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Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, multitalented artist Darrell Kelley began his music career as a Gospel recording artist before his music tastes began to evolve into more of a contemporary R&B Hip-Hop style. In addition to being a performer, singer, and songwriter, Darrell is an influential social activist, spiritual leader, author, and entrepreneur. With his most recent release, “Be Strong (Dedicated to Asian Americans),” Darrell is using his vast platform to shine a light on America’s systemic injustice that is experienced daily by minorities. “Be Strong (Dedicated to Asian Americans)” delivers flavors of R&B soul with its jazzy piano layered within a smooth trap beat. Vocally, Darrell gives his fans a taste of everything from passion-filled soprano verses to harmonic tenors. As he flows effortlessly between each verse, his silky voice radiates an assertive urgency that relays his messages of justice. When it comes to the songwriting behind “Be Strong (Dedicated to Asian Americans),” Darrell hooks the listener with a powerful lyricism that spotlights the racism towards Asian Americans that exists in America today. Speaking of a horrific event that targeted Asian Americans, Darrell writes the gut-wrenching phrase, “Asian Americans didn’t have to die, then you had the nerve to say that the killer was having a bad day.” Through each symphonic stanza of “Be Strong (Dedicated to Asian Americans),” Darrell Kelley is relaying an important message to victims of racism to “stay strong and keep the faith.” What was your main inspiration when writing “Be Strong (Dedicated to Asian Americans?)” I’ve written that song because I don’t think anyone should be killed or attacked because of the color of their skin or nationality. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, we should not have to be afraid to live in America. Hate is not welcome and won’t be tolerated! That’s why I wrote the song -- because I want to show my love and support to our Asian American community. As an artist who stands up against social injustice, you must receive mixed feedback from certain listeners. How do you deal with people who disagree with your cause? Why do you choose to fight this important fight? I honestly do not care about what people think about me because I know in my heart that there is nothing but pure love. If you disagree with me that is your own opinion and I’ll pray for you and I’ll continue to fight against those who hate. If there is one message that you hope fans will hear when listening to your music, what would it be? Respect each other, love each other and appreciate one another because life is too short. As a performer, singer-songwriter, social activist, spiritual leader, author, and entrepreneur you are a very busy man! Can you tell us about what it’s like to juggle these responsibilities? Sometimes I pray to God to make me a superhero so that I could tackle every topic in every situation that I write and sing about. I always try to keep the faith, which is what keeps me going. Instagram Facebook

Inspired by the survival of joy within the current onslaught on negativity, Light Warriors channels the subtle realms in every note, raising their collective frequencies and bringing love into action through a singular sound that blends Rock, Funk, and Reggae. With global indie sensibilities that are both familiar and free of boundaries, their music transmutes energy that invokes uplift from the hopeless mundane and instills peace within and deep connection to our global human family. With the latest release of their most recent album, 'Book of One,' Light Warriors have provided listeners with nine versions of their soul-captured single, "One." Fueling a soundscape that is passion-driven with golden saxophone notes, tightly woven drum patterns, and eccentric bliss that pushes boundaries on any genre stereotype, Light Warriors have cast a reel into the pond of melismatic effervescence and placed it in the ears of the beholder. The ambiance that is radiated through their captivating performance sits in a euphonious spotlight of well-vocalized impressions. Capturing their ambitious quintessence in the kingdom of superlative soul-powered ballads, the harmonies that lay in the depths of "One" have us absorbed in a pool of self-reflection. The amalgamation of sounds fostered explore a universe that individuals wouldn't think to go naturally. They fashion a path of musical optimism in a world where reality and pessimism are often looked at as the first choice. The prevailing tenors that seep from "One" allow each element reminiscent of a specific genre to pop in its individualistic manner. Without giving an ounce of their integrity up, Light Warriors crafts a message that has their fan base gravitating towards their every move. In your own words, what does this song mean to you? Steven Jean Baptiste (Drums): This song symbolizes the significance of Unity. Everyone on earth talks about peace and love and coming together to make the world a better place. This song is like the idea that will create the “spark” for that notion to grow like a flame so to speak. Unified experiences and feelings bringing us together as “One” to do the work we all dream of which is far greater than just world peace...since everyone has a different perspective of what that looks like! Kris Brewer (Saxophone): Oneness can express individuality or it can represent a unified collective. The perception of Oneness is relative to the beholder. For me, this song expresses how we are all One, regardless of culture, race, sexual orientation, sexual identity, religion, physical/mental limitations, gender, or age. We are all part of the human family. Erik Rabasca (Guitar/Vocals): The song is almost a melodic mantra. For me, oneness represents all living systems, human, animal, ecological, energetic. And humanity has to recognize the interdependence of all life. So, the “Book of One” release is a blueprint for humanity healing itself and getting right with Earth, who will kill us off if we keep destroying her. With our version and the poetic interpretations of all of our guest feature artists, a wide range of topics from reparations, spirituality, unity in diversity, destructive generational cycles, politics and war, and divinity are all weaved into a cohesive story. Like the lyric, we want to be a part of a “collectively transforming community.” What does your typical creative process consist of? Was it similar or different for the creation of “One?" SJB: My personal creative process is much different from how “One” was created. I usually start with creating a groove and letting that create the lyrics. But “One” was created with a communal flow of brainstormed ideas that came out naturally. To be honest, the song was made so easily together that I can’t pinpoint the actual progression of the song’s development. Thinking back now, I’d have to say it must’ve been like the Big Bang theory, creation out of nothing but a jam. And then music fell into place. The rhythm section started playing a random groove. Kris on Sax followed and so did Erik on