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Born in Missouri, raised in Michigan, and currently residing in Chi-Town, Evan Mills is everything but your average singer-songwriter and performer. Recently releasing his tender single, "Sissy Boy," Mills brings us into an emotional and genuine concept while singing for timid gay children everywhere. The half-Filipino, gay, left-handed artist wasn't in for the typical childhood, raised by a single mom, stepdad, his gay father, and father's partner. Being surrounded by love and support gave Evan Mills the drive to let his talents flourish. More recently, Mills is currently a featured ensemble member with the Second City's National Touring Company while also part-taking in side-gigs and gearing up for his music career. Recently releasing his heartfelt single, "Sissy Boy," Evan Mills introduces us to his stylings through an incredibly endearing performance. We're taken aback by Mills' lyricism, as he depicts such vulnerable, emotional, and wildly relatable themes of growing up gay, feeling alone, and lacking knowledge of the LGBTQIA+ history and culture. "Sissy Boy" begins with a jazzy intro through warm r&b keys and down-tempo, organic drum patterns. As Evan Mills starts singing to his past self and reminding him of the adventures he will soon encounter, we can feel an incredibly raw and emotional sensation exude through Mills' soothing and broad vocal range. The instrumentation continues on a sublime note and stands side-stage to allow Evan Mills to express his heartfelt story. He takes us through various scenes of a timid and shy gay boy, watching the boys flirt with the girls in the class, wearing his mother's clothing, and reminding himself it will all be okay. Mills particularly pulls on our heartstrings with lyrics like, "Feel your best when you're alone, the only thing you've ever known." Refresh yourself with the serene and comforting stylings of Evan Mills and his recent single, "Sissy Boy," now available on all digital streaming platforms for you to savor. We are more than appreciative of such a tender and meaningful single like "Sissy Boy." Is this your first solo release? Why did you want this song to initiate your music career? This is my first solo release and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have this song represent me as an artist. It’s pretty special since it’s based on my real life. I’ve been openly gay since 2011, but before that, I was completely lost in who I was and what I was comfortable calling myself. For the longest time, I had girlfriends because I thought, well that’s what the “social norm” is telling me. That’s what the O.C. and Legally Blonde are telling me. See, even my references are gay. I grew up where there was hardly any LGBTQIA+ representation (at least that I knew of) or organization for me to reach out to if I ever felt brave enough to do so. I grew up with a gay dad which is something really unique about my relationship with my divorced parents, on top of being an only child. I didn’t even have a sibling to talk about these things with, let alone my own sexuality, so I never felt comfortable enough to tell even my closest friends. I used to try on my mom’s clothes when she was at night school, and I got called a Sissy Boy countless times by kids at school, strangers, and older adults who I now see were just sad bullies. I wanted this song to be my first single because I wanted to be vulnerable right away with whoever the listener is. I want to tell the person on the other end that it doesn’t matter what others call you, as long as you stay true to yourself. No one's opinion of you matters more than the opinion you have of yourself, so own being whoever you are, cause it took me far too long to do so myself. Was it difficult for you to reach back into your memories and call on those emotions in order to write your single "Sissy Boy?" I remember when I first started writing this song. I thought a lot about being a kid in school and remembering that I didn’t want to get caught looking at other boys. I can vividly recall one time when I was sitting in class staring out the classroom door and I saw my crush walk by. It was during class hours, so no one else was out in the hallways. So I asked for the hall pass so I could “go to the bathroom” but ended up just walking up and down the hallways, hoping to run into him. Just hoping we would pass each other for one second, make eye contact, and that was literally it. When I finally did see him, I got so nervous that I pretended to be “too cool” to say hey and didn’t make any eye contact. I think about that moment a lot and how for most of my life I treated my sexuality this same way. I spent a lot of time ignoring what I really wanted, looking the other way, and thinking I needed to fit a certain mold for society. But who cares what society thinks! I look back at that time and wish I hadn't been so afraid to be who I wanted to be all along. That I probably ended up missing out on a crucial part of growing up as the true, real me, and learning to accept who I really was at a much younger age. I wanted to write this song for myself, sure, but also for others who have or still feel that way. I want them to know that I understand what they’re going through and that I’ve got their back. Did you write and record the instrumentals within "Sissy Boy" yourself? How did you achieve such a soulful sonic atmosphere? That beautiful, soulful sonic atmosphere came from the very man behind the keys in the music video, the one, and only John Love. Damn, I love John Love. We met working together on a Second City Touring Company in Chicago, and we’ve clicked since day one. I wrote this song during quarantine, but I knew I needed instrumentals more than I was capable of doing myself. So I reached out to John Love and we met on my back porch, six feet apart, while he brought his piano and I introduced him to Sissy Boy. We sat and I sang, and he played, and we molded something incredibly beautiful together in one afternoon. I knew after that day, we had come up with something both silky and heartfelt and I loved it. It’s rare when you find someone you can work that well with. John completely understood what I was trying to say with this song, and he added the perfect instrumentals to bring it to life. Should we expect more jazzy and r&b tones within your future music, similar to the sound and style of "Sissy Boy?" I’d say I’ve got a few songs coming your way with this similar vibe and style, but ultimately, I want to keep people on their toes. I’m gonna put out music that I’m feeling or I’m vibing within the moment and I think that’s what’s going to keep people excited. I’m writing another musical (most recently I wrote Queer Eye: The Musical Parody with the incredible musician Heidi Joosten that ran in Chicago), but I’m also working on a folk (with-a-twist) EP, so I wouldn’t categorize myself into one box just yet. I hope that makes people excited and want to continue listening anyways hah What has been keeping you inspired to create music? During the pandemic, I saw myself going two ways. I could watch Netflix and binge shows I’ve already seen and learn how to make bread and adapt to front-facing comedy videos, OR...not that. Not that there’s anything wrong with that first scenario, I just knew it wasn’t going to be for me. I read a lot of autobiographies by successful artists I look up to, and I took advantage of the free time I had, knowing I wouldn’t have a period in my life like this ever again. I never allowed myself to slow down creatively and I surrounded myself with inspiring people and content. I look around at fellow LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC artists and feel inspired by the art they create. Seeing the Chicago queer art scene flourish through drag, music, film & television has only made me more hungry to create alongside them and inspire others who still feel as if they don’t have a full voice yet. Having “Sissy Boy'' speak to others and allow themselves to feel seen is all I want to do. There is only one you, so why not love you all the way. Instagram Twitter

