be an escape for my listeners. I want them to be able to enter a world that is larger than life right when they press play. What can we expect to see next from you? I am very excited to say that I will be releasing my next single next month! I hope to make a 5 song EP that should be released this summer. I also hope to start performing again soon with my band once it is safe too! I miss connecting with my fans and doing what I love most, performing. But in the meantime, I am excited to continue combining visual art with music. You can expect to see more collages, photo edits, and animations to accompany each new release. Instagram

James Stephens is a Toronto-based artist who was born and raised in Wasaga Beach, Ontario. Being a singer-songwriter, music producer, and multi-instrumentalist, he has been enticing his listeners by releasing his musical creations under the moniker of Fourth Born. Before the pandemic, Fourth Born was attempting to break into the Toronto music scene through a full-time performance gig doing solo covers and decided to drive cross country and plant trees when the live music economy took a plunge. Fourth Born's music strives to introduce something unique and raw to the table. He projects authentic vocals alongside cohesive, yet visually stimulating lyrics. The sound of Fourth Born is self-proclaimed as Alternative Folk/Rock, with his musical influences being Mumford and Sons, Bahamas, Modest Mouse, The Weather Station, and Nick Drake. As we embark on the sonic voyage of Fourth Born's five-track EP, 'Snow,' we can't help but realize the warmth that each song carries in the overall conveyance of his grippingly raw nature exemplified. We are effortlessly pulled into an inviting embrace of acoustic elements that produce a signal of compassion and wistful tenors. Transitioning through pulses of slow to mid-tempo, the legitimacy that significantly lives in each song is faultlessly positioned. The intentions that run through the tracklist fixate our attention on not only each song individually but as we navigate our ways through the brilliant resonance as an entirety. The extensive vocal range of Fourth Born's unique timbres exudes a grasp of the reality of lived experiences in the foreground of his life. Turning those moments into sweet melodic creations that touch on our innermost retrospective thoughts, the comfort that is delivered makes us feel right at home. The opening single, "Got High, Too High," immediately sets the tone of stimulating inquisitiveness that is both thought-provoking and indulging simultaneously. There are many layers that seamlessly evolve from one song into another. Fourth Born has a way of taking the soothing elements he fashions and producing a welcoming ambiance that clamps onto us like a bear hug, even when speaking about the frailer moments faced in a lifetime as he does in, "One More Day." In a composition that portrays both a minimalistic and intricate soundscape, the impeccable use of timing and spatial hues is poignant. It allows the down moments to infiltrate your headspace as you simmer in the tantalizing energy that Fourth Born portrays as his fervent tenors back him up on the sonic battlefield. "Dancing Shoes" offers an uplifting light in which we can feel the passion overflowing from this piece. As Fourth Born demonstrates the enthusiastically encouraging lyrical content that has us moved by expressive motifs such as "I been lookin' everywhere for somethin' I could say to you to get ya back on your dancing shoes," we notice that his intentions are to motivate the ones around him; even in their down moments encountered. Touching on themes such as a sense of belonging, unity, love, loss, and finding oneself, the content that Fourth Born explores is an emotional connector that has us relating to the experiences depicted. The title track "Snow" is a primitive example of how Fourth Born addresses numerous sensations such as melancholy, ease, optimism, and realism that simmer through the rhythmic essence of each song's unraveling. There is no better way than to finalize the project with a purely instrumental track that allows us to sit in the moments we were able to embrace through the EP of, 'Snow.' The fluidity that drips from this outro titled "Carried Away" sums up the quintessence of James Stephens as he embodies the moniker of Fourth Born. Being a self-produced artist, many projects are underway for Fourth Born as his fan base can expect to see releases throughout 2021. For now, we can bask in "Snow" as we dream of warmer days. We love the acoustic ensembles that you deliver on “Snow.” Could you please take us into what the overall concept is that lies beneath the collection of songs? The 'Snow' EP is a collection of songs based around the concept of love and loss. I put this EP together as a means to cope with some difficulties in my life and the lives of my loved ones. I also wanted to release this raw acoustic sound to represent the solitude that a lot of people are enduring due to the pandemic. I set out to capture the raw emotions of loss, and solitude. The beginning track was written right after the pandemic began, and I lost my performance career. It’s sort of a heartbreaking song about my departure from my lifestyle and aspirations at the time. I had a modest career going, but it was steadily progressing and it was an exciting time for me living in Toronto! With yourself being the main source of creativity and technicality, how long did it take you to create the body of work? In regard to technicalities, this ep only took about a week and a half to complete. It’s a live-off-the-floor concept so the performance took a short while - with some additional time for mixing to capture the authentic vibe I was going for. Realistically though, it’s about ten years in the making. A couple of these songs were written when I was as young as 17 years old. Others were written within the last five years between the ages of 20-26 years old. Are there any moments or realizations that stand out to you when you think back to the creation period of 'Snow?' I realized that producing raw acoustic content can be quite satisfying. There is minimal production value in this ep - so I was drawn back to the importance of stripped-down songwriting and how much weight it can carry without all the bells and whistles. I didn’t start learning production until I was around 21 years old. Before then I was just writing songs on my acoustic guitar with no means to get them in any tangible form. So it’s nice to have acted as a producer for my younger self for this EP. A goal I set long ago and have now accomplished! It’s a good feeling for sure. Out of the five songs showcased on this EP, “Carried Away,” is the only instrumental piece. We love this concept! What was running through your head when you created it? What was the reasoning behind this? I wrote this song when I was around 17 years old. Honestly, I was just running through the motions. It started off as more of an exercise for me while I was practicing guitar. I mostly practiced guitar by coming up with stuff and then practicing it over and over until I had perfected it. This piece of music contains a lot of rhythmic licks and progressions I had been playing with around that time. I ended up playing it at a family function and my uncle had heard it. He was excited about the music and explained to me that it felt like he was being ‘Carried Away’ in a casket at a funeral. I was excited that it had inspired him so much to envision such a powerful moment within the music. I never recorded it, even on a handheld recorder. But I always remembered it because he would get me to play ‘Carried Away’ as he put it, anytime I had a guitar in my hand from that point forward. You mention that you have numerous projects set to be released this year! We’re extremely excited about that! What can your audience expect in terms of sounds and themes achieved? Of course! It’s been a long time coming. And I’m honestly just so happy to be able to freely release anything and everything at this point. Being your own producer definitely has its pros. I will be releasing another album/ep that’s based around my song ‘Know your Place’ which is released on streaming platforms now. It has a dark, alternative rock sound to it, and it carries a vibe of heavy melancholy with textured swelling movements within. I want to get this one out there soon since a lot of the songs were written along with ‘Know your place’ a year and a half to two years ago. I’ve also got some more upbeat release concepts on the way which I’m very excited about. These ones are more geared toward my song ‘Last Cigarette’ which is released right now under fourth born as well. For anyone following my music - Hopefully, they don’t get whiplash. I like to switch things up a bit - Keeps my creativity flowing. But I’m doing my best to consolidate my different approaches to songwriting and vibes to their own albums. 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