guitar. Before we knew it, we had this collective mellow sound pumping through the veins of the band. KB: Transcription and transposition are usually how I create. I take a lot of time to listen deeply to the initial track or demo recording. I transcribe as many melodic and harmonic options for the song as I hear and test what works. What’s tricky for horn players is that I have to transpose the song key to ensure my instruments which are designed in Bb and E will play in key, will match the song. I seek to support the vocals when necessary, add harmony when possible, and look for empty spaces to fill or solo when appropriate. ER: Each song is different in how it’s written. It was basically a solo project for the first couple of albums. For “One”, it was really a group collaboration on how it all came together. During recording sessions, each instrument came together pretty easily and found the groove. Then, as I was mixing, I started sampling everyone’s vocals in the chorus to give it that multi-layered rhythmic effect. Some 70s Jamaican dub-influenced the sound with the delays and reverb shots. For “Book of One”, we kept inviting guest artists to participate and before we knew it, we had innovation on the single with nine versions of the song. We stripped vocals and sent them to the guest artists to drop in their verses. When we got their verses back, we started stripping apart the original music and rebuilt the songs around each artist. Each version of “One” became its own universe. Lyla June’s version felt more earthy to match her tone. Kwadjo SPiRi’s more spoken word-hop version was an exciting creative challenge because he wanted us to dialogue, so I had to find spots in his poetry to thread the narrative with my own thoughts. Sydney Salmon’s epic reggae version came together after we kept evolving it together back and forth over a couple of months. Mistaish and Shane Digital both constructed entirely new instrumentals. I then mixed in our rearranged vocals, dubbing out parts with that Jamaican dub approach. It was a joyful process. Stenny Sten and Steve’s version was reconstructed with new instrumentation after they dropped their verses in. Rebuilding all versions felt more like a painter using new brushes and color combinations. With numerous tracks on 'Book of One,' titled “One,” what was your thought process when bringing this idea together? How long did this concept take? ER: It happened very organically and only could have happened with the backdrop of the pandemic. When in the course of history has every person on Earth been afflicted by the same thing? So it was a pure flow state, that group mind type of vibe, that birthed an international collaboration with artists all sharing conscious and spiritual perspectives of Oneness. We had recorded the Light Warriors version pre-pandemic in February 2020. Then the pandemic slowed down the album we were working on. But in the wake of George Floyd, we wanted to do something to support the larger Black Lives Matter movement. So we released an earlier mix of “One” on Juneteenth exclusively on Bandcamp to raise money for NAACP Legal Defense Fund and The Brotherhood/Sister Sol. Then we just started asking friends to contribute and by end of January, the nine versions were recorded, mixed. Mastering was done by my friend Dave O’Dell who really brought out the details beautifully. I was connected with most of the feature artists. Lyla June, Kwadjo SPiRi, Sydney Salmon, and I all met on a peace and spirit delegation to Ethiopia back in 2018. Shane Digital, Mistaish, David Culture, and I all knew each other from a group I toured in called Trumystic in the mid-'00s. Ish co-produced the last Light Warriors album, Raise The Frequency, and my first solo record. So there’s family and ONEness in commUNITY with Book of One. And as word starts to spread, we’re hearing Book of One is not only innovation on the single (with the album’s length narrative and song reconstructions) but is potentially an industry first. I’m keeping my feet on the ground though (laughs). The one artist I didn’t personally know was Stenny Sten. Steve mentioned something about having bars at a rehearsal one day and I was like, “YES! I want to hear those bars!!!” And he invited his brother Stenny to the party and their version is BRILLIANT!!! SJB: For the version with Stenny Sten, we listened to the instrumental for a while after it was created. We allowed the beat along with the direction of the chorus to guide our lyrics into fruition from what we felt in our listening. ER: Their version (One feat. Stenny Sten and Steven Jean Baptiste) is pure fire with the depth of spirit. A definitive poetic statement. And as blazing as theirs is, is as serene and otherworldly as Kris’s version is. KB: I sought to mimic the original instrumentation with my own instruments. I wrote out a saxophone quartet (soprano, alto, tenor, & baritone saxophones) that I had floating around in my head as the Book of One concept started coming together. I added a fifth clarinet part, some last-minute melodica. Erik added some percussion and a crazy string instrument and the result was simply amazing. How would you like “One” to be perceived by your audience? KB: I would like for the world to receive “One” as an anthem, for everyone to know and sing. Oneness applies to all humans on Earth and should be seen as our One common bond, even if we are polar opposites in every way. To be “One” is universal. SJB: Yeah I agree. And I’d like the audience to dance to the groove of “One,” allowing the energy of it to take them on a journey within. Everyone internalizes everything differently, but the core essence of that notion alone shows a commonality we all share and can recognize, as One! What's next for Light Warriors? SJB: We’d love to know what you think is next for us! Other than that, more music is coming, that’s for sure. We have a new album in the work.s KB: And we have more gigs coming shortly as things are slowly opening up. But, what I personally hope for Light Warriors in the future is for us to continue spread awareness, love, and refreshing music in this sometimes harsh, cruel world. Because we are all in this together, on this One world. ER: Amen to that! This is the year of Oneness! Also, earlier this year, we became Ambassadors to WhyHunger’s Artists Against Hunger and Poverty program.WhyHunger was co-founded by Harry Chapin back in the ‘70s. The organization is amazing and we’re proud to be part of their family. So, we’re going to keep spreading awareness of food insecurity and try to raise money for their efforts. Half of all Bandcamp sales will be donated to fighting the rise food insecurity crisis we’re facing as a result of the pandemic. We’d love to maximize our donation on the next Bandcamp Friday on April 2. So if everyone can go to www.lightwarriors.bandcamp.com and buy the Book of One, we can help feed some people who really need it. We hope to do more fundraiser shows and releases. Instagram