From Seattle, WA, the Alt-Rock/Grunge project Adams Traktor returns with a heavy-hitting single and equally shattering music video entitled "Noth'en." Made up of JR Smith (guitar and vocals), Manny Elias (drums), Fernando Saunders (bass), Gregory Darling (keyboards), and Olda Kreycoves (lead guitar), Adams Traktor is continuously creating music that reminds us of prime-time grunge while fusing their lyrical content with heavily emotional and realistic messages. Speaking on their latest release, "Noth'en," Adams Traktor takes us through the heaviness and emptiness of facing loss towards anything you once valued. While the song brings blistering melodies and JR Smith's sweltering vocal performance alongside Adams Traktor's grungey and dark instrumentals, the music video perfectly places the song's emotion on a pedestal. As we press play on their single, "Noth'en," Adams Traktor opens the piece with a melancholy and grungey electric guitar melody, accompanied by a downtempo drumbeat, a soothing bassline, and eerie keyboard tones. As JR Smith powers through on the song's hook, he exclaims that he has nothing left to give after experiencing such loss and tragedy. Touching on the music video for "Noth'en," Adams Traktor perfectly highlights the soul-shattering feeling of loss through the gloomy and dazed music video. From scenes of a woman walking upon shattered glass and gazing in a broken mirror to a powerful performance by Adams Traktor, the band has delivered an outstanding and spot-on portrayal of the grueling emotions we trudge through. Don't miss out on the grit and strength of Adams Traktor, primarily through their heavily emotional single "Noth'en,' and the song's powerful conceptual music video. We truly admire the raw emotion and slice of reality you've offered us with your recent single "Noth'en." Where did you initially find the inspiration to create this heavy piece? I’ve always been a fan of dynamics in rock music, the highs and lows, the drops and crescendos, etc. so while I did not set out to write a song that went from mild nothing to absolute screaming and back again, it just kind of happened that way. The concept was lodged in my mind somewhere. Nirvana was very good at this technique, as was Alice In Chains and Soundgarden. IMO music tends to take you where it wants, I usually let it take its course and see what happens, no matter how ridiculous it seems at the time. And believe me, the screaming chorus in Noth’en seemed absolutely ridiculous when I did it the first time. Noth’en was sketched out on guitar the week Chris Cornell died, it’s based on my memory of him, my recollection of the loss of yet another great musician, perhaps the best writer and vocalist of his generation; it was the recognition of all he gave to us in his music. In many ways, it reflects the story behind the birth of a new music genre in the ’90s and the tragedy and death that came with it - more specifically, the artists that brought it to life and are no longer with us. It was inspired by a lyric Chris wrote early in his career, a lyric I can still hear. The lyric: “Nothing to say…. I've got nothing to say” came into my mind and seemed to fit the feeling I/we were all left with at his passing. A deep sense of loss and emptiness that just left me a bit numb and feeling nothing; hard to process I suppose. It’s important to note that I grew up in the State of Washington (Olympia to be more specific) and lived in Seattle all of my adult life before relocating to Prague. I lived through the Grunge era, was a DJ, musician, and huge fan of all the bands and what was going on in and around Seattle and the Pacific Northwest for that matter back in the ’90s. Those heavy riffs, distorted vocals, and emotional highs and lows that I love so much really came out more aggressively than usual in this track. How did your group work your way around the instrumentals within "Noth'en" to offer this heavy grunge and alternative space? In theory, the alternative space is where I am generally at while writing. But lots of other influences tend to creep in. I really like the minor dark chords and rhythm and chord changes on the upbeat rather than the down. That tended to get me some funny looks and more than one eye-roll from Gregory and Manny in the studio, however. I thought about turning this song down a half step - but in the end, felt it had the right feel as it was. The chords are incredibly simple so we focused all our attention on bleeding as much feeling and emotion as we could out of the song. Gregory Darling, the producer, was on the same page, maybe even more so, he added dark keyboards and coached me on some truly evil guitar riffs underneath the chorus that was in some cases an octave higher, way up the neck with crazy fingerings - you can barely discern they are there but they add an eerie effect. Fernando on bass really laid down a dreamy bass line in the verse and played around in the background to fill in the gaps and on the chorus, he just banged it out in line with the guitar… yet another layer. In the end, but actually, it was at the beginning of the process to set the tone, Manny just decided to layback on the drums and dance with the vocals. When you listen, it just weaves and impacts the way all of us played. We joked that "it’s so laid back it’s almost dragg'en”. Originally this track had a longer verse, pre-chorus, and chorus but over time was whittled down to the simplicity of just a very short melodic verse and screaming chorus. Raw simplicity! In line with the kind of raw, alternative grunge-like feel you refer to. How did you achieve this sweltering sonic atmosphere? Sorry, for the most part, I think I answered this question above. To add a little more color… In the chorus, we added some reverb and atmosphere to the vocals but most importantly everything started with an old Les Paul with P90 pickups from the ’60s and my VOX amp pushed to its max. The sound, even with no effects, was loud, dark, and growling. We then plugged in various effects, the Strymon stack was our favorite on this piece, with lots of space and verb with some compression and distortion of