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T he Alberta-based Pop Artist and Singer/Songwriter Reid Zakos returns to give us the rundown of the many projects he's released this year. The triple-threat has been incredibly busy in 2020, molding his most recent works around the groovy sounds of Acoustic-Pop, Retro-Pop, Nudisco, Dance, and R&B. Taking 2020 under his wing, Reid Zakos garnered over 100K views on YouTube, as well as releasing his first studio album, "Legends & Myths," which touched on themes of empowerment, heartbreak, insecurities, manifestation, and other profoundly intriguing concepts. After getting heavily rotated on multiple radio stations with the album's intro track "Gladiator," Reid Zakos wanted to fuel this song with themes of overcoming adversity and bullying while pushing the track to be an LGBTQ+ pride anthem. Zakos also released another upbeat dance track titled "Purity," which discusses the innocence of embarking upon new relationships. A single we must mention is Reid Zakos' well-received anthem "A World of Yes," which brings forward themes of positivity, manifestation, self-validation, and living to the max. This single was also the first of Zakos' to hit over 1K streams, with all proceeds from streaming donated to the Black Trans Advocacy Coalition. Also touching on his single "Deck of Cards," Reid Zakos pushed another poised and self-assured message that reminds us to confidently play the cards we're dealt with. Quickly becoming kindred spirits with Dante Hart after collaborating on their single "Smoke," Reid Zakos found himself wanting to release a passionate love song regarding a longing sensation. Continuing the collaborations with his single "Villain," the track was a co-write with Tess Anderson and ONEWAR, with conceptual lyricism concerning our perception of villains and how we all fit this position from time to time. Through many concepts, lyrical messages, and themes, Reid Zakos' talent mustn't go unnoticed, as he reminds his audience to live life unapologetically. Be sure to keep an eye on Reid Zakos as we turn over to the new year. Hello Reid and welcome back to BuzzMusic. Congratulations on the many pieces you've released this year. Which of your 2020 releases would you say is your favorite? Thank you! It's really hard to pick a favorite because I put a lot into each one, but I love "Smoke" with Dante Hart, which I released at the start of the year (and then again with my full album drop) because it got a great reaction from people, and our voices harmonize really well together. It also felt like the most effortless song to write which is always a cool experience! What did you take away from a year like this, and what impacts did 2020 have on you and your career? 2020 was NOT what I thought it would be at all! Well...what ANY of us thought it would be really. I always planned to release music this year, so I'm happy I still saw it through, but it made filming visuals and promotion much more challenging and of course not being able to play live. Overall this year taught me to appreciate the creative process even more and that music is healing and can STILL unify people and bring joy even in challenging unprecedented times. Speaking on your debut album "Legends & Myths," how long was the project in the making? I started writing "Neon" (featured on the deluxe version of the album) as early as 2016 after a breakup, and then most of the other songs were written during summer 2018 when I lived in Vancouver. With the seven different tracks on your album "Legends & Myths," what did you want your audience to experience after listening to the album's entirety? For the most part, I want people to feel empowered and free to be themselves (that's what I always strive for). In some of the more dramatic and reflective songs I hope I can relate to people with my life experiences and help them heal too. Seeing as you've recently released singles like "A World of Yes," "Deck of Cards," and "Y.D.U.M.," are you venturing into a different sound and style with your more recent works? I'd say so! I feel like all the songs on "Legends & Myths" had retro-pop elements and they felt cohesive in that way. All the newer singles feel a little bit more current and dance-oriented productions rather than pop. We've noticed that you donated all the proceeds of your single "A World of Yes" to the Black Trans Advocacy Coalition. Could you tell us more about your philanthropic endeavors? Yes, it was weird timing with that release because I felt awkward promoting a new single (intended to celebrate World Pride Month) right in the midst of all the racial injustice that was being brought to light on social media. It wasn't meant to be performative in any way, I just wanted to do what I could at that moment because the Black Lives Matter movement is important to me as some of my closest friends, including my partner, are people of color, and I wanted to be supportive with my platform. Being pride month, I wanted to do something to support Queer and Trans people of color and the BTAC is a great organization that helps black trans folks with access to healthcare, housing, employment resources, and more. Beyond that, in the future, I'd love to be more philanthropic with other LGBTQ2+ organizations and spread kindness and help out wherever I can! Are you currently planning any releases in 2021? How do you plan on starting the new year? I am! I've been working on a full project with RedPanda Productions who co-wrote and produced my single "Deck of Cards", and also some other singles I plan to release when the time is right. My next release will be February 2021 right before Valentine's Season so stay tuned! Instagram Facebook #BUZZMUSIC

The Soul infused Indie-rockers, Onism E, take it upon themselves to bring it all together to share a worldly adventure with their fans. As they know that being in only one place at one time can be difficult for those of us wishing to experience all that the planet has to offer, the broken ground as they offer up high impact energy that implodes upon touchdown. Made up of Frontwoman Eline Chavez, guitarist Chris ‘Lefty’ Vargas, bass player Chris ‘CeeRod’ Rodriguez, and drummer Raj, the band collectively puts forth emotion-fueled anthems through Eline Chavez’ intoxicating songwriting while fleshing out the inspirational elevation of their unmatched sound. Achieving colossal accomplishments in 2020 such as being deemed the winners of the ‘Power to the People,’ portion of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest for their track, “My America,” and being the recipients of Radio Wigwam’s, ‘Best Indie Rock Act,” Onism E has earned these feats by being the culmination of life experiences wrapped up in a soulful package that is carving out a unique space within the Indie-Rock world. Take their single, “My America,” for example. The smooth spell that they cast upon listeners have you sinking into your seat as you take in everything that is Onism E. A slow tempo driven atmospheric instrumentation shines a light on this live off the floor performance. The heavy reverberations of the vocalization of Frontwoman, Eline Chavez takes their own spotlight in the carefully crafted lyrics shed. Their most recent release, “Survivors,” truly places the emphasis on a year that has tested us all. Mind-altering guitar riffs wash over you alongside the tight drum patterns and infectious grooves of the bass. In the electric essence of a passionate vocal performance that packs a punch in the most poignant manner, Onism E has a knack for finding its way deep into your mind as you feel the music spilling from your speakers. Although live shows were brought to a halt due to Covid-19, Onism E is eagerly awaiting the moments that they can return to the stage to move you in more ways than one. Focusing on the essence that music breeds a connection to the listener, Onism E guarantees the offering of warmth to further ignite the relationships that they create between fan and band. You have definitely made quite the wave this year, Onism E, it’s always a pleasure when we chat it up with you. Tell us about your growth as a band this year. In what ways has 2020 allowed you to develop? First, a