Emerging Hip Hop duo Scintilla hail from South England, with a sound that tips a hat to the likes of production wizard Mike Dean (Travis Scott) while illuminating and acknowledging their plethora of inspirations and attitudes from the 21st century. Up until recently, they took their talents to create beats as jesting gifts for their mates. After seeing their potential, they mutually decided that Scintilla would take the name for the pair's future work. Fresh off of the release of the single and music video for "Hillside," Scintilla takes an animated approach to the visual concept as the harmonious utopia of dreamy soundwaves infiltrates the speakers in the sonic offering of this release. "Hillside" thrives in a buoyant atmosphere that chimes into the blithe liveliness dancing throughout the instrumentation. Still fixating upon the heavy bass elements, the manner in which the musical arrangement delves into numerous emotions stirred is noteworthy. With the reverberated vocalization of Scintilla washing over you in one fell swoop, you're whisked away by the flowing timbres that glisten in an effervescent tone. The animation embodying the film component allocates hues of mauve and gold as Scintilla cruises the streets in a warm cityscape, vibing to their sound with the top down. Combining the brilliant versatility of emcee-like verses with wistful tenors radiated in the head-bopping chorus, the way that the visual and sonic components pair together is a match made in heaven. You're pulled into the mesmerizing allure that a series of limited scenes with few special effects deliver instead of dragging your attention to the various quick-cut scenes that some choose to opt for. Scintilla continues to establish their name through a unique sound that allows musical influences to speak into their music while creating a lane that is entirely their own. The approach is taken in "Hillside," which allows the song to brilliantly glow as we get lost in the therapeutic appeal provided listeners. The concept of the music video fits into the soundscape so effortlessly; we love it. When did you know that would be the approach you would take towards the music video? Harry: We wanted to write a hopeful and inviting new tune, and whilst the restrictions here in the UK still permit us from having our full amount of freedom, we wanted Hillside to paint a picture of what we will one day have again. We wanted to bring the track to life by adding in some narrative, so we chose a small story about two characters who are constantly one step ahead of each other. Peter expanded on the chorus’s narrative and took it in a variety of different directions during his verses, incorporating some twisty-turny phrases that stay creatively relevant. We wanted to reflect some of our narrative subjects through the use of effects, see how many you can spot! You worked with Tash Tully in order to create eye-catching visuals. How was this collaborative experience? What was it like working with one another? Scintilla: It was a pleasure working with Tash on this project. She really understood the aesthetic we were looking for with the track and was able to bring our ideas to life in a brilliant way! From the beginning, we were envisioning a nostalgic Miami-esque setting, full of rich purples and blues to contrast against the bright orange sunset peeking over the hills. On top of this, to have our own custom avatars driving through this striking scene is amazing, and a nod to the lyrical content in the song. So yeah, we’re very happy with the visuals and the way it gels with the feel of the track! Could you please take us into what the creative process looked like when fashioning together such a warm vibration as exuded in “Hillside?" Harry: When I started writing Hillside, I wanted to go simple, so I chose fairly basic chord progression and then spiced it up with some alterations at the end of each phrase, it was a loop that felt natural to… keep looping! After layering some parts and putting the beat together, the chorus just came naturally, and it acquired this summery sound. Peter sent over his ideas from his studio, and the verses were created. After more tinkering and mixing, we decided to get in touch with producer Tom Waterman, who mastered our track and brought out all of the good stuff! This was our first mix with Tom, and would highly recommend Hip Hop artists to take note! In terms of themes and messaging, what are you hoping that your listeners take away from this release? Scintilla: As our second single, we wanted to start showing our listeners that our music is able to shift and transform depending on our narrative. Our previous single Nothing On This delivered a more aggressive tone. We wanted to enter the music world with a bit of edge, but now we’re showing that we’re here to deliver some good vibes too. We’re always sharing different music with each other as musicians, so it’s hard to predict how future material will sound, but we like to maintain some elements - hard bass, heavy beats, soulful overtones, and breezy raps. This new track was sort of supposed to paint a picture of the summer. Here in the UK, we’re just coming out of our third lockdown, so we felt that a sunny track with some warmth yet a strong rhythmic pulse would be our listener’s doorway to more exciting, sunnier, happier times. What's next for you? Scintilla: We’re really happy with Hillside, so right now our efforts are going into this. We’re interested in trying to try and start off a summer trend with people sharing our tune amongst nostalgic summer videos. If you’re reading this and do possess some nostalgic, summery photos or videos, we’d love to see Hillside as your soundtrack! Email: scintillamusicuk@gmail.com Instagram Facebook

Frances Praet is a singer-songwriter based out of Nashville, TN. Having written and produced the entirety of her catalog thus far, she continues to write and produce for herself as well as other artists in the industry. Her music incorporates elements of classic rock and modern Americana, providing a unique blend that pulls from nostalgia and her southern roots. Soothing elements of effervescence surge through our speakers in a way that has Frances Praet glowing in an illuminating light of vibrancy. Her most recent single, “I Would,” plays upon a colossal atmosphere that tackles innovative and nostalgic components in the instrumentation simultaneously. Enormous drum hits ricochet as we sense an intriguing universe come to life with the utilization of 80’s style primitive synths syncopating for an electric spark in the way the buoyancy is portrayed in the ambiance. Frances Praet uses this canvas to elegantly flow her robust timbres drenched in authentic experiences as she guides us effortlessly through powerful keynotes in her lyrics such as, “cause I would. I’d risk everything that we are now.” Using her words to cast a spellbinding effect in the emotions she genuinely feels, Frances Praet allows us to match the intensity of her heart as we tap into a narrative that has her falling for someone who may not know it yet. The method in which she conveys this message sends reminiscent hues of our own past experiences to the front of our minds as we catch ourselves riding the wave of Frances Praet’s vintage soundscape. Dangling “I Would” before her fan base, we encourage you to