course. Multilayers of guitar, keyboard, and bass, often at different octaves, added to the “sweltering sonic atmosphere” as you say. Within your music video for "Noth'en," we adore the video's conceptual scenes of shattered glass, similar to a shattered mind, body, or soul. How did you initially come up with this concept? This song was meant to explore the emptiness you experience when you are faced with loss. The loss of a relationship, a friendship, a loved one, or anything you cared about or valued in your life. It’s that moment of despair and emptiness when you realize it’s gone and how much you truly valued it; it’s important in your life. It’s highly emotional. The very point where you feel the regret, the silence, the loss; the point you are left with… Noth’en... The shattered glass, darkness, the "shattered mind, body, or soul", the character, the coloration of the vid, everything leads to darkness, a disheveled mind, dealing with loss, despair, and depression. Some people are faced with these feelings based on an actual event, some sadly to say, deal with it on a daily basis for all sorts of reasons, some external, some internal, some chemical… It’s simply an emotional dark track. Speaking on your music video for "Noth'en," what was the shooting process like? Did your group take the lead for direction, or did you work with any producers/directors? We are generally very clear with respect to what the song means and what it’s about but, do like to leave room for interpretation. With that in mind, we always leave some things open-ended so the listener/viewer can create their own story and read into it what they want, within reason of course. Imagination is important. One producer came up with the verse footage, feel, general theme, and approach and we shot the chorus separately with a completely different producer. Two distinctly different approaches, much like the song. This was the intent from the beginning - to really differentiate the verse and chorus from each other. After hours and hours of cutting, pasting, and reworking, we settled on what you see now. It was down to the wire. We finalized it just a few hours before it had to go live. What can we expect to see from you throughout 2021? We released two singles off the “Quench” album in 2020 and for 2021 we’ll be releasing eight more singles. They are all completed and mastered and ready for release so it’s just about timing really. They vary in approach, one lighter track like “Time To Wake Up”, two medium more upbeat tracks, and the rest tend to lean to the darker side, heavier guitar, and even synth. I love a good industrial or heavy guitar track every now and again. We brought in an additional guitarist on a couple of tracks to add a real dark blues layer. We hope to maintain the same overall strategy and vibe with the next tracks. A few may surprise or maybe even shock you, we’ll see. Manny, Gregory, Fernando, and Olda play on all the remaining songs, and Gregory, as with the Noth’en, produced them all. instagram.com/adamstraktor

Los Angeles-native, Othrsyde has dedicated himself to the art of creating freely. Unassigned to any one genre, in particular, he uses music and performance art to express himself. His motive is to invite his audience into his perspective by pulling inspiration from Thom Yorke, Aphex Twin, and Bjork. His musical talents' unique innovation has brought an entire new craving for the fresh generation of listeners. Fusing an unmatched perception of sounds, Othrsyde delivers an alluring artistic versatility with the release of his latest single, "blasphemy." Touching on a modern twist of new wave Hip-hop meets Pop. Electronic components, Othrsyde places us in a magical universe where we quickly lose ourselves to the reverberated resonance shed. The vocalization carries a weighty dominance that shifts into themes of delicate timbres as he reiterates the message, 'Don't be so blasphemous.' A true abstract method of storytelling comes across in the lyricism that Othrsyde performs. Creating vivid illustrations, you are simply transported to your own interpretation of "blasphemy." The gravitational pull of the vocal distortion allows us to thrive in a prevailing soundscape that empowers the listener's perspective. Through the unified instrumentation execution that plays with the low-end frequencies sitting in the heavyweight class, we are opened up to the vulnerable lens that Othrsyde views certain life aspects from. By not allowing himself to cater to one genre, in particular, Othrsyde places himself in the creative realm of freedom and emotional connection. Pumping the art, like the blood pumping through his veins, Othrsyde offers more than music; he provides vitality. Congratulations on the release of, “blasphemy.” With such an abstract perspective in the lyrics that you perform, what was the story or moment that inspired the songwriting behind this piece of work? I’ve always had the idea that we as a people have lost our place in the world. Individuals tend to think they are the highest power that can be, which is unfortunate. I wanted “Blasphemy” to be a satirical play on that idea, with Othrsyde being that blasphemous person in the song. I also feel like the quarantine release of this song complimented the idea, these times have made us realize that compared to what nature is capable of, we are just visitors here. How do you get into your most creative state as an artist? What was the creative process like for, “blasphemy?" I feel as artists, our job is to bring our perspective of the world to lo light, whether or not others understand it or like it, it’s our story to share. I have my idea of how music should sound, it’s not my job to make music people already have a liking for, it’s my job to innovate music that we didn’t know existed. Anytime I sit at my desk to write I make sure that I’m being true to that, if not I won’t even put my pen to the paper. When I was in the studio & my producer was making “Blasphemy” it sounded like such a dirty beat, hard-hitting bass with an overwhelming loop, I knew I had to do something unorthodox over it, something soft that could balance it out. A year after laying down the initial melody the song sat in my files until another producer that I began to work with heard it, we resurfaced it and added the intro to it, speaking on my personal relationships growing up in LA and the mess it has been. We added some keys to the hook and it felt like a song, a year later the song was finished and ready for release. What is a common misconception that people may have of you as a creator? There are endless amounts of misconceptions about who I am, but I love all of them. I the misconceptions. I think it’s okay for every individual to have their own story made for you, it creates mystery, excitement. I want people to be on there’s toes wondering what the hell I'm going to do next. I’m going to pour my deepest secrets into my music, I’m going to tell you the darkest times I’ve ever been through, but it’s your job to interpret it. I am whoever you think I am and whether it’s good or bad, I find positivity in both. Is “blasphemy,” a representation