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Vancouver-based R&B Singer and Songwriter, Hatim is rapidly growing his fan base with a unique sound that blends his musical influences of Soul, Funk & his African and Middle Eastern roots. Developing a definitive vocal style, the way he fuses together his essence through his music is now present throughout the rhythms, scales, and vocal styles of his latest work. Hatim now returns with the release of his highly anticipated EP, 'Facade.' This is a follow up to the 2019 release of his debut EP, 'Magic.' 'Facade' is a deeply introspective collection of eight tracks that weave through themes of vulnerability, the search for love, and empowerment. It came into existence through Hatim’s tumultuous relationship with the word 'Facade,' and what it represented. With time, however, this prompted more reflection for Hatim and an exploration of the walls we put up between ourselves and the outside world and how we lose out on so many meaningful and authentic experiences as a result. The eight-track record of 'Facade,' begins with the alluring introductory track, “See, the World (Intro).” Through the warm embrace of the instrumentation, the delicate distortion in the guitar being played adds mesmerizing factors to the striking vocal performance that Hatim delivers. As we are welcomed to the tantalizing, wide vocal range from this artist, we are deeply captivated by the genuine development of where this song commences and where it concludes. As lyrics of pain and question come into play, Hatim takes on the challenge of walking alone to find the once lost soul that he bears. Vanishing into the ease of this sonic venture, you find yourself gracefully riding the waves of Hatim as he sets the glorious artistic tone for 'Facade.' The title track of the project, “Facade,” features Vancouver based Hip-hop artist, Missy D. Driving home the thesis of “Facade,” we are stimulated to endure the exploration of the numerous walls that we put up between ourselves and others. The sweet harmonious melodies that Hatim provides, soothe our souls as we slip into the intoxicating grace radiated. Missy D adds an empowering drive of her clear and present lyrical abilities to flavor the lyrical blend at hand. The collaborative effort of both artists sits peacefully on the ear as their imaginative talents complement each other in the sonic development of this enticing composition. “Breathe,” has us swooning over the colossal harmonies that Hatim presents in the saccharine resonance of this record. The earnest, slow-tempo of the instrumentation pulsates through the speakers as you gently glide across your living room floor as you feel the spirit of his music in your core. We start to hear different cultures shine through in this piece as the tempo switches up at the bridge, Hatim presents his Middle Eastern roots as he serenades us in the glorious sounds of the Arabic language and takes us all the way home with note sustaining bliss. The caliber in which he performs “Breathe,” has us all taking this gentle reminder to heart. Sometimes three deep breaths can fix it all. We all appreciate an indescribable love song; but what if you never took on the challenge to craft one because you’ve never felt that way? Well, Hatim displays immense emotion in showing us precisely that in, “Love Songs.” The warm embrace of the strummed guitar sets the brilliant tones of this nostalgic R&B inspired melody. Taking notes directly from the playbook of the ’90s and early 2000s, we find ourselves instantly drawn towards this creative take of Hatim’s own journaled love song. Dazzling us in the unfathomable resonance of his vocal range, Hatim takes us through the notes of his soul in this love that is not yet dedicated to anyone in particular. “Are You the One?” has an endless supply of groove radiating from the core. The heavy syncopated elements take us right back to the nostalgia of an era where funk ruled all. The up-beat, vibrance of this track has us feeling unmatched energy that only Hatim can provide listeners. Delving into the questions that can be heavy on our brain when someone is occupying our headspace, Hatim expresses his own vulnerable thoughts that have us relating in the most sincere manner. The way that Hatim pours himself upon this beat, we are captivated by the memorable chorus he delivers in “Are You the One?” The sixth song on the tracklist is a heavenly pause in the composition that is, 'Facade.' “Boulder (Interlude),” is an a cappella delicacy that is true to Hatim in every style exuded. All of the reverberated vocal hums and harmonies create an enormous atmosphere in which the elements that are fused together have you picking your jaw up off of the floor. When your speakers are submerged in production quality of this caliber, you can’t help but to soak it all in and then click repeat. Hatim’s nimble exhibition in a showcase of his tough exterior proves to his listeners that he wants to overcome the obstacle life puts in his way. “Life Happens,” draws us into the somber timbre that the arrangement provides. As we take a step back and reflect on the words that Hatim puts into retrospect, we can hear the longing and despair that he puts forth as he hones in on various emotions that happen as time passes us by. With a profound sense of desire backing his every