embrace the warmth that Frances Praet radiates in this emotion-filled ballad. We truly adore your latest single, “I Would.” Could you please take us into the creative process in order to bring such an intimate song t your listeners? Thank you so much! This song was so fun to create. I think a lot of songwriters experience the struggle I do where it's so easy to write a sad song, but upbeat songs aren’t cultivated as naturally. This one came fairly easily to me, though. I’d played around with the idea of saying something along the lines of ‘I would if you would for a while, but one day the pieces just came together in my head and the song wrote itself in about 10 minutes! That’s how I know it’s one I want to record - most of the time, the easier it comes to you the easier it is on the ears. Being multifaceted in your artistry must mean that you endure various creative processes. Do you have a specific part of a progression that you enjoy more than the rest? Why? I am first and foremost a songwriter and musician, it’s truly my therapy and how I’ve always processed everything in my life from a young age. However, I find so much fulfillment in producing at this point in my life! I’ve had the privilege of working with my dad, J. David Praet, who has produced and engineered for over 40 years now. I’ve learned so much more about that process in the past few years from him, and there is truly nothing like the feeling of being satisfied with what you’ve created after so many intensive hours of work. As we take a trip down memory lane, could you please share with us the way you have grown as an artist from your first release to the release of “I Would?" My first release felt so delayed in my mind - like I said I’ve been writing and playing since I was 8 years old, so I felt like I had so much to share with the world and it could not come out soon enough. Most of the songs on my first album had been written for years, so I put a lot of pressure on myself to produce them in a way that would do them justice. With “I Would,” there was a lot more freedom to play around with elements I hadn’t used before (like the Simmons SDS-V - the quintessential '80s drum machine inherited from my dad). This song definitely moved more in the pop direction, but I feel I was able to progress in my artistry while also staying true to the sound I created on my first album! What are you hoping that your fan base takes away from the message you send out in “I Would?" I want people to listen to this song and find the confidence to say how they feel! I live by the philosophy that you will never know if you never try, and you can’t be upset with someone for something they don’t know. Life is way too short, so tell people you love them - I would! Instagram Facebook

After swooning audiences in coffee shops, bars, and opens mics, the LA-based singer-songwriter Daniel Blake felt all the more inspired to set out onto his solo career. Now releasing his sophomore EP, 'Jakarta,' Blake shares tragic heartbreak stories in all its forms. Through his eclectic melodies, authentic finger-picking, and genuine lyricism, Daniel Blake caught the attention of Producer Bill Lefler, who later produced Blake's recent EP, 'Jakarta.' While sharing rather vulnerable and personal stories of heartbreak and navigating through the turmoil, Daniel Blake offers emotionally-rich performances throughout the EP that are more than memorable. Opening the EP is the intro track, "Heartbreaker," setting the tone with lush drum patterns, short acoustic finger-picking, and Daniel Blake's velvet vocals. Originally written as a tribute to Tom Petty, Blake fuelled this song with incredible alt/folk instrumentation that drifts through with ease and solace. Moving through the song, a somber violin begins soaking our speakers in cinematic emotional catharsis alongside a bright and fluttery piano melody, emphasizing the tender and delicate emotions that continually linger within. As Daniel Blake's background vocals serenade us towards the ethereal outro, the song comes to a soothing and gentle end. The EP's second track, "Goin' Home," softly begins with another lush and celestial sonic atmosphere with pulsating synth melodies, sparkling electric guitar hums, and a blissful lead piano. Once Daniel Blake's harmonically-rich vocals enter the song, he offers another compelling performance as he sways and drifts alongside the fluid sonics and instrumentals. While Blake begins singing of his roots and those who comfort him, he later reminds us of personal relationships and their importance, as they bring out our very best selves. Peacefully moving towards the outro, Daniel Blake vocally comforts his listeners until the song's very last beat. Onto the EP's title track, "Jakarta," the song and project were named after the world's fastest sinking city, meant to represent the acceptance and fate of a plundering relationship. While the song opens with serene acoustic guitar picking, dreamy background pads, and soft piano melodies, Daniel Blake makes his vocal appearance. He begins depicting saddening scenes of a relationship that sinks deeper into the ground below. With the addition of a melancholy electric guitar melody, the song later transforms into this blend of folk, country, and alternative. As Daniel Blake leads us to the outro, the song ends with a heightened sense of emotion through each tender element. Opening the next track, "Where'd You Go," are soft and transcendent synth melodies, a filtered electric guitar, and Daniel Blake's lush vocals. Moving deeper into the song, we're met with steady electronic drums at a down-tempo pace, emphasizing Blake's overwhelming emotions. While singing of a failed relationship told from two different and valid perspectives, Daniel Blake delivers deeply gut-wrenching and personal lyricism that pulls us towards the EP's concept and storyline. Once the song starts to close, Daniel Blake's layered vocals serenade us with the heavy emotions of a broken heart as we land upon the last track of the EP. Reaching the project's last track, "Freeway," Daniel Blake ends the EP on a note of freedom and hope. Getting into a more profound and conceptual lyrical story through this piece, Blake mentioned that he was inspired to create this piece after noticing the various trailer parks on his long drives back to Pheonix. While singing of two lovers who desire freedom and getting away from their small town, we can't help but feel a greater sense of hope through Daniel Blake's uplifting vocals, lyricism, and serene instrumentation. A soothing and transcendent array of synths/pads heighten the song's delicate atmosphere while ending the project off with boundless hope throughout the last minute. Catch Daniel Blake's emotional sophomore EP, 'Jakarta' on all digital streaming platforms, and allow the singer-songwriter to help you heal those tiresome inner wounds. We highly appreciate the relatable concept you've developed for your recent EP, 'Jakarta.' When did you begin writing songs and creating ideas for the project? The tracks we recorded for 'Jakarta' were sort of a mixed bag of old and newer songs that were all near and dear to my