of what we can hear from you this year? Although “Blasphemy” a year ago was a good representation of who I was, it is no longer. It was only the beginning of this story that I’m trying to tell, I’ve progressed so much since then. My sound has gone so much deeper in the direction I want it to, blasphemy has moments of that, but this new music I’m working on is fully committed to these ideas. For the last year since I’ve been working endlessly on music, I plan on putting out a full project this year & that’s where the true story will be told. I’ve been studying music history, figuring out who I wanna go down as, putting together a real old school project, a body of work that can speak for itself. Now that I’m almost done with it I can honestly say that this is 100% uniquely, Othrsyde. What is the main message you're trying to deliver as an artist through your music? I just wanna deliver me, as a message, in the most honest & vulnerable way possible in hopes that I can help listeners find them selfs. I don’t wanna be another artist that portrays an unrealistic lifestyle, I wanna be someone that brings light to everyday struggle as a confused millennial growing up in weird times, I wanna bring like to big issues and small suburban issues. I wanna be someone you can listen to and say, “wow we go through the same exact things”. Beyond my message, I hope my quality of music could show people how much effort and time I put into it & inspire other music makers to do it their way, and put in the real work. To not try and make a song that can go viral on TikTok but to make a song so special that it’s forced to live in people’s heads all over the world. Instagram #BUZZMUSIC

South Korea born, but Connecticut raised; Gun Boi Kaz is a nineteen-year-old artist meshing together Hip-hop, Pop, and Punk. He began taking music seriously after spending two years in treatment, where he used songwriting as an outlet for his thoughts. Pulling influence from artists such as, The Kid LAROI and Machine Gun Kelly, Gun Boi Kaz’s signature sound has developed into a unique medley that bends musical genres. Transferring his buoyant energy to an all-time high immersive experience, Gun Boi Kaz’s latest single, “9teen,” delves into the fierce persona that he owns so well. Creating vivid imagery for his audience to resonate with, Gun Boi Kaz graces his lyrical content with living life to the fullest and savoring every moment that the present has to offer. Allowing his vulnerability to drip into his messaging, he emphasizes the future as one of his biggest fears, and the focal point he drives home is not wanting to grow up. Through the effervescent dominance that hails from the charismatic timbres that Gun Boi Kaz exudes, we hear where his passion lies, and we see his heart shining brightly on his sleeve. With the uplifting tones in the Punk forward instrumentation, teenage angst is the culprit for the prevailing resonance that takes us deep into our nostalgia. Gun Boi Kaz effortlessly emits a canvas that reflects who he is as an artist and individual. “9teen” captures a variety of components that allow this track to thrive in its environment, fueling not only the hunger for Gun Boi Kaz but for his rapidly growing fan base taking note. Congratulations on the release of your latest single, “9teen.” With this track coming out on your 19th birthday, this also marks your first single of the year! Could you please take us into the creative process that brought “9teen,” to life? Creating 9teen was a very "in-the-moment" process. I was sitting at my desk thinking about how I was turning nineteen soon and how growing up scares me to death. I instantly started thinking about memories with friends when life was a little simpler and knew I had to make a song, right then and there. This track was the first track that I made without writing down one word; every lyric was formed from my mind on the spot. Being a team of one on the creative side, I also mixed and mastered the song myself. From quickly finding the beat online to completely finishing it, the whole track took about 4 hours to create. What was the studio session like when creating this track? The studio session while creating 9teen was very energetic, passionate, and fast-paced. Although I'm a one-man team when it comes to making music, I put every ounce of emotion into my work. This track in particular has a lot of meaning to me since, while making the song, I was experiencing a lot of determination, as well as anxiety, for my future. Despite having those feelings though, the song came to me super quick. I was recording line after line and before I knew it, I had finished the track. In fact, I was working so fast that I actually accidentally recorded a whole second verse that didn't end up making it onto the song for length purposes. How have you found yourself evolving as an artist from your first release to now? Since my first release, I've definitely been taking music in general much more seriously. Not only has my sound majorly improved and developed, but my mindset has definitely evolved into one with more drive and direction. Before, I wasn't sure if I was going to make this whole music thing work or if I even wanted to. Now I know that I need to. How do you allow your musical influences to speak into the music that you create? I've definitely pulled a lot of inspiration from artists like The Kid LAROI and Machine Gun Kelly. LAROI's whole style and sound is super sick and caught my attention right away. The energy in his tracks is something that definitely inspires my own sound. MGK's style in his pop-punk tracks is also something that definitely inspires my own works, including 9teen. What can we expect to see next from you? I have plans to release a single with another artist in mid to late February. As of now, I'll leave the other artist anonymous, but the song is one of my favorites from the many in my "unreleased" catalog. I posted a small skit to it on Instagram Reels and it gained 300k views; so I definitely think it's time for this one to drop. Instagram #BUZZMUSIC