move, Hatim can be heard leaving it all on the table with each empowered expression in the mix. As 'Facade,' approaches the completion, we can appreciate the earnest development that the progression of this record has to offer as our senses remain heightened. The final installment of this celebrated eight-track project is titled, “For Me.” Commencing with the sanctioning vocalization that Hatim blesses us with, we reminisce on the vulnerability provided. “For Me,” lives up to the high expectations that Hatim set out for himself, and now the high standard to which we hold him to. As he cultivates an authentic dominance in the way that he carries himself, we can hear his last words on the project shining a light on the breaking down of all walls, all facades, and all things not Hatim. As he acknowledges his becoming, in the mature foot he puts forward, Hatim raises all bars with the themes and message delivered. Bearing a fresh layer of himself on this project, this stands to be the most authentic version of himself that he has allowed his audience to see this far. Hamit wants to drive home that emotional connection with his audience as he stresses the importance of representing the full spectrum of his humanity as a Black male in today’s climate. 'Facade,' says it all. Hello Hatim, welcome to BuzzMusic, and congratulations on the heartfelt release of your EP, 'Facade.' You shed an immense amount of emotion on this project. Could you please tell your listeners; what moment inspired the thesis of 'Facade?' Thank you! It feels amazing to have it out there in the world! The word "Facade" itself holds a lot of meaning for me. A few years ago, I was processing a difficult time and saw a therapist for a couple of months. I would sit down and start talking and he would interrupt me 5 minutes in and tell me that I was presenting a "facade" - I promise you it was his favorite word and I hated it! In the beginning, I would get really defensive every time he said that, but over the years I've really internalized that concept and reflected on where it was coming from. I realized that I really did feel the need to project a certain image for other people, even those closest to me. Obviously, my first instinct was to process that through song, so the title track was born and I spent the years following that writing increasingly personal and more vulnerable music. On the sixth track presented on 'Facade,' you fashion a highly intoxicating creation by using only your vocals on “Boulder (interlude).” We would love to know; how was the creative process for that specific song different than the others on the EP? That interlude is one of my favorite moments on the album. I was just messing around on the keyboard and found a pattern I thought was interesting and for some reason, I decided to record it with my voice instead of an instrument. I initially thought it would just be a background part for a full song but I kept building on it and suddenly I had this full a cappella demo. I got in touch with Sam Dabrusin, a good friend who was the musical director for the a cappella choir I sang for in a university, and asked him to sprinkle some magic on the arrangement. We went back and forth on a few changes and the final arrangement was born. One of the most amazing parts of that process was recording some of the parts for that song simultaneously with Sam in the studio - we didn't take turns, we just sang it together so if one of us messed up the whole take was messed up! I do my own background most of the time so it was really cool to change it up. I really feel like that song allows me to bring in a part of my musical history that people probably wouldn't have assumed within the context of my broader musical identity Out of the eight tracks presented, do you have a song that resonates with you the most? It changes every day, and I will say it's changed significantly since I've released the EP and started getting feedback from folks on the songs that affected them the most. The one that consistently resonates with me though is "Breathe". Lyrically, it talks to a struggle that I still embody every single day - balancing the "hustle" mentality with opportunities to just breathe and reflect on whether I'm striving towards the right things. What makes this one really special, though, is the creative process behind the music. The song started with a groove that I patterned after a Sudanese rhythm (even though I've never lived there, Sudan is where I'm from and I'm pretty connected to the music), and then there's a transition in the end to a section sung in a Sudanese dialect of Arabic, but in a Middle Eastern scale over a Middle Eastern backdrop - I grew up in Abu Dhabi and am also pretty connected to Arabic music overall. So it feels like the combination of all the different parts of my cultural background and it's the most experimental track on the EP - I'm really proud of that one. What was it like working with Hip-hop artist Missy D on the title track, "Facade?" It was one of my favorite experiences. Missy and I have known each other since before either of us released our first EPs. She is actually my true, real-life friend. On top of that, she is SUPER talented. She's been inspiring me for years as an artist and when I was making the song "Facade" I knew that she was the person for it. That