big thank you to all of you for the continued support. It means a lot. The year gave us something I never seem to have...time. As a band, it allowed us to figure out the individual pieces of songs more organically and true to who we are as musicians. When there's no one around watching, you have time to figure out what you want to play. Chris Vargas, when left to his own devices, comes up with some cool stuff. He's that mad scientist sending out his creations in the middle of the night. I love being in the studio but what I have learned is that we work well together regardless of where we are which has been surprising and wonderful all at the same time. Congratulations on both of the awards that you raked in! Very well deserved! What was the initial feeling that you felt when you heard about both awards? Thank you. It's always kinda surreal for me when I find out people listen to what we are doing and like what they hear. Honestly, it is always a shock. I'm just grateful that the music we put out this year resonated with people. What challenges did you face as artists individually and as a band this year? The biggest challenge this year has been recording music. I never thought I would be putting a song together, let alone an EP, track by track. As much as I hate how long it takes, I love not having anyone stare at me while I figure out what to play or where to go next with a song. At the same time, it's hard not having anyone around to bounce ideas in real-time. As a writer, I often feed off the drummer's groove but, I've been the drummer at times during this process and that's been a challenge. I also find that I talk to myself a lot more nowadays. Ha. My most commonly used phrase right now is, "This sucks, doesn't it?" No one ever answers. Ha. Now, we have been patiently waiting for your EP to come out! We have so many questions, but what can you tell us about it? The guys cemented the sound of the band you will hear in 2021. They are so talented individually and together it’s a lot of fun to see how they pair well together without being in the same room. I'm excited about it! The songs on the EP remind me how incredibly talented Chris Rodriguez and Raj are while showcasing how much Chris Vargas has grown into his role with the band. The guy is just such a cool guitar player and I’m lucky to have him. CeeRod and Raj have been in projects most of their lives but Lefty hadn’t been playing with anyone when we met. Out of your two releases this year, do you have one that resonates with you more than the other? What’s your reasoning behind that? Some days it's My America and, some days it's Survivors. They both give you insight into how I have viewed this rollercoaster of a year. I don't know that I could have written either song in a "normal" year. Eline Chavez, you’re inspired by some of the great women of music such as Joan Jett, Bonnie Raitt, and Melissa Etheridge. How do you allow their influence to speak into the songs that you write? Most women in the music industry are bold, fierce, and independent. I pay homage to them every time I stick my foot in my mouth. Ha. They're trailblazers, game changers, and the music landscape would be nothing without them. I'm lucky that I grew up with so many around. Joan Jett, Melissa Etheridge, Bonnie Raitt, Chrissie Hynde, Stevie Nicks, Janis Joplin, Patti Smith, Debbie Harry, Tina Turner, PJ Harvey...Just trying to imagine a world without their music is crazy to me! I don't sugarcoat things and, I understand it's not my job to make everyone happy with my songs. That's what they taught me. Through the chaotic year of 2020, what words of wisdom do you have to offer your listeners? Breathe. It's going to get better. We have to keep our heads up and keep pushing forward. A lot of cliches oddly but, I know they’re true. Above all else, take care of each other. 2020 has been trying to remind us that we are stronger together. I'm an optimist and, this year has tested me but, I won't ever stop hoping for a better tomorrow. Instagram Twitter #BUZZMUSIC

As a four-member rock band, Estate creates a big dreamy sound to help listeners lose themselves within their piece of music. Being influenced by other successful bands like Foo Fighters, this British band has created unique, intense, and fast-paced tracks under the name Estate since late 2017. With the release of their new single “Ghost,” a heavily guitar-based track that increases in intensity and tension as it goes on, Estate captures the sense of a forgotten individual within their sound. Vocal breaks mid-song help to prioritize the band's double guitarists, a bassist, and drummer while keeping the fast-moving nature of the song. With lyrics like “I know what I said to you and you looked right through”, listeners will be able to capture the feeling of being overlooked and forgotten just like a ghost. This restless rock track expresses the anger and despair associated with being neglected and lost and the band portrays these feelings through a physical ghost. Edgy and raspy vocals by the band cement the strong heavy rock style of the piece while keeping a consistent melodic sound. Estate’s big musical sound is sure to entice listeners to lose themselves within the music and we can not wait to continue watching this England-based rock band grow. We are super interested in your new track “Ghost”, what was your inspiration and idea behind this piece? The track came from an original idea we had behind an older song that was also called "Ghost". The original we could never really hook up so we left it for a bit and it eventually found us again through recordings of our jam sessions. We listened to it and we worked on it but am I glad we did so! It has changed so much from its origin but all for the better for sure! The song has the idea of you being an observer in situations where you should be making a change, but just watching the situation unfold without doing anything. It's all about evolving as a person and feeling slightly out of control, but letting it happen and I feel like as a person, we have all been in this situation. You mentioned that your sound has been influenced by bands like the Foo Fighters, Deaf Havana, and Enter Shikari, how have you been able to incorporate their sound while staying distinct and unique as a band? I think the main thing we take from a lot of these great bands are the catchy sing-alongs but with some real deep-felt lyrics that I can relate to. A lot of the lyrical inspiration comes from situations we've all been in, rather than just an idea so for example, songs like, 'Seattle', 'Best Of You' and 'Constellations'. The lyrics from these great bands are what captivates me because they are so well written, you can feel the emotion behind the words, and that to me is perfection. Something that gets your hairs standing on end. With Estate, people can't seem to nail our sound down to one thing and we believe that is a good thing! It makes us unique so we keep being unique by mixing the dream sound with the big punchy chorus and it is working so far! We love the vocal break in the midsection of your track, for newer listeners to your band how would you explain your reasoning for this? The breakdown has been an idea since the original bassline was written and we wanted to have that as a centerpiece where the song sort of explodes! We compare it to going through the eye of the storm, it's calm and tranquil but all of a sudden, it explodes again as you are leaving the eye and heading back into the storm. With our producer in the studio, we had previously experimented with the electric synth on Skyscraper, another single released this year so we thought to bring it back but with a deeper, darker vibe. In this track, it almost sounds orchestral like a choir but it adds so much to the instrumental. It makes the sound seem fuller almost, it's hard to explain but that's what we want. We want theatre, drama and this section nails that. We are glad you love it!!! It's really our best instrumental section we have written and people have loved it when we have played it live. Due to the pandemic and restrictions, there has definitely been some difficulty for many artists in the music industry. How