From Swaziland to Toronto, the Hip-Hop artist, producer, and singer-songwriter TRULY NXSH introduces us to his diverse stylings with the release of his reflective debut single, "On My Way." After familiarizing himself with the ins and outs of music production at the age of fifteen, TRULY NXSH later moved to Toronto, where he began expanding and honing his craft. Garnering the attention of producers like Illmind, Mannie Fresh, and Just Blaze through the Battle of the Beatmakers competition, TRULY NXSH is now settling with his label's authentic sound SEE THINGS VIVID, accompanied by Lost Kid Gambit and TEJ. Expanding on his debut single, "On My Way," TRULY NXSH tells an in-depth story of his past, present and forecasting his future through the accumulating success of his music. It was produced by OK! Taylor, the two come together on this relentless debut to offer a sound lyrical message alongside the wavy and contemporary Hip-Hop production. "On My Way" begins with a haunting piano melody accompanied by wavy background synths and TRULY NXSH's intriguing vocal tones. Once the beat drops with its natural vibrance and mysterious undertones, TRULY NXSH comes forward to offer his melodic and rhythmic bars surrounding the changes he's made to reach the success he's attained. Pushing through this single with intense heat through TRULY NXSH's authentic and unique performance, we can't help but feel a similar sonic atmosphere to that of 88Glam, soaking our speakers with eerie and haunting tones that keep us locked into each magnetic element. We adore the poised performance by TRULY NXSH within this debut, as he brings listeners into his sweltering sound that's equally as gripping as it is memorable. Be sure to check out TRULY NXSH's debut single "On My Way" as he gears up for a forthcoming EP and a full-length self-produced project later in 2021. Why did you choose the single "On My Way" to introduce listeners to your music? How can we get to know you better through this piece? We recorded ‘’On My Way’’ in between classes around September 2019. A few months into 2020 we found an engineer who would handle all of the Mixing and mastering. On My Way was one of the first 3 we sent in, and I was thrilled with the results. Hearing a song of mine in its full form after so many years of creating was inspiring so it felt like the right move to make. The song is reflective and also touches on what’s currently going on, as well as what I hope for the future now that I am in the rap game. It’s a difficult task trying to figure out how to introduce yourself to the world, especially when there are so many other songs that I have in the vault with a range of different vibes/moods. But I’m glad this decision was made. I feel like the subject matter of the song, as well as my delivery and approach makes ‘’On My Way” easy for others to sing along to and relate to, as it’s a story for anyone with dreams and inspirations. What inspired you to write about such personal themes of your past, present, and future for your debut single, "On My Way?" Whenever I make a song I hold myself accountable for everything I say and put out into the world. Everything has already been saying before, so it’s about telling stories in a unique and personal way that is true to you. I didn’t write On My Way with the intention of it being my debut single but the concept of the song ties in with the idea of a new beginning or the idea that ‘’something is coming’’. It’s kind of an anthem for underdogs, which I hope inspires people to go after what they want. Could you take us through your collaboration with the producer OK! Taylor for your single "On My Way"? Did you work together on the production for this track? OK! Taylor and I actually met at the Battle Of The Beatmakers in 2018. It’s held annually in Toronto and it’s the biggest competition of its kind in the world. The two of us both competed in the show and I ended up making it to the top 32 producers. We exchanged information, but It wasn’t until mid-2019 that we actually got into the studio together and began working. One day I asked Taylor to send me a few beats and I received them while in class. That day on my way home I listened to a beat of his called ‘’Chopin’’ and I knew this was the one and immediately asked him to hold it down for me. Later that week, Singer, producer and engineer Andrea Bardine helped me record the song and he also did some background vocals to help fill in the spaces. OK! Taylor and I have collaborated on countless beats and we also have a number of songs that we’ve recorded together which you can expect to start dropping soon. What should we expect from your forthcoming EP? Do you plan on delivering any particular concepts or themes within this project? Since I’m still a new artist I’m in a situation where I am kind of curating my releases almost like a playlist, with songs being added/released one at a time. I like to create a number of different vibes but I think for the first EP I will explore more of my singing side. I plan to show people my versatility as an artist. I have a number of really good producers in my corner that I am lucky to call my friends, such as Darion, G1, JXSH, LOST KID GAMBIT just to name a few. So you can expect a wide range of producers and vibes on this project. My next single can be expected to drop in February but it may not necessarily be off my forthcoming EP. What do you want listeners to know about you and the music that you create? I want people to know that I’m someone who is a big lover of art. Before I ever made my first song I was a major music head and I looked up to many artists from a young age not ever knowing I would one day be creating music myself. I take music seriously and I care about making quality music people can listen to and enjoy more than anything. I set high standards for myself when it comes to the music I release. I try to never overthink things or strive for perfection, I just work till the song feels right and that’s when I know it’s time to send the record off for mixing and mastering. After the mix and master sound right it’s all about strategizing the release and sharing it with the world. Instagram #BUZZMUSIC

Visual and musical artist Nomi is leading the way in using computer games as a platform for music. Crossing the limits of exploring the relationship between digital avatar and live artistry, Nomi is not only a singer, composer, and gamer, but she is also a 3D animator, rider, and one of few women in the tech behind the scenes of creating content and computer game adventures for the global gaming fans. Teaming up with Star Stable Entertainment, the collaborative efforts between them and Nomi bring the latest release, "Fire," to life. Acting as the theme song for the new animated series Star Stable: Mistfall, Nomi's song has given the gamers and Mistfall fans a more profound experience of her beautiful and energetic Pop vibrancy. Dazzling listeners with an immersive sonic experience, "Fire" decoratively flourishes in the manner in which a fire burns more passionately with kindling. Nomi radiates her sultry and captivating quintessence with a vocal performance that illuminates her powerful vocal range. Shedding themes and meaningful messaging about walking through the flames of life, Nomi and Star Stable Entertainment put it all on the table as they move beyond the borders of gaming, with a diverse product line dedicated to inspiring young tween and teen girls and celebrating the power of sisterhood. We can't help but get lost in the instrumentation's intricate creation as the musical elements mesh ever so seamlessly around Nomi's heavenly cascade of vocals. The components of this mid-tempo burst of energy elevate us to a higher realm of superiority where "Fire" could be the theme song to our lives. As we take in the collaborative talents' full capability, we become affixed to the fluent movement of this song as it sweeps over you eloquently. Nomi exudes a blissful performance that casts an uplifting ambiance out into the world. "Fire" proves that you should never dull the shine you hold within. Congratulations on the release of, “Fire.” How did the wonderful collaboration between yourself and Star