heart. ‘Goin’ Home’ was the oldest song. I had been playing it around LA for a couple of years which made it one of the more difficult songs to re-arrange. What was it like working with producer Bill Lefler when creating your EP, 'Jakarta'? Since you've worked together before, would you say there's creative chemistry between the both of you? Bill is great to work with and has become a really close friend. I trust his judgment and like to give him the opportunity to run free as much as possible. We both like to tinker around with different ideas—building off one another. Seeing as the songs within 'Jakarta' are incredibly emotional and surround themes of heartbreak, is there a song that's your favorite and closest to your heart? I had been thinking about the song ‘Freeway’ for a couple of years before committing to writing the lyrics. It took a long time before I felt satisfied with the story. It’s definitely a track I am most proud of. What did the behind-the-scenes creative process look like for 'Jakarta' between you and your fellow creatives? How did you and your team find the most fitting instrumentals and atmospheres to match your lyrical themes? It's sort of a balancing act. There is always the impulse to go with obvious instrumentation: drums, guitar keyboard, strings—which all are all fine choices for accompanying a song. At the same time, we wanted to create art within art. Sort of an organized chaos behind the lyrics that work to catch your attention. The process consisted of experimenting with a lot of different sounds thru various pedals, then organizing them in a way that made the most sense. How does your debut EP 'Circle Mountain' contrast your recent EP, 'Jakarta'? Have you noticed any personal growth since the release of your debut project? 'Circle Mountain' was extremely scary for me. I think it had something to do with making decisions when you’re not sure if they are the right decisions. I wasn’t sure who I was as an artist and I felt like ‘Circle Mountain’ would be a defining moment. I am extremely proud of that EP and I feel like I learned a lot through the whole experience. 'Jakarta' was much easier because I didn’t feel all the same pressure. I was just creating more content for my fans. Instagram

Emerging Neo-soul/R&B artist Alizée hails from Sydney, Australia, with an undeniable set of skills. Singing from the young age of four, she has been creating her own music for the past three years, with no sign of letting up. Drawing her subject matter upon the topics of feeling inadequate through the various styles of relationships created in your life; whether that be romantic, a friendship, or even certain family issues, Alizée navigates our focus to her most recent EP, ‘Girls & Rhythm.’ Five tracks captivating the authentic talents of Alizée are on display while we dissect the vintage dream Pop elements of the introductory single, “Drive Away.” Collaborating forces with Florida-based production wizard Lemonah, the nostalgic wave of “Drive Away” washes over us in a copious glaze of euphonious bliss. The crooning elements that Alizée’s vocals explore add a titillating sense of mystery that pull you towards the alluring sense of her resonant echoes. Glimmering in the hues of the instrumentation, the retro feel of the ambiance immerse us in a reflection of throwbacks that easily has you wavering through the eras. “Drive Away” captures a soul-infused offering that drips in the presence of Alizée’s timeless energy fueled melodies. Casting out a soothing appeal that has you drifting away to the starry-eyed atmosphere of her creativity, the lyrical motif that has us eagerly amped up is “and I’ll drive away, drive away, imma leave you here in the big city.” As we attach ourselves to the wistful voyage that Alizée is, in fact, allowing us to venture on with her, we sense the vivid imagery that her lyrics bring to life. If “Drive Away” foreshadows the depth and abstract approach that is to come on the ‘Girls & Rhythm’ EP, we are fully committed to the passage and destination that is both thought-provoking and solicitous from the emerging artist herself. We love the sounds explored in the retro atmosphere of “Drive Away.” What does this particular song reflect in the messaging, and why did you find it important to open up your EP, ‘Girls & Rhythm?' 'Drive Away" was written about a special person in your life constantly changing and shifting their emotions towards you. Lemonah a producer I work very closely had produced this really nice retro-style instrumental that made us feel like we were driving down a big city and straight I started humming '' and il drive away, drive away'' and it all just flowed from there. I won't spend too much time on a song if it's not flowing then il move on and with drive away it just came so easily to me. I decided to open the EP with drive away just because it felt fun, honest, and super melodic. I'm singing about something that actually happened to me and I just thought it was nice how the lyrics contrasted the production aspect of the song. The collection of songs on ‘Girls & Rhythm,’ touch on the foundation of inadequacy in relationships. What encouraged you to delve into such a unique subject for the five songs on this project? The reason why I wrote a lot about feeling inadequate in a relationship was that that's how I felt at the time quite literally haha and not only in romantic relationships but also just as an individual struggling with finding confidence within yourself and that sabotaging your friendships or relationships. I just wanted to shed light on that and help anyone who feels the same way. Could you please take us into the creative process of the calming introductory single “Drive Away?" What was it like working with Lemonah to achieve the desired sound of this specific single? Lemonah is incredible to work with. How I usually work is il either send a playlist of songs I'm loving or il create a skeleton made from loops and il send that over. With "Drive Away," I had sent a playlist of songs that felt super bouncy, retro, and fun. He had sent me back the instrumental and straight I had this vision in my head of myself driving down a big city with bright lights and all these colors. and it all flowed from there haha How do you feel that ‘Girls & Rhythm’ holds up to previously released work in your music catalog? I'm gonna be honest my EP '' Girls & Rhythm'' feels like a step forward from my previous work but as an artist, I feel I'm constantly growing and changing at a really fast pace. I'm really proud of this body of work but I will say I have a lot more to come and just more sophisticated work. Instagram