would you say this year has shaped your ability to release music and how are you using these challenges to your advantage? Obviously, with all musicians at the moment, it's really tough and we personally, have had to wait to record this EP (Ghost is the last track on our 3 track EP dropping on January 18th). It was a real labor of love, creating the entire Ghost EP as well as the title track but we made it through. Releasing music has been especially challenging this year but by being patient and biding our time, we have managed to promote and push this track further than England and we are over the moon it has now reached LA! We as a band were in LA last year on holiday and to say it was the best holiday is an understatement! Playing live shows is a big issue as we can't debut our new material due to lockdown restrictions!! That sucks... But hopefully, that'll all change soon and we will be able to bring it to the audience and blow them away!! 2020 has been a very challenging year for everyone. What has been keeping you inspired to create music? What advice can you give another artist who's finding it difficult to do so? Lots and lots of headspace! We have been given time to fettle songs we have written in the past and take ideas from existing tracks and seeing what works with what. This year in a way has been good for that as I can think, dissect songs and think about styles and what I can do to convey my message. A lot of the songs we create come from practice sessions where the drummer records the session and takes sections that sound good from it. This is then put into our group chat and we chat about it, we have never really sat down and written a song so, with all of this time from lockdown, it has enabled me to do that. I'd also say going for walks and keeping our heads level, staying planted on the ground, it's been a big balance of mental health this year too! Our advice would be to not take yourself too seriously, there is nothing you can do to change the world but you can change what you do on it so live each day as it comes and live that day the best you can. facebook.com/EstateUK instagram.com/estatebanduk

Hailing from Vancouver, British Columbia, recording artist Scribe Music shares a breakthrough narrative that aims to tear down industry barriers and restrictions one chapter at a time. As a musical storyteller with an eclectic sound, Scribe Music is a multifaceted artist who isn’t afraid to fuse together singing with rapping, hard-hitting paired with the soulful, edgy components and even gospel elements to convey his message to his listeners. Recruiting the talents of Rapzilla in his most recent release, “If You Reach,” Scribe Music exudes an uncompromising force that lays in the depths of his vocalization and carefully crafted lyrics. Delivering a passion-fueled performance, the raw timbres that below from within him cast out vivacious imagery as we hang onto each word shed. As we dive into the scripture that Scribe Music has proceeded to share with his audience, we can’t help but notice that he places a piece of himself on a silver platter as he reels us into the contents of his work. As we learn about the vulnerable sector that Scribe Music has tapped into, we quickly realize that his mission is to share the wealth of his knowledge with anyone who is willing to listen. “If you reach, Ima teach,“ is implemented in the more than memorable hook of the track. Following through on his words and immersing us in his beliefs, we learn a lot about Scribe Music as a creative. “If You Reach,” carries forth all of the trademarks in a hit that not only has mass appeal, but that has a meaningful theme and message to boast. Dripping the true essence of everything that Scribe Music stands for, we find it more than refreshing to see him live out the authenticity in each move he makes. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Scribe! Congratulations on the release of, “If You Reach.” Could you please take us into what it was like working with Rapzilla to execute the overall effect of “If You Reach?" Working with Rapzilla has always been an honor. Partnering with their platform has always given me an extra edge in getting my music out for people to hear. I've learned the value of collaboration in different facets of this industry so it's simple really. You wanna go fast, go alone, you wanna go far, run together. What moment or story inspired the message behind this song? Honestly... the giant moment that was 2020 inspired it lol. Between lockdowns, quarantines, regulations face masks, it's been a hard year in many ways. I started to recognize the value of really taking care of yourself. I believe we are made up of 3-parts, Mind, Body, and Soul. With that understanding comes a responsibility to take care of all three. On another note, living in the Vancouver area means that during our winter season it's raining a lot, dark and grey skies. It's crazy what a lack of sun can do for you in various ways. I just wanted to make a feel-good track, teaching people about some practical ways to take care of themselves. How have you found yourself to develop as an artist in 2020? Sheesh! I've come to recognize the value of sharing my story. It's easy sometimes to just focus on trying to make a "hit" but when I look back on some of the biggest songs to ever come out of Hip-Hop, it's the ones that tell a story that some can relate to. So 2020 has been a very introspective year for me, it's given me time to reflect and analyze who I am, and what I'm about for my family, myself, and those I'm called to. Honestly, without 2020 shutting everything down, I don't know if I would have had that opportunity you know? How that's translated on the creative side is, I'm learning to not overthink a track. We as creatives get so caught up in making "THE BEST ART" that we end up being frustrated because we've set unrealistic expectations. I try my best not to do that anymore, I've learned to let it flow and attack what comes easy. As a storyteller, you manage to paint vivid illustrations for your audience; which we love! Could you please take us into what your creative process looks like? My creative process is pretty simple but can vary. In most cases, I find a beat that grabs my attention and I try to listen for what I feel it's saying. Other times, it pops up in conversations or something I watched or read. As soon as an idea hits, I write a note on my phone... if it's a melody, I record it in my voice notes right away so I don't lose it. From there, I try and get into my home studio ASAP to capture the energy right away. I'm very easily triggered when it comes to creativity lol. Creativity is HECKA RUDE... shows up unannounced, all loud and aggressive like that uncle you glad couldn't roll up this Christmas haha. 2020 has been a very challenging year for everyone. What has been keeping you inspired to create music? What advice can you give another artist who's finding it difficult to do so? Honestly, my faith in God has kept me going. Now I know that may sound cliche to a lot of people but for real; My faith played a major role in reminding me of why I do this. I want to bring hope where there is none. I want people to remember they're valued and have a purpose BEYOND what they do. Look at the number of people whose identity was entirely wrapped up in their jobs that they just lost. When you're sitting at home and contemplating your worth, I want to be the soundtrack to someone looking within themselves to see the amazing person God has created them to be, regardless of status. To any artist who may be struggling to create, take the pressure off. Stop trying to be the hero and just be an advocate for whatever it is you believe in. Listen to what challenges you, what causes unrest in your heart, or what gets you excited even if it seems wild or "too deep". The world needs vulnerable people in order to make incredible art. Take off your cool, and create. Just be uniquely you. INSTAGRAM TWITTER FACEBOOK