Stable Entertainment come to be? Hello BuzzMusic, and thank you so much! I could never have dreamt about this opportunity a couple of years ago when I was a Star Stable gamer myself. Which inspired me to start educating myself within game development in the first place. A game for girls made by a Swedish company! I started playing back in 2012. I’ve read all of their books and I was a big fan before I started as an intern one year ago. As a horse girl, game artist, and musician, it couldn’t be more perfect. I will never forget the first interview I had with the art director for Star Stable, Ullis Linder. I played some songs for her for fun because we were in the middle of talking about fantasy and creativity. Spontaneously she said that it would be a fun idea if I could sing for the game, it all started as a fun idea. She asked me if she could pass the music on to Jimmy Wahlsteen, who is Head of Music for the company. When I later started as a 3D Artist at the company, I had a meeting with Jimmy and he had the same idea as Ullis. I remember him asking me if this is something that I would like to do, to release music for the game and become an actual character within the world of Jorvik. And I said yes of course! I showed Jimmy some of my music, and he uploaded them on their music server. Later, Axel Bellinder, who also works with music for Star Stable, and composed music for the Mistfall series, contacted me and said that he had heard the song “Fire” on their servers and wanted to use it for the series. With the purpose of this release being specifically tailored for Star Stable: Mistfall, how was the creative process for, “Fire,” different from other songs that you’ve had the chance to create? Actually, Fire was created 2 years before Mistfall was released. Fun fact. When the song was created, years before my time in Star Stable, we were talking about how well it would fit with a series or movie. And here we are! “Fire” is a song that represents how I felt back then, haunted by a big world where you need to fight to reach your dreams. The song is a metaphoric story about believing in yourself and find your way through the surrounding chaos. Coincidently the song worked with the theme of the Mistfall series so well. When did you realize that you wanted to integrate your love for music and visual arts? I’ve always had a passion for both visual art and music. I mostly painted horses as a young girl. And now when I’m at a company where I have all of my interests in one place, I just feel so relieved. I have my dream job! What words of wisdom would you offer up to anyone searching to do the same with their craft? If it is something you’re willing to stay up all night for - then that may be a receipt that it is the right path for you. Strong will is essential; no one will do the job for you. But foremost. Do it because it is fun and because it makes you feel happy. Setbacks are natural, we all have them. But with a strong will, you can find a way! What can we expect to see next from you? My next single "Now I Know” is out on February 26th! The song is also featured in the Mistfall soundtrack so I hope the fans will recognize it and like it as much as I do. Instagram #BUZZMUSIC

Although 2020 was a complicated year for the music industry, it was also a year where new musical projects emerged. Talented singer and songwriter Miss Cactus resides between Hawaii and Los Angeles, California, where she feels inspired by the ocean's healing factors. Presenting her latest single, "Timing," this song marks a new stage in her career. Miss Cactus exudes a developed sound that takes a more mature route. With her style, she embraces her Latin roots in her first release of 2021. Being her first single released as a solo artist under Gratitude Sound Music label, Miss Cactus embraces the luxurious Pop sound that breaks barriers as she shakes our core. "Timing" offers up lush instrumentation that resides in the realm of Electro-Pop. Bestowing her voiced talents on a silver platter, the cascade of affluent vocals dazzle us in a glimmering spotlight. As Miss Cactus delves into harmonious bliss, we gently float to cloud nine, where we capture the fortified persona she embodies. "Timing" touches on lyrical content that Miss Cactus experienced firsthand. After walking out of a relationship that no longer served her, she grasps subjects that restate no matter how deep an attachment feels, closing the door on anyone bad for your health can be a powerful act of self-love disguised as a heartbreak. The enthralling melodies that walk the line of empowering motifs have Miss Cactus setting the tone for her artistic career in 2021. With a music video capturing the scenic colors of retro vibrancy, the accompaniment of the intoxicating synthesis has us feeling the Hawaii ambiance while embracing the mature and elevated soundscape that Miss Cactus offers up in "Timing." Welcome to BuzzMusic, Miss Cactus, and congratulations on the release of your latest single, “Timing.” Diving into such a vulnerable topic, what inspires you to be your most open self when creating music for your audience? Thank you so much for having me and I hope you are loving the song as much as I do. “Timing” was written at an emotional time in my life and it often comes naturally for me to be vulnerable in the moment of creating art. This is because making music, and songwriting especially, has become a therapeutic practice that helps me process difficult situations. Sharing ivy songs requires bravery because I talk about very personal things in my music and wonder if I want people who know me to hear these intimate parts of my being. However, I know that I was placed on this earth to make someone else feel seen and heard when they are facing a challenge in life and can relate with one of my songs. We absolutely loved the voicemail that was at the end of the track! What sparked your inspiration for adding this aspect into the overall creation of, “Timing?" Thank you and oh my god that took some major courage to include in the song. That is a real voice message I recorded on my phone after I broke up with a guy but never actually sent because I had already blocked him [hahaha]. I was just thinking “man if there was one more thing I was gonna say it would be this.” At the end of the day, however, I knew silence was a stronger sign of “I don’t have time for you and you don’t have access to my space” so I left it at that. Then later I thought, “why not add it to this bad gal anthem?!” After all, this song is a compilation of all the sassy things you can say to a lame ex who doesn’t know your worth, but then again we know he isn’t worth the trouble so why say anything at all? Instead, we can jam to “Timing” and remind ourselves who the boss of our life is. Now that you are starting your journey with Gratitude Sound Music Label, what are you most looking forward to in your endeavors with them? Gratitude Sound has been very supportive of the vision and we are releasing more music and visuals soon so stay tuned! We have put together beautiful things. As a multi-instrumentalist on top of being a singer and songwriter, do