VX VEGA is an artist from Los Angeles County who focuses primarily on creating Hip-hop music in many subgenres. His motive for doing so is mainly for self-expression, but VX VEGA also likes to be playful with his releases. Incorporating fun into his tracks makes it, so not every one of his songs carries an underlying meaning. Sometimes it is exactly what it seems to be. His life as an underprivileged youth plays a bit of a role in his lyrics as well. From not having things he wished he'd had to not even knowing how the next day would pan out for him and his family, VEGA's sound is a mixed bag, so you almost never know what you'll get until you get it. Tapping into his most recent release for his highly anticipated album, 'CRVXH,' we take our attention to the tenth song featured on this project. "KTA/LEONARDO" submerges you in the murky waters of VX VEGA's dark sound. The lyrical dexterity he flaunts is chalked full of witty quips and abstract phrasing that allows his point to be steered in the direction of each listener. The hunger that bellows from his unrivaled vocalization has you hanging on to each word he sheds, as the minimalistic instrumentation creates the uncanny framework for the bass to pulsate upon. Colliding with a thesis of empowerment, the lyrics that VX VEGA dives into are vastly direct, with extensive navigation through the intrapersonal layers of his mindset. Taking away the fierce distinction that immediately makes it known that VX VEGA is about to dominate the track, we can't help but feel amplified with confidence as we take in his musical masterpieces. Shaping his sound by allowing the musical influence of Tyler the Creator and Gucci Mane to inspire his forward progression in conveying a message, we love the manner in which VX VEGA carves out a solidified lane of his own. Giving listeners a taste of what to expect from this album, "KTA/LEONARDO" takes the helm of VX VEGA's ship. We are excited to chat with you about “KTA/LEONARDO.” With the abstract wording that you use to get your message across, what is the meaning layered into this song? Well, the full meaning is completely up to the listener because I had a lot going thru my mind during the writing process and it was all a bunch of shit I hate about the different aspects of life. How long did it take you to create this song? Did anyone help contribute to the heavy-hitting energy we hear portrayed? It took me about an hour or less to write it, then about an hour to record it, then a total of about 5 hours mixing and mastering it to my liking over the course of several different days because I’d take breaks in between so I wouldn’t lose my sanity over it lol. I did everything except make the beat. The only way anyone else helped/contributed was by being the absolute garbage that I talked about in the song. What does the album, 'CRVXH,' say about you as an artist? If I had to guess what this album says about me is that I’m not just a 1-dimensional artist that only makes songs about being cool. But it’s all up to the listener's interpretation. What are you hoping that your listeners take away from the collection of songs offered on 'CRVXH?' I was hoping they’d take away the idea that I can create something with meaning behind it. What can we expect to see next from you? I have a lot of stuff after that as well. Literally made enough music to go 5 years without ever having to touch a microphone. Instagram Twitter #BUZZMUSIC

Originally from Rio de Janeiro, the London-based singer-songwriter and explorative artist Mateus de Sá releases his delicate lo-fi acoustic single, "this darkness too shall pass." Since his first release in 2019, Mateus de Sá has developed a unique and emotive hybrid sound, exploring genres like folk, pop, r&b, and hip-hop. With influences like Bon Iver, Kanye West, Jon Bellion, and Jai Paul, it's no secret that Mateus de Sá's music offers something for anyone to hold and cherish. Expanding on his latest emotional single, "this darkness too shall pass," this song is genuinely a needed breath of fresh air. While Mateus de Sá explores an alternative-folk and lo-fi bedroom-pop sound, his slightly filtered vocals create this dense space that falls through our speakers as gracefully as a summer's rain. "this darkness too shall pass" opens with soft acoustic guitar picking and samples of rainfall. While the acoustic introduction takes up a good quarter of the song, it truly sets the emotional and deep tone for the rest of the song to follow. Mateus de Sá softly begins singing an ode to the dreaded pandemic while touching on hope for a better future. About halfway through the piece, a warm lo-fi beat kicks in and accompanies Mateus de Sá's filtered vocals while he continues singing of regretting his introverted ways when social gatherings were an everyday occurrence. Reaching the song's end, we float into bliss with each tender, delicate, and calming sonic/instrumental aspect. Float along with Mateus de Sá and his latest single, "this darkness too shall pass," now available on all streaming platforms. We truly admire the genuine emotion and relatable themes you’ve placed into your single, “this darkness too shall pass.” What inspired you to create an ode to our struggles amid the pandemic? For me, like for many others, the past year has been a period of difficulties and hardship. However, it has also made me more acutely aware of all the things which I am so fortunate to have in my life, and how important it is to treasure these blessings, given that everything is always so uncertain and constantly changing. “this darkness too shall pass” has been a great way for me to put my thoughts into words and into music, both reflecting on the struggles that the pandemic has brought upon our lives, but also remaining hopeful and firm on the belief that this darkness, much like everything, shall pass – there are better days ahead. We’re truly head over heels for your emotional lyricism within “this darkness too shall pass.” Was it difficult to write such genuine and honest lyricism for this single? Or is this something you’re rather familiar with? “this darkness too shall pass” was definitely a new style of lyric writing which I hadn’t tried before. All my songs come from a personal place, but “this darkness too shall pass” is the most honest song I’ve written yet, and I allowed myself to be as introspective and vulnerable as I wanted to be in its lyrics. It was refreshing and therapeutic to be so emotionally open with this tune, and I hope the song’s emotional sincerity resonates with listeners. How did the sonics and instrumentals for “this darkness too shall pass” come about? Did you start with a jam session, or did you initially have ideas for where you wanted to take the track sonically? The first thing I came up with for “this darkness too shall pass” were the chords that underpin the song. After playing around with them for a while, I thought of the melodies and lyrics, knowing that I wanted to write an honest reflection on life during the pandemic. I settled on recording the song with a fuzzy lo-fi Indie Folk / Bedroom Pop sound, given how intimate and truthful those songs often feel to me. After that, it was just a matter of adding some bass and percussion to the mix, and most of the song was pretty much done – I wanted the track to be somewhat stripped-back, to give the central guitar and vocals room to breathe. Are soothing and emotional songs like “this darkness too shall pass” a staple for you? Or was this your first time around creating something so profound, genuine, and moving? I think all of my songs tend to have a strong emotion behind them. I put my feelings into my music and so I feel they all come from a genuine emotional place, regardless of what emotion that may be. I wouldn’t say soothing and emotional songs are a staple of my music though, at least not intentionally. The artists I most look up to are constantly exploring new sounds, styles, and moods, and this is what I enjoy doing in my own music as well. I had a great time working on “this darkness too shall pass” as it is my most honest and vulnerable song yet, and I’m excited to explore this style further in the future. What’s next for you? I’ve got lots and lots of music in the works, which I’m excited to release throughout 2021, as well as collaborations with other upcoming artists. I’m also working on a larger project, so hopefully, my first album will be out soon as well! Instagram