Taking his talents from Pennsylvania to Oakland, CA, the Ethiopian-American Singer/Songwriter and R&B artist Hugo de la Lune releases nothing but a groove with his latest hit, "Bouda." Hugo de la Lune (Ephraim Getahun) is known for combining the characters of Afro-Soul and R&B to fuse a sound that's personal and his own. Touching on his lyrical content, Hugo de la Lune pleas to the sacred work of divinity that exists within every one of us. With that being said, we're excited to delve deeper into his music, primarily his recent hit "Bouda" off the EP "Act II." Within Hugo de la Lune's piece, "Bouda," he brings an incredibly groovy, soulful, and mysteriously-sounding track that submerges us into the darkness of nightfall. While offering vast rhythmic instrumentals, alongside his sweet and broad vocal range, Hugo de la Lune has our heads turned with each dynamic and spirited element. Jumping into his single, "Bouda," the track opens with a tremendous sense of rhythm through the haunting piano melodies, soothing drum patterns, and short electric guitar bursts that perfectly set the song's mysterious and alluring vibe. As Hugo de la Lune begins vocalizing in time with the sweet electric guitar, he brings a naturally charismatic performance as he blasts his vocals with the utmost poise and charm. We can't help but feel the same groovy appeal to that of Billie Eilish's "My Strange Addiction," as Hugo de la Lune wows us with each sensual and chilling melody that brings us into the heat of a jam-packed venue. The various organic instrumentals offer a slice of bliss, especially through their blend of Afro-Soul, R&B, and Jazz. We're moving our feet with help from Hugo de la Lune and his latest hit, "Bouda," as he sends us into the greatest of grooves with his intriguing vocals and soulful instrumentals. We're truly getting down with the grooves of your latest hit, "Bouda." What inspired you to create the song? Simply put, mythology. I've always been fascinated by how origin stories and folklore weave themselves into spirituality and magic. I'm Ethiopian, and the word bouda (or buda) is a term referencing the power of the evil eye. I wanted to use the song "Bouda" to write my own origin story; my own mythology. The song essentially leads the listener from a trickster's narrative as he approaches a God-figure that he must overpower to maintain his autonomy. Within the lyrical content of your single "Bouda," what themes or concepts did you initially want to tie into the piece? I suppose heroism. Like I mentioned before, the song is written from the perspective of the trickster in this myth. Once he confronts this god-figure, he bravely asserts his own divinity and refuses to bow or pray to God. I think there's something really powerful in the ownership of yourself. It's also blasphemous, and I guess that's the point for me. It's brave to own yourself and claim domain over your spirit and mind. And I guess this song is an anthem to a way I choose to lead my spiritual walk. The trickster also challenges the listener to return to their selves and identify the very real actualization of creation and life is all around us, and maybe that deserves our devotion. How did you achieve such broad, potent, and groovy instrumentals for your single "Bouda"? What was the creative and recording process like? This is a very easy answer. I collaborated with an INCREDIBLE musician named Alex Kulick, based out of Philadelphia, PA. He is a good friend, and since I was recording this album during shelter-in-place I sent him the song and he added so much depth to the music. He played multiple instruments on this track (bass, guitar, percussion). As far as the creative process, I record out of a studio in my home. Often, when I'm writing music, I'll come up with the structure of the song and all the pieces, including my vocals, but noticed with this song, it needed much more to provide the depth I wanted. That's where Alex came in - sending the song back and forth until we were both happy - he's a truly incredible talent. I'd also be remiss to not mention the engineering talent of Simon Martinez who brought the final tracks to life. Could you tell us more about the EP "Act II," which features the single "Bouda"? How does the single fit into the overall EP? Act II is my second released project of a trilogy. "Bouda" perfectly ties in with the EP, as all three tracks are rooted in an Afro-soul style of music. Act I & II (Act I released back in April) are essentially projects that are telling the story of the birth of Hugo. Act II really focuses on themes of spirituality and magic and lust. What can we expect to see next from you? Act III will be arriving sooner than most can expect. I'm really excited to really tie this project together with this final EP. I'm also going to be working on some visuals for a few of the songs on the Acts, and will also focus on preparing for live shows when they let us back out again. Performing is something I think about nearly every day, and I can't wait to bring these songs to life live. I want my songs, and the experience of hearing them live, to be more than just listening to these songs. These EPs are a call for the listener to return to a self they may have forgotten. I want to build a community out of this music - and it's important to be able to build that community in song AND dance when I'm performing live. Also, I just miss performing so much. instagram.com/hugodelalune facebook.com/thehugostory hugodelalune.com

Lyra Star sprinkles a little bit of magic into every enthralling melody that she creates. An independent singer, songwriter, and yoga-loving dreamer, Lyra Star has spread her wings past her hometown of Nashville to eventually find herself exploring and falling in love with the West Coast. Finally settling in the bay area of California, she became one half of the duo Wisps and Willows before realizing she couldn’t be contained and indeed needed to fly solo to pursue her dreams to her maximum potential. As she follows her inner voice while navigating through the music industry, she uses her expertise in the performing arts as she steers through the winding paths of her journey in Los Angeles. Lyra Star expressed her internal creativity through imaginative releases in 2020. Kicking off the year with the sentimental depths of, “Beautiful Ride,” we are exposed to the vulnerability that she uncovers through intricate lyrical tales about feeling a connection to someone despite their darkness and wanting to get close to that person because it could potentially be a beautiful journey together. As she wavers through the enticing instrumentation that dances in our minds in a nimble manner, Lyra Star sets the tone with her ethereal vocalization. Her single “Under the Water,” is a rather special masterpiece for the independent artist herself. Taking her resilient connection to the ocean, she used vivid imagery to illustrate how she is ready to burst out of her shell to shine her bright light on the world through her tantalizing musical designs. With mesmerizing visuals released for, “Under the Water,” Lyra Star created an opportunity to merge her skills as a contortionist with her original creations. The manner in which the music video highlights her capabilities through a larger than life performance of her talents is unmatched as she paves her path in the industry. “Broken,” uses the sorrows she carries in her to depict a lively picture about falling for the wrong person, and recognizing that it is better off to be alone than to allow someone into your life that is so broken inside. As we can relate to Lyra Star through the alluring strings being performed in the composition, the elements cataract with her otherworldly vocalization, as she brings raw emotion to light in this slow tempo ballad. With her latest single, capping off the year of 2020, “Light,” pulsates in our minds as we are captured by the heavenly resonance through the masterpiece at hand. Touching on themes that stroke the idea, sometimes the universe brings certain people in and out of your life for unknown reasoning, and you can’t help but feel a strong emotional connection to them. Lyra Star drives home a delicate yet powerful performance as she stresses the importance that timing is everything, and sometimes it just isn’t right. However, her optimism fuses with her realism and she remains holding onto hope as she allows her inner light