you have a particular area of your craft that you like to embrace more than others? I actually truly enjoy the visual aspect of it. I love putting together aesthetic concepts for the music and videos. I handcraft a lot of my props and style all my outfits. I make the choreographies, and I direct everything. I really love getting to this part of my artistry because it's refreshing and different from writing the music. However, writing songs is also an overall necessity in my life so I guess you could say I am doing that more often. I have learned however that in order to dive deep into my artistry means being in close connection to all aspects of it. What can we expect to see next from you? Well, the music video for Timing is officially out on January 29th, and after that we have another single and more videos coming. This is all just the beginning for 'LuvMirage,' my first EP as Miss Cactus which will come out this year with another single leading its release. I also have some collaborations that have been cooking for some time now, so expect the nonstop flow of music and visuals this year. Instagram Facebook #BUZZMUSIC

Nick Reid is an American Singer-Songwriter who lives in Evergreen, Colorado, widely known for his melodic vocals and memorable choruses. His presence in the music industry has multiplied since 2019 when he released his first couple of songs and gained an immediate following. He followed up the next year with another hit single, "You," in 2020, continuing his growth into 2021 with "My Broken Heart." Nick started making music at the age of 16 and took to social media to reach the masses. He gained traction swiftly with his music online and became known as Colorado's #1 upcoming artist. He was featured in Teen Music Insider, among many other notable articles and interviews. Nick Reid's "My Broken Heart" tells a tale of what it feels to be longing for a lost love all while battling his heart and trying to get by unscathed. This new release single has an acoustic pop sound and is met with a heavy bass line as Nick Reid brings you through his story of love and mind-games. The chorus connects the listener with a deeper feeling of the risk of loving someone and the uncertainty of reciprocation. "My Broken Heart" will surely be stuck in your ears, playing on repeat. Nick Reid is multi-faceted and is consistently writing, recording, and collaborating with artists, all while attending high-school. His music is largely inspired by Justin Bieber, Post Malone, Shawn Mendes. Nick Reid is undoubtedly a name to watch for in 2021. Nick Reid proves that even with the majority of live music venues closed in today's climate if you work hard and chase your dreams - there is still a massive opportunity to reach your audience online. We look forward to hearing more from Nick Reid in 2021. Firstly, we want to say that “My Broken Heart” is so memorable. The way this song was written you can feel your emotion behind the music and lyrics, what inspired you to write this song? Thanks so much! I wrote this song from mixed perspectives, even though I've been heartbroken before I did not necessarily write My Broken Heart from my perspective. This song talks about more than a few things that I actually have never experienced, like collapsing because of the liquor in my cup. I enjoy writing music from other people's perspective, and this has been the best yet. We couldn’t believe that you’re in high school and are creating music with such success, who has been your biggest supporter in bringing this dream to reality? Thank you! I can't believe it either. My parents and my friends who have stuck with me are my biggest supporters. At the age of 7 you were self-taught on the Piano, the Drums at age 10, Guitar at age 15 and continuously searching for more instruments to learn and perfect. At what point in this journey did it become clear to you that you wanted to pursue music professionally? I had always wanted to perform or release some kind of music since around age 12, and I finally realized that I could actually do it around age 15 when I started messing around with recording and I eventually recorded my first few songs "missin u' and "why". I kept going, and I continue to improve while also having a great time making the music. “My Broken Heart” is meticulously written and crafted into a compelling story of emotion. What was the writing process like? Thank you! It took me a couple of weeks to finish writing the second verse with help from my manager, Preston Osenbaugh. But overall I wrote the hook in only a few hours and got a rough demo down really quickly. It was a lot of fun to write because I've never written a song with this vibe before. What can we expect to see next from you? I have lots of unreleased music and I continue to record more, so those will be coming out in the coming months. Make sure to stay tuned for new release announcements on my Instagram @therealnickreid. Instagram #BUZZMUSIC

The Adelaide-based Singer/Songwriter Josh Kroehn has taken 2020 by the horns. After releasing his album "State of Devotion" on December 4th, Josh Kroehn has been growing his fanbase through the album's conceptual storyline regarding his past decade. Josh Kroehn spent 2020 creating, modifying, and releasing the album that takes listeners on a profound journey into his psyche. We're highly appreciative of the time and effort that Josh Kroehn has put into his album, 'State of Devotion,' as he's truly created a perfect note to end the year off. We found ourselves highly impressed with various songs on the album, as Josh Kroehn is an artist who puts their heart and soul on each piece for listeners to find something to relate with. Especially on the heartfelt album opener, "Never Found," Josh Kroehn tells the story of his journey to achieve inner peace. Not to mention the more retro and upbeat piece, "Don't Mind Me," Josh Kroehn gives listeners a taste of hope and faith with this uplifting single. While singing of paying no mind to him while he lives his introverted self in an extroverted world, Josh Kroehn made this piece entirely irresistible. We must also note the other tracks that hold our undivided attention, being "Turning Clocks" and "Undergrowth," both singles offer incredible instrumentals that perfectly compliment the profound lyricism from Josh Kroehn himself. Making the most of 2020 with the release of his conceptual, emotional, and dynamic album 'State of Devotion,' we're more than excited to hear what Josh Kroehn will release as we leave this bizarre year behind. Besides the release of your album 'State of Devotion,' did you fulfill any other musical achievements this year? I released my most successful single to date ‘Never Found’ which is the opening track on ‘State Of Devotion’. It was released 6 months before the album and I saw the track as the best introduction for people to the vibe of the album. I feel ‘Never Found’ really sets the scene for the tracks that follow on the record. Seeing as you released your album 'State of Devotion' at the end of 2020, how long was the album in the making? When did you begin creating pieces for the project? Some of these