Emerging artist Indigo Asaá is a 26-year-old singer and rapper that has only one objective with her artistry: to display her point of view. Originally from Laurel, Maryland, Indigo Asaá was exposed to musical influences such as 90s Neo-Soul singers like Erykah Badu, Zhané, Sade, Jill Scott, and Lauryn Hill. She was also no stranger to Baltimore Club music and DC Gogo, which greatly shaped her writing style. When it comes to her rapping, her presence is compared to the likes of Noname, Rapsody, and Lupe Fiasco, as her sultry voice and melodic flow have listeners drawn to her immediately. Dipping into the striking sounds of her most recent ballad, "Why Wait (Remix)," featuring the talents of Lil Mike, we're fully immersed in the sensational sounds of her melismatic vocal timbres. The soul that trickles from Indigo Asaá's capricious persona has us floating to an ethereal universe engrossed in her consummate allure. Gliding in and out of each word she intimately exudes, Indigo Asaá tactfully pours her heart into the creativity emanated as she taps into a vulnerable sector of her being. The collaborative efforts that have us swaying from her robust tenors to the prevailing verse that Lil Mike raps is a match made in heaven for us. The vigor and imaginative styles of the two artists vary in technique but match one another in the aptitude shed. "Why Wait (Remix)" has us navigating through the outstanding lanes of splendor that Indigo Asaá reiterates through her intoxicating rhythms. Delivering compassion within a fervent offering of lyrical bliss, we find ourselves elevated to the glorious sounds that Indigo Asaá exudes so effortlessly. Surging the sound waves with buoyancy and the utmost grace, Indigo Asaá is on our list of skillful artists that unceasingly bring forth the secret sauce in whichever route they choose to explore. We admire the vibes exuded in “Why Wait (Remix).” What does this mean to you as the creator behind the masterpiece? Love and self are two of my favorite subjects to write about since both can relate to each other so well. When I wrote "Why Wait" firsthand, I was convincing a guy I was dating at the time to give love an opportunity since his past love experiences weren't so great. With relating to the same ordeals about being hurt in the past but hopeful of new introductions of love, the song was made. What made the remix better with Lil Mike was a male perspective about it as well. As I continue my musical journey, I realize that life stories and being vulnerable with yourself are great formulas for a great song. What was the inspiration that allowed this song to stem from your mind? I would say past relationships and how they ended. I'm thankful at times I had my heart broken as well as have great memories from the people I dated in the past because I'm able to speak about the duality of what love can do to a person: love can make you more appreciative of life, of people in your life and yourself. Love can also show you how much you're willing to go for a person, but love can be dangerous if you give your heart to the wrong person or you try to force it. I like my song "Why Wait" (Remix) because it is a love song about asking the listener "What's the hold up when you have a person that can potentially care for you right now?" while at the same time could be read as me being pushy about choosing me as the person to love. The song is lighthearted, but it can be interpreted in many ways, which makes writing fun. Could you please take us into what the creative process looked like when fashioning this track? On my iPhone, I have the Notes app which is filled with one-liners, short poems, etc. that I like to write at the moment. So for example, if I went on a date and it went well, I would write a short poem about it. When it's time to write a song, I go back to those different notes and try and put them together into a new song. Sometimes those short poems serve as writing prompts for me, so I can continue where I left off. I can also be inspired by different instrumentals. If I hear one I love, I play it over and over again until the words form on paper. This song was a combo of both methods. How have you noticed yourself growing as an artist from your first release to this particular song? I'm more comfortable opening up. I like it. It's still scary sometimes because I always hope and pray that whoever listens to my music, gets me or is willing to get to know me. Music gives me a chance to have a voice that I didn't think I had. Being an artist made me more empathic as well. I like looking at others for inspiration and applying the lessons and wisdom in my songs. Most importantly, I gained more confidence in my sound. What has been keeping you inspired to create music? Life in general and the success of what my music is doing keep me going. I would get emails from all over the world from people I never met saying they love it. It's humbling because I'm still very critical of myself, it can be an ongoing struggle. Receiving a positive message from a listener saying "Oh I love your song" or "I stumbled across your song from Apple Music and I downloaded it immediately" is the push for me to tell myself, "You got this!" and so I keep going. Life goes in many different directions and I know that my music will reflect that because my own life has its own ups and downs. So from that, I get joy to share with anyone that's willing to listen where I am at in life, and we can deal with those life changes together. Instagram