to twinkle and glistens. Through the disarray that may have come through the year, Lyra Star remained consistent in tugging at our heartstrings through her whimsical performances. If this is what she can deliver through a year of uncertainty, we are more than ready to hear what she has in store for us come 2021. Welcome back to BuzzMusic, Lyra Star. It is always a pleasure when we get to chat with you! With a hectic year coming to an end, how were you able to stay inspired through 2020? Well, this year has been absolutely crazy for sure, and it's only my second year in LA... this shutdown for me was an extreme slap in the face. I have continued to ride emotional waves throughout the pandemic, and I definitely did not do as much songwriting as I thought I would have. I ended up devoting a lot of my time to my yoga mat and contortion training, and I stayed inspired by connecting with other artists (songwriters, performers, etc) that were going through similar experiences. I also went to a couple of Zoom events for releases and had a lot more time to devote to streaming people's music and supporting fellow artists and their releases throughout the year. I think everyone that creates may go through downtimes, but we all manage to get inspired in some way, shape, or form. For me, I had a lot of time to myself to really go within and slow down and think about each release that I put out and where I want to go from here as an artist moving into the next year. “Under the Water,” is such a striking composition and it holds a special place in your heart. Could you please tell the listeners the story behind the writing process? This song was different than most of my other songs because I wrote it on a loop pedal using only beatboxing and my voice. I have always felt a strong connection to the ocean, and I was feeling unsettled in my life before moving to LA. Like I had this light within me that felt ready to shine in some way. The lyrics unfolded from there with the underwater imagery as the backdrop. I worked with producer Sam J. Garfield in the studio to create it into a fully functional song that could be released. Originally, I had thought about it as a potential live contortion performance where I would layer on the vocal parts and then do a performance. You can actually see the evolution of this song on my YouTube channel... there is a live in-studio video of me performing it as I originally wrote it, a live contortion performance where I do contortion and sing, and then the final official music video for the single. What musical and non-musical inspirations do you allow to speak into your music? Musically, Radiohead is one of my favorite bands, and Tori Amos has been an artist that has always inspired me. I really enjoy a wide variety of genres, and what I love about Tori and Radiohead is that each album they have created is so unique... they have really evolved and grown with the times in their music. I like seeing artists evolve but still stay true to who they are, and that's what I'm hoping to do as well. I also dabble in different genres, as I enjoy everything from jazz to trip-hop to electronica to classic singer/songwriter music. I think I am definitely most drawn to many artists that use electronic production in some way and those combined genres here and there (other artists I love include Imogen Heap, Bjork, and Sigur Ros). Non-musical inspirations include the natural world and surrealist art. I used to be a painter and majored in studio art when I was an undergrad in college, so I really love visuals and try to incorporate that into my music through the lyrics. I enjoy a lot of fantasy art and also love being out in nature because there are so many beautiful and unique elements that can be woven into a song through words. How have you grown as an artist from the start of 2020 to now? At the start of 2020, I still didn't have much music that I had released other than my album from 2018 and "Red House," a Jimi Hendrix cover that I released at the end of 2019. Since then, I have been determined to keep releases happening regularly, starting with my single, "Beautiful Ride," which came out in January. I filmed some live in-studio performances with In-Flight Music Group that I released on YouTube, then I released 3 other singles this year plus the "Under the Water" video. I've really tried to become more active on social media and take my fans and followers on my journey with me. I've also made more connections through the press and learned that sometimes I can't do it all myself (I invested money into Spotify playlisting this year, which really helped increase the number of people listening to my music). A lot of my plans for live shows got foiled due to lockdown, so I've just had to come up with other ways to keep people engaged... little contortion videos here and there as well as behind the scenes footage and photos from my various projects. I want to keep going on this track and hope to continue on this path of growth over the next few years. I really am still very new to the whole scene, especially the LA music scene, but I've met and been really inspired by some amazing artists since moving here. Were there any challenges that you have had to overcome as an artist through your releases this year? The greatest challenge was the disappearance of live shows. Live performances were a big thing for me, and going out to shows to get inspiration was part of my regular life. When that went away, I felt very emotionally challenged because part of the beauty of music for me is performing my songs live for an audience, and having that energy and interaction. I really struggled to get into the Livestream game, although I know many artists that have done it a bunch on Facebook and Twitch. It just wasn't something that fed my soul, and I definitely wasn't making any money from the few that I did. I basically had to accept that fact and just move on with each release... I was extra bummed because I wanted to screen "Under the Water" on a big screen at a venue and put together something really cool for a release show, but I couldn't hold onto the release.. it already got pushed back a few times. Such is life though, and I'm still proud of my accomplishments this year. What words of wisdom would you like to share with your listeners as we close off the year? If you are truly passionate about what you do, you can thrive in some way... I think the pandemic has shown us all that a pause can be both a blessing and a curse. It brought about completely unexpected challenges for everyone, but I think it also gave people a chance to really deeply connect with themselves. I think the bottom line is that artists need to create. We will always find a way, no matter what. What types of projects can we expect to see and hear from you come 2021? I can't wait to share my projects in 2021. First up, I have another music video coming out in January (for an older song from my album), followed by a new single called "The Loneliest Nights" that I think will really resonate with people considering all that has been going on in the world lately. I am also very excited to film a music video for my most recent single, "Light." This video is going to be edgier, as I am teaming up with Tonya Kay again (director of "Under the Water") as well as a visual artist to create a combination of contortion and fantasy visuals. I have gotten some great inspiration over the past few months from artists like FKA Twigs and look forward to continuing to hone my craft of creating beautiful and unique visual art featuring my contortion skills to accompany my original music. I think music videos are going to be my thing, but I want to start to up the game a little bit by incorporating fantasy art and CGI type of visuals. I also think it's going to be a fun adventure to bring attention to some already released songs that didn't get enough attention when they initially came out. I am also thinking about working on an EP. One step at a time though... I don't want to get too far ahead of myself. instagram.com/lyrastarmusic facebook.com/lyrastarmusic twitter.com/lyrastarmusic