songs have been with me for years, others were written last year. I started the recording process in January, months before the pandemic really started to make its impact here in Australia. Speaking on the project 'State of Devotion,' is there a track on the album that means the most to you? I think it would be between Welcome Bare, Numb Legs, and As Clear As Day. All three are deeply personal tracks, they detail the loss of people I care about and bring about feelings of anger and regret. Seeing as your lyricism and concepts within 'State of Devotion' is incredibly personal and vulnerable, what did you want listeners to take away from the overall project? I make music for myself first and foremost, it’s my way of dealing with grief. This was a purely cathartic record and I guess you could call it selfish in a sense. I also don’t want people to be led to believe they should be feeling a certain way when they listen to my music, I feel music is better when there’s an element of ambiguity. If you could take one thing away from the year we've experienced, what would it be? Did you find it challenging to find inspiration to write music this year? Where did you find inspiration to write your album 'State of Devotion?' I feel the main thing I’ll take away from 2020 is that I’m truly grateful for the life I live at the moment, and I’ve never been healthier and happier than I am now, even in these troublesome times globally. I am always writing music and there were no signs of slowing down in 2020. ‘State Of Devotion’ came about over the course of the 2010s and it is a chronological recollection of events that I like to reflect on. What should we expect from you in 2021? Are you working on anything that might be set to release next year? I am currently working on a new record, which will feature more songs like ‘Never Found’, as I’m really enjoying playing acoustic guitar at the moment. Instagram Facebook #BUZZMUSIC

Coming fresh off the release of his upbeat and well-received single, "Feelin' Good," the Los Angeles-based hip-hop artist and rapper Kunal returns to give thanks with a recent single, "Blessings." Raised in New York, New Jersey, and London, Kunal was exposed to various cultures and music scenes that influenced his diverse taste. Taking influence from acts like Eminem, Kanye West, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and Bob Marley, Kunal has perfectly shaped his artistry to express and reflect his journey and life experience. Dropping his latest hit, "Blessings," we hear Kunal do what he does best and blow us out of the water with dominant delivery and meaningful bars. As he raps over a heated and authoritative beat, Kunal comes forward to share his "Blessings" with each of us while giving thanks to the powers above for his many successes. "Blessings" hauntingly opens with an orchestral string-section that drops into a punchy hip-hop beat. The beat gives us darker flairs of Metro Boomin with its natural eerie undertones and dominant approach. Listening to Kunal's performance, he stops us in our tracks with his powerful delivery while giving thanks for his many "Blessings." What we love about Kunal's bars is that they're more than genuine; they're incredibly modest and humble, difficult traits to come by nowadays. We also hear him pay thanks to Allah, giving us a versatile and cultural flair that allows us to know more of Kunal and the person he is. Catch Kunal's latest single, "Blessings," on all streaming platforms, and allow his exhilarating performance to inspire you to give thanks and stay humble. Listen to "Blessings," here. We highly appreciate such a humble and modest hip-hop piece like "Blessings." What inspired you to create a single that gives thanks? First & foremost thank you for having me back, I am humbled! I function from a place of gratitude in all aspects of my life and I truly do feel blessed to be where I am today and for the journey here. Anyone who knows me knows that I dedicate time every single day to reflecting on how I have evolved as well as all the avenues for progress, so Blessings was a really natural piece for me to write. Do you have a producer that creates the production and sonics for you, or did you reach out to someone different to help create your single "Blessings?" This is my second track with De’la, the first being Feelin’ Good. He’s super talented & we have a great synergy in the studio, shout out to my guy Trevin AKA Truckee Street too, who played a huge role in the production as well. I always have the foundation of the sonics beforehand but De’la intuitively picks up on my vibe before I even articulate it. He leverages everything about my energy and the lyrics and takes the production to the next level. He really complements and elevates my sound. Making music with both De’la & Trevin is always a great experience. Do you have a typical songwriting process or method that works best for you? How were you able to channel such grateful bars for your single "Blessings?" My process is pretty relaxed but there’s definitely structure to my space. I like to have a clean environment and set a chill vibe for myself. The music is typically reflective of whatever is center stage in my life at that moment, or even sentiments that are just below the surface and I want to explore. At the end of the day, my music is the way I express myself and I’m not afraid of sharing that. Inevitably the composition, lyrics, and cadence harmonize to reflect those thoughts & emotions. ‘Blessings’ was no different. De’la encouraged me to tap deeper into my raw emotion and energy, starting with subtle conceptual changes to the depth of the sonics. The mood of the production elicited a different vibe for me, and I ended up composing a different song stylistically from what I initially had in mind. Now that you have three powerful singles released, how do each of your singles stand out and contrast each other? We are all very dynamic and multifaceted. Each song captures a different moment & a series of my thoughts when they were produced. I was able to explore different layers, sounds, and sides of myself with each single. In turn, all three reflect the range of my creative & personal expression and serve as a sampler for where I can go. While also, presenting a consistent identity of who I am as an artist. I feel lucky that I can express myself authentically and not be confined to one mood so to speak. What message do you hope for listeners to take away from you and your music? I truly feel humbled & blessed for all the love I have gotten! Whenever I have had the good fortune to connect with someone I have never met from places I’ve never been and be a source of validation, or when they tell me they feel heard and understood by my music, I treasure that deeply. Whether someone is driving or has their headphones on. When they are playing my music they are inviting me into their world and space in the most intimate way in my opinion. I find that really humbling. So aside from speaking my truth, I hope to always connect personally with my listeners and hope that we grow with each other throughout this journey. Instagram