Beginning her music career with nothing but an acoustic guitar and a beautiful voice, Laryssa Birdseye has been dropping the jaws of listeners throughout her musical evolution into an up-and-coming Pop sensation. Armed with relentlessly powerful lyricism and a voice that rivals angels, she has toured the entire West Coast to New York, Philadelphia, Hawaii, and Minnesota, as many know her as the Taylor Swift of Portland. As much as the similarities are apparent, Laryssa Birdseye's innate talent as a songwriter and accomplished vocalist proves she is much more than the latest incarnation of eternally lovelorn female Pop artists. Delving into the latest musical venture from the thriving talents of Laryssa Birdseye, we stumble upon her debut six-track EP, "Wildfire." Being her initial debut into the genre of Pop, Laryssa Birdseye has rebranded her sound from the previously Indie Rock soundscapes most may know her for. Flexing her staple acoustic guitar, bad attitude, and cutting edge lyrics filled to the merciless brim, we have the unmatched work ethic dripping from the charisma poured into this striking project as "Wildfire" marks her first foray into a fully produced Pop sound. The entire thesis of "Wildfire" voyages around a painful heartbreak that Larysa Birdseye has recently endured. Spinning her alluring hues into a Pop masterpiece dipped in 24k gold, we commence the absorbing body of work with the preparatory single and title track, "Wildfire." Her vocalization's harmonious bliss prevailingly emerges in an Electro-Pop ambiance as Laryssa Birdseye flaunts her unremorseful persona all over this anthem of an introductory track and certified hit. Reiterating that she will rise from the ashes of this Wildfire, our attention is constantly shifting in the empowering tenors interspersed throughout this arrangement. Immediately setting the tone for the EP, we know that Laryssa Birdseye means business. "Another Stupid Love Song" carries out a vivacious atmosphere as we are fully immersed in the jaunty instrumentation that exhibits a disco-funk quintessence jumping from the speakers in an absorbing manner. Personifying her signature panache, this song takes on an exceedingly 2000's vibe, with the boisterous lyrics being performed with a sanctioning juxtaposition. Laryssa Birdseye allows her humor to trickle into the words that she emits to her audience. We love that the comedic aspect is lighthearted and allows us to relate to the emerging artist in an applicable way. Zoning in on the old school meets new school stylings that she effortlessly exudes, we love the nostalgia that simmers in her arrangements. Tapping into the musical flexibility that is sprawled in "Fuccboi," we're suddenly shifted into a universe that is driven by the enticing Trap drums at hand. The wide vocal range that Laryssa Birdseye radiates makes this listening experience redefine the phrase sonic voyage. With the top quality production elements playing upon each angelic harmony exuded, the direct phrasing that decants from Laryssa Birdseye remains that much more vibrant throughout the advancement of this track. Her direct approach to the mesmerizing hook has us singing every word right back to Laryssa Birdseye as this song exemplifies what it means to have an anthem on your project. Taking on an obscure and edgy methodology to the instrumentation of "With You," the mysterious shadows that this song navigates through is stimulating as we probe into the deep crevasses of Laryssa Birdseye's inner thoughts. As we grab our leather jacket and wear our badass attitude like it's going out of fashion, the lyrical motif of "will you let it go If I promise to behave?" jump-starts the compulsive chorus as we launch ourselves into the untroubled atmosphere that Laryssa Birdseye's talents reside in when she wrote "Wildfire." Each song endures the evolution of complexity in a tasteful array of musical cogs. At just past the halfway point of the EP, we're fully invested in how this "Wildfire" spreads. Falling into typical Laryssa Birdseye fashion, we're most definitely dancing to the beat of her own drum as we eagerly press play on the second last song, "Won't Remember Your Name." This all-out feel-good hit has you instantly out of your seat as you fully engross the triumphant vibrations that pull you out of any rut caused by someone you won't even remember next month. This track screams the rebirth of Laryssa Birdseye. Using the dismayed experience of this breakup to fuel the fire within her, we hear the roar that charges out of her as she makes a few victory laps around who she will soon forget. Reaching the final track, we close off this bittersweet chapter with the poignant ballad, "Only Human." This moment marks Laryssa Birdseye's reawakening as a Pop artist and symbolizes the closure of any toxicity left from the heartbreak faced. The somber tones detected on this record allow you to be invited into the mindset of Laryssa Birdseye as she embraces the moments in which she reacts the way any human would in this circumstance. Touching on the vulnerable sector that encourages a raw emotion to stem from the soul of Laryssa Birdseye, we realize that as much as she can laugh at the saddened moments, she will always unapologetically release her message the way she sees fit. Congratulations on the release of, 'Wildfire.' We love the project from start to finish as you expose the many layers to your craft. Undergoing a change of genres and branding, what inspired you to take this route in your career? Thank you so much! My earlier albums were a little softer, a little more filled with angst and more self-sabotage. With Wildfire, there was anger and fire to the music that needed a genre change. I’ve always loved Pop music, it just seemed like the next, sensible step for me both as a writer and performer. The way that 'Wildfire,' flows is remarkable. How did you know that you would allow yourself to get vulnerable on your debut EP into the world of Pop? I wrote Wildfire after a breakup that I felt completely burned me down. I was learning a lot about grief at the time, and all the different stages it took. I felt humiliated, betrayed, angry, sad, and furious that this person could put me through so much hurt. Wildfire is an EP hell-bent on reclaiming my power, so it took a lot of those vulnerable moments to showcase that. How long did it take for you to create and record this body of work? Was there anyone assisting you to achieve the edgy, and lighthearted sounds heard on the EP? I wrote the bulk of the songs between 2018 and 2019, and it took about 6 months to record them. It took longer to put out because I was so nervous about being so vulnerable on a project like this, and the pandemic sort of messed with everyone's schedules. I worked with my bandmates Tim Karplus and Matt Brewster, who co-produced a lot of the songs and JLR Audio Productions in the mixing process. Out of the six songs that are heard on the EP, “Only Human,” stands out as it feels that it is written from a more exposed part of your artistry. What inspired you to make that song the final one on the EP, and to give it the sound it has? Only Human is one of those songs that just came like magic to me. I wrote it on tour in New York, in my hotel room before a show. I was exhausted, I was devastated, and I was so tired of how broken my heartfelt. The song was written before I wrote it, if that makes sense. I wanted to end the album in more of a brutally honest way. That past all the anger, all the stories of triumph and power, the situation was a very bitter and difficult one. But it was a very powerful song that sealed its goodbye. How do you feel now that 'Wildfire,' is in the hands of the public? I honestly feel elated. The response I’ve received has been amazing so far, and it feels like a giant weight off of my shoulders having put it out. It was a three-year-long journey, and I’m so excited for the next year. I’ve got a lot of unreleased content and music coming, so I just feel ready to conquer. Instagram Facebook #BUZZMUSIC