Atlanta, Georgia is home to the one and only MC Zappa. Known to exude his talents as both an emcee and producer, this creative grips on to his eclectic imagination and originality as he is the proud originator of Bit-Hop, a unique genre-fusing the elements of 8-bit video game music and golden age Hip-hop. This founder of Too Much Phunk Records has used the year 2020 to his musical advantage. Through his discovery of new musical techniques, he hones in on his beloved establishment, with the development of Bit-Hop. MC Zappa was heavily influenced by VGM composers such as Koji Kondo, Tim Follin, and Nobuo Uematsu. He also pooled together his influence from Golden Age Hip-hop artists such as Eric B, Rakim, N.W.A, Run-DMC, and Boogie Down Productions. Releasing 'Hindsight,' this marks the first official EP from the emerging artist himself. It is also the first official release on his independent label, Too Much Phunk Records. Using five intoxicating records, MX Zappa strays away from his signature Bit-Hop techniques to offer up a nostalgic touch on the genre of Hip-hop by releasing a purely Boom Bap inspired project. Collaborating with other producers, MC Zappa brings in other talents to drive home the themes of “Hindsight.” Throughout its course of 15 minutes and 29 seconds, we are exposed to robust melodies of self-empowerment, resilience, and agency. “Magic (Sorcerous Phunk),” offers up exact musical funk in an enchanted way that sparkles gold flakes on nostalgic Hip-hop traits. Through refreshing resonance that focuses on exclusivity, we are fully engaged in nostalgic sound effects fused with the upbeat rhythm of the drums driving this record home. MC Zappa creates a prevailing conveyance through his hard-hitting lyricism bringing out witty one-liners as he captures the beloved spirit of the genre that he owns effortlessly. “The Beast Named October,” is not only MC Zappa’s debut single to the music world, but it is also the first Bit-Hop release. This song redefines messaging in the comparison of trials and tribulations of life to the cold month of October and further personifies the month into a vicious creature. This remix was released exactly three years after the original release and still comes in as holding a special place in the creative realm that MC Zappa resides in. Taking cues from the greats, MC Zappa is now dominating in the realm of Bit-Hop, taking over one record at a time. As he continues to reign supreme in his own world of imagery, MC Zappa builds up his rapidly growing fan base in a way that has him sticking around for quite some time to come. Hello MC Zappa and welcome back to BuzzMusic, it’s always a good time when we get to chat it up with you. How have you managed to stay inspired throughout this year? Thank you! The feeling is mutual. How did I stay inspired this year? Honestly, by transmuting all the experiences I've had in 2020, as well as those of the world at large. I just took all of that chaos and used it to fuel myself. I'll admit, I've had some VERY rough times this year (as have we all), which caused some brief hiatuses, but ultimately it was the love of the game that always kept me coming back. With extensive knowledge in your genre, what kind of equipment do you use most often? And do you have a favorite piece of gear to work with? I use a vast network of interconnected equipment that includes various keyboards, tablets, and cell phones among other things---I call it "The System". The nucleus of The System used to be a Samsung SGH-1497 that one of my aunties gave me, but now I would say the nucleus is my 2009 MacBook. I have two favorite keyboards that I use; a Yamaha PSR-E243 that my mother gave me, which is great for my home studio, home-based productions, and practice because of its 61 keys and 385 preloaded instruments, as well as my Akai MPKII Mini, which I won in an Instagram contest last year, which is absolutely fantastic because of its portability and ergonomics. But over the course of this year, I think I've discovered just how much I'd underestimated one particular item in my inventory: my Epsilon INNO-MIX 2. I won't go into details, but let's just say there are a LOT more uses for a mixer than just being jammed between two turntables. If you could choose a dream collaboration, who would it be with? Rakim. Definitely Rakim, either him or MF DOOM. I would also love to work with Ice Cube and KRS-ONE, as all of these artists are my greatest influences, but if I had to pick just one, it would definitely have to be the God MC. You dabble on both sides of being an emcee and a producer. Do you consider yourself one more than the other? Honestly, no. I am both in equal parts. I mean if you absolutely FORCED me to pick one over the other, it would probably be production, but as I said, I have equal passion and talent for both. Do you have anything to say to the people out there who may have doubted you or passed judgment on you? Yes. I'd like to offer sincere thanks to all folks who tried to tear me down, because even hateration is energy, and energy is fuel. I'd like to offer my thanks to those who made snarky and nasty comments, and those who claimed I "wasn't original". It was this in part that inspired me to hone my craft until no man could dispute that I was one of a kind, and to ascend to another level altogether. If it wasn't for the naysayers and critics, I may have become complacent. Thanks hun! Do you have a favorite part of the creative process that you enjoy more than the rest? Hmmm...you know, that's a great question. Honestly, not really! To me, creating the instrumentals, writing and recording the lyrics, and doing the graphic design are all equally fun. And you know sometimes it's like, I have a whole bunch of fun doing the instrumental, but then when I get my lyrics ready and lay down my vocal track, that just sets it off. Nah, I don't think I have a favorite part; each step in the whole process of bringing my ideas to life has its own joys and frustrations, none of which are superior or inferior to the others. In what way have you grown as an artist from the start of the year to now? Gosh! That's another great question, heh. I'd say that number one, I learned to be a lot more self-reliant. In years past, I've delayed or even altered projects because of issues with collaborators, or lack thereof. But we not doin' that no more. I don't mean to be cynical or nothin', but people come and go. It's the truth. So if it's storm season and you don't know how to be that anchor, that rock that keeps you steady, and you waitin' around for other people, you gon' be in some trouble. I got an agenda and it's going to be completed regardless of who's around me. One monkey doesn't stop no show. Number two, I also learned how to trust my intuition more, let go of some doubts, and be more confident on the business side of things, especially regarding negotiations. You know, when I said in February of last year that it's all a game, I wasn't employing a trite metaphor; I was speaking the truth. Life is a numbers game. I'm not a trained statistician, but I do know that you will miss 100% of the shots that you don't take! 2020 was the year that I truly realized what it meant to go for what I wanted---and it paid off! Again, I won't go into details, but if you'd have told me a year ago that I was gonna be talking and working with artists from the records I used to listen to when I was a little kid and teenager, I'd asked you what the hell you were smokin'! Yes, this has been one interesting year, but by drawing upon my inner strength, I managed to conquer the beast named October for another year. Instagram Twitter #BUZZMUSIC

The traveling Artist and rising Singer/Songwriter LUJAIN finally pushed herself to release music this year. Her breakout year couldn't have gone any better (in terms of music, that is), as she released various singles and an EP titled "Elevator Music." Born in Kuwait and of Syrian descent, LUJAIN found herself in LA to start her career. As the pandemic arose, she now resides in Stockholm, Sweden, where she finds limitless inspiration. Regarding her EP "Elevator Music," LUJAIN created this project around themes of being in a low place yet still striving to make necessary changes LUJAIN also released a few upbeat Pop anthems, primarily her single "3," which touches on a love triangle and being caught in the middle. With more introspective singles like "Life of a Traveller," LUJAIN wanted to create this song from the perspective of an immigrant like herself, but to sing for those who can't find a place to call home. On a more personal note, LUJAIN wrote the two singles "Goodbye" and "Everything's Temporary" about her late friend and artist Beldina, who devastatingly took her own life. Finding the only way to cope through music, LUJAIN touches hearts everywhere with the relatable and crushing experience she's written. Wanting to be a part of something bigger, LUJAIN recently shot a video in partnership with the National Association of Mental Illness, dedicated to her dear friend Beldina, to be released next year. Don't miss out on the experience that LUJAIN has to offer. We're heavily impressed with the number of releases you have in 2020, seeing as it's your debut year. Which piece of yours means the most to you, and why? To be honest I feel like each one of them means so much because all of them are so real and something I went through. currently, I feel like goodbye is the one that means to me the most. The emotional release that it provided and because I pretty much improvised it, it came out straight from the heart. We've noticed that you tend to write about incredibly real, relatable, and sometimes emotional themes. Do you find it challenging to write about such personal themes? I feel like the only way for me to feel better is to write about my emotions. Being able to “close a chapter” or figure out what I need to do from what I write. It's like solving a dilemma about something through writing. Whatever you'll end up writing is probably what you feel. Which experience this year was the most beneficial for your music career? Probably my single “3” because it’s been the one most successful yet with around 81k streams and of course “Traveller” which started my music career this year haha. Could you tell us what your creative process is like when working in Stockholm this year? How did the city inspire you to keep going? Honestly, it’s been a blessing, I have all night sessions once or twice a week. I found an amazing producer, Tony Senghore, to write with and it’s been my most productive year so far. I love Stockholm, it’s a beautiful city filled with hard workers, world-class songwriters, and producers which only inspires you to work harder. I’m extremely proud of the results. Did you encounter any collaborations in 2020? Which would you say was your favorite collaborative experience? On my fall EP “Elevator music” I worked with this amazing jazz musician Christian Renard a.k.a. parking lot. Super cozy. Now I'm collaborating with Tony, a producer/writer, on all of my new content. That's probably been my most educational and favorite experience thus far. Could you tell us more about your video with the National Association of Mental Illness? What should we expect to see? The video is coming out at the beginning of January. It’s a live performance of my two latest releases, “goodbye” and “everything is temporary”. it’s dedicated to my friend that committed suicide last year on Christmas and I just wanted to raise a little bit of money even if it’s only a little for the cause. so that somebody can help those people when I couldn’t you, you know? Are you working on any other projects to be released next year? I am working on so many projects to be released next year it’s honestly crazy. I have a new single coming out in February followed by an EP which I am so excited for. It’s called “love languages” and they’re my first love songs. Bad love, good love, foolish love, and self-love. You can definitely count on a lot of new music coming out in 2021. twitter.com/LMsoty instagram.com/imlulumusic

From Los Angeles to Boston, the Iranian Dark-Pop Artist and Singer/Songwriter Ashley Zarah have been reaping the rewards of her musical year. Featured on countless online blogs and magazines, Ashley Zarah has truly made the most of 2020. A few achievements that Ashley Zarah has seen this year are her deep dive into the Electronic Music realm. Collaborating with D-SAB on their single "Let Go," Ashley Zarah mentioned that it was her most fulfilling release thus far. As well as her music video for "Fakin' It" (directed by Luis Zavaleta), Ashley Zarah finally found a way to use her overactive imagination through the art of video creation. We were left breathless by a few of Ashley Zarah's singles, starting with "Like I Do," which saw many remixes from Electronic producers. The song touches on self-love and not settling for anything less than what you deserve, which brings us to her powerhouse anthem, "My Boyfriend." A tune that reminds listeners to steer away from toxic love, Ashley Zarah dropped this empowering piece for anyone who needs an internal pick-me-up. A similar theme is mentioned within her single "Let Go," which sings a spiteful message to those who should be well past their unhealthy relationship. Switching up the perspectives for her piece "Everybody Knows," Ashley Zarah felt empowered to write this song about an apology she never received. All songs stated can be found as singles through Ashley Zarah's discography and within her EP "Better Mess," which marks the 4-year journey of inner realizations and self-reflection. Make sure to stay updated with Ashley Zarah's captivating musical stylings, especially as we head into 2021. What would you say was the most significant and influential realization you've made in 2020? I really understand the gravity of gratitude now, and how much comfort it can provide. Many of us dealt with a loss this year – it felt like wherever I looked, there was another entity to mourn over. I had to face cancer in my household twice this year, and with that in particular, I found so much peace and security in showing my gratitude for what and who I have around me. Really finding the sweetness of each breath I take, respecting the trajectory of life, and feeling blessed for everything I have during it. I usually associated thankfulness with guilt or fear of loss, but now I’m so much more focused on the present that showing my gratitude just brings me joy when I’m feeling my lowest. Speaking on your self-coined genre, Dark-Pop, could you describe what we should expect from this genre and why you use it to define your brand/sound? Sure! I was this really grungy, emo kid who loved pop music and Persian dance music; those genres always lifted my spirits and all, but I remember the first time I actually felt spoken to in music. I heard “Move Along” by The All-American Rejects on MTV. That was my introduction to alternative rock and the emo-wave. Pretty much like everyone else, I had a dark life that pop music was like… intentionally being blind to, cause maybe they thought honesty isn’t fun? – but it can be if you choose to frame it that way. That’s what Dark-Pop is; the coexistence of light and dark, superimposing the void with the kaleidoscope – because life is colorful and bleak at the same time. So rather than focusing on quixotic happiness or eternal damnation… I’m just making difficult subject matter easier to talk about – give a traumatizing story a catchy melody, and suddenly people are seeing what’s truly inside of them. We've noticed that you're a prominent advocate for mental health, suicide prevention, and gender equality. How do you make your audience aware of this? Of course, the music addresses these subjects, and if not clear enough, I make sure the videos play a role in explaining them further. I think “Fakin’ It” is an excellent example of that, ‘cause sexual assault was really hard for me to be super direct about, so the lyrics were more abstract and vague. However, I made sure the music video showcased a more objective version of the story. I try to use every platform I have access to be a representative of these topics. Interviews like this one and social media are great ways to have that discourse with my listeners. I sell merch where a percentage of the proceeds are donated to suicide awareness and prevention programs; I even have an IGTV series called “Dark-Pop Stories” where I flesh out the stories behind my songs, and the topics you mentioned tend to come up very naturally in those conversations. Overall, I just try to be as transparent about my journey as possible so that people may see themselves in something I do or say and feel more seen and less alone because of that. Speaking on your venture into the Electronic Music world in 2020, should we anticipate more experimental EDM tunes in the future? Definitely! Actually, my first two releases of 2021 are collaborations with international, electronic artists; experimenting with cinematic synth-pop, to straight-up house music. I have such a deep connection and love for electronic music, I feel it’s impossible to stay away from it, especially after the warm welcome it gave me this year. With the release of your EP "Better Mess," what did you want your audience to take away from the project itself? Discovering truth; that the discovery of truth is the first step towards change. Each song starts with some form of denial and ends with the admittance of reality. The EP itself starts with a song that validates lying and ends with a song that worships honesty. So, I’d hope that the journey through it showcased that lying to oneself, even for the sake of self-preservation, is actually self-destructive. Making that brave choice to be brutally honest is how you break the chain. Regarding each single you've released in 2020, which would you say is your personal favorite, and why? If I had to pick one… I’d say “Everybody Knows.” I think it encompasses who I am as an artist but also as a storyteller really well. There are so many layers to that song, and the impact it made on my listeners was a testament to that. I think it’s one of the most cathartic and relatable ones I’ve written, and I really stuck to my guns with the production which is something I tend to shy away from. This song bounced around three different producers who were all pressuring me to change things until PlotTwist and I got into a room together. My patience finally paid off, and I found someone whose vision aligned with mine; and we created a graphic, emotional journey that hits me from head to toe every time I listen to it. Are you currently working on anything to be released in 2021? What are your next steps? I have so much music that I think I get too ahead of myself. A collaboration with Italian producer, Sound Surfer, called “Dream Away” is coming out in early 2021; and then nearing Persian New Year, I have a desert-themed EP with my good friend GVLA who I’ve worked on a few electronic projects so far. I’m also in post for a stripped EP reimagining some of my songs in a more natural and exposed capacity. There is so much Dark-Pop lying in wait, I promise. AshleyZarah.com

From Tokyo to Los Angeles, the Japanese-American Singer/Songwriter AYAKO truly gave us projects to remember this past year. Most notably, her intricate music video for her hit, "You Are The Damned." Striving to pursue her career as a global Pop sensation, AYAKO saw her 2020 track "You Are The Damned" reach international audiences. As this was her breakout year, AYAKO is continuously garnering fans through her music's natural energy and passion. Having teamed up with Producers like Shinichiro Yokota and Pleasure Cruiser, we can hear AYOKO's sound blur the lines between Pop and Electronic House Music. She's also released a song in collaboration with EXTREME MUSIC, a production arm of Sony/ATV Music Publishing. That being said, AYOKO's greatest achievement this year was by far the release of her single and music video for "You Are The Damned." When speaking about the single, AYAKO mentioned that the song is about unapologetically embracing both the light and dark side of ourselves. AYAKO felt inspired to create this song merely due to specific experiences where she felt judged and wildly misunderstood. While the song started as a response to those who doubted AYAKO, it evolved into an anthem for anyone in need of an inspiring message. When listening to her latest single, "You Are The Damned," we couldn't help but hit the repeat button as AYAKO offers all the grooves for us to forget the distress 2020 brought. Be sure to check out AYAKO on any streaming platform and experience her sweet sounds as she gears up for more releases in 2021. Hello Ayako, and welcome back to BuzzMusic. Seeing as this year brought quite different and unnerving events, what would you say you took away from 2020 (artistically or personally)? My main takeaway from 2020 was to remind myself to take a step back and breathe when things aren’t going as smoothly or quickly as expected. Although this year was especially difficult for many of us, there are always going to be obstacles to overcome and I learned the importance of being flexible and coming from a place of gratitude rather than stress and anxiety. Speaking on your sweetest release of the year, "You Are The Damned," how did the single help your debut breakout? “You Are The Damned” is about unapologetically being yourself regardless of what anyone else thinks or says. This message has helped me in times of doubt and is a big part of what makes me who I am today. It is a message I hope to continue to share with people in everything that I do. This release authentically introduced me to the world and I am excited to continue sharing more of who I am. When the global pandemic started and quarantine was set into place, how did you spend your time? Were you inspired to create music? Besides working on my single and music video release, I spent my time decorating my new apartment, setting up my studio, cooking, and taking long walks around the neighborhood. I definitely had a lot more time to write new music, but the inspiration came in waves. Some days I felt blocked and anxious about the state of the world; and other days, I was super inspired to channel my emotions and thoughts into my music. Regarding the music video for your single "You Are The Damned," we're truly impressed with the video's depth and intricacy. How long did this process take? Which month did you begin creating the video? Overall, the process took 11 months! It’s crazy! My creative director, Paige Strabala, and I worked really hard to plan and prep for the music video, which we shot in December 2019. I was originally planning to release it in early 2020 but I actually ended up booking my first lead in a feature film called “Ike Boys”. I was shooting from January to March right before quarantine began. So the post-production for the music video started in April. Lots of back and forth with my editor and good friend, Eisuke Ohga. I also learned PremierePro so I can help with the editing, which took some time but learning a new skill was well worth it. Then we went into color correction, which was done by Adam Scott. It was really fun to work with him and watch him bring the video to life and make it what it is today. Did you work with any other artists or producers this year? Which was your favorite collaboration? I have been working with my boyfriend, Jackson Englund, who is an incredible musician and producer. During quarantine, we started a new project called “The Why Nots” and released our first single, “One Heart”, which was written during quarantine about quarantine. I am also working with my friend Z on a project called ESQ APE. These tracks were all recorded with live instruments including guitar, keys, flute, sound bowls, gongs, and even a harp player! Each project brings out a different side of me so it's hard to say which collaboration is my favorite. Besides the release of your single "You Are the Damned" and the following music video, what else have you been creatively up to this year? I have been working on the releases of my new music with SEROW, The Why Nots, and ESQ APE. Besides music, I'm also shooting a web series called "My Roommate Is A Shinigami" written by my friends Emma Peet and Vasan Arul. Are you currently creating anything in particular? Should we expect more original songs and collaborations from you in 2021? I am currently working on the music video for my next single with SEROW. There will be new music releases for all my projects top of 2021! Instagram Facebook #BUZZMUSIC