song will always be special to me and I wanted to have someone on it who would get it. We talked for a long time about the song, about what it means and why I wrote it before she started writing and when she did, she absolutely killed it. I'll never forget that studio session - Missy, the producer David T and I are all good friends so the energy was amazing, we laughed the whole way through and supported each other to make the best song we could. What would you like your listeners to take away from your music in terms of themes and messages? Ultimately, I hope that people will be able to truly emotionally connect with at least one song on the EP - even the fun ones! I consciously made sure that even when I was singing about a new crush on "Are You The One?", I explored the insecurities we all feel in that process. I want people to listen to this EP and come away thinking about how they approach their relationships and how much they do or don't let others in. Even if you don't come out with an answer, just acknowledging the feeling is such an important first step! Instagram Facebook #BUZZMUSIC

The Atlanta-based Artist InAVeeCoop is basking in the fresh stylings of modern Hip-Hop and R&B. InAVeeCoop’s raw talent shines through her modern and sensual tunes. Taking the words of faith, hope, and love into the music she carefully crafts, it is no wonder why InAVeeCoop creates emotionally charged music showered in luxurious desire. Allowing her audience to feel every inch of their fluid emotions and to be able to connect with them on an intimate level with her warm and modern tunes. InAVeeCoop’s latest charismatic single, “You Are The One,” stays true to the spirited approach she takes with her, day in and day out. The captivating manner in which the instrumentation washes over you has you immediately anticipating the elements next to come in the production of “You Are The One.” InAVeeCoop provides a soul fueled performance of reverberated vocals singing the lush lyrical content that immerses you into an ambiance of sonic delicacy. As you get lost in the music, your mind has you zoning into the words that InAVeeCoop passionately displays. Expressing the cold hard facts that it takes two to tango, words of hurt are uttered as InAVeeCoop releases her emotions on this auditory canvas. Encouraging us to relate to the music on a personal level, we are fully tapped into a medley of sentiments that have us relating to, “You Are The One,” on a personal level. As the speakers continue to pulsate with the laidback tones transmitted through the tantalizing bassline in the composition, we sink into our seats as we take in the vulnerability that InAVeeCoop leaves out in the open for all to hear. Exposing that side of her as we learn more about the artist and individual behind the microphone, InAVeeCoop offers up full transparency in an effortless fashion. Hello InAVeeCoop and welcome to BuzzMusic. Congratulations on the release of “You Are The One.” Diving into the deeper meaning behind the lyrics; what inspired you to write this track? Thank you for having me. I wrote this track by coming to the realization of how I’m just as important as anyone else. It has taken me a very long time to realize that, however; I’ve learned that it has been an obstacle through the past 3 generations of my family. We get so caught up in fully believing in others that we forget to fully believe in ourselves first. So, when it came time to create the visual, the first thing I thought about was sitting down with all 3 of my mothers in hopes of putting that behind us and the generations after. Also, I hope that I was able to get a message across to the kids to encourage them they have the ability to do anything once they know who “the one” truly is. What did the creative flow look like when you were fashioning “You Are The One?" All I knew is that I wanted to create and I had a few beats in my catalog from King Blitz. I had been on a hiatus from music for at least a year or two. Before I left home, my daughter, K’Lynn, was telling me she wanted me to write a song about her. She’s actually the one who encouraged me to start the song with “Um, yea.” I never planned on writing a song like that but it just came out on my way to the studio and the rest came once I started recording. It ended up being a message for her that I hope she can always turn to if need be. It was also a way for me to release and leave the past in the past so that I could move forward freely. How do you allow your musical inspirations of Monica, T.I., and Young Thug, speak into the music that you create? When it comes to Monica, I think to myself “Be authentic.” I just believe her to be an extremely honest and talented individual. My goal is to write a song for her someday. I’ve always been a fan of T.I. since his debut album I’m Serious. I loved his flow. When I started rapping I used to rap like him with the goal of being Queen of The South. He has an attractive flavor about him when it comes to him and then he’s grand at so many things. He reminds me I don’t have to limit myself. I grew up with Young Thug during my elementary years. He & his sister Hi Doraah have always been so kind to me. They’re like family. They both remind me to be bold and unapologetic and that anything is possible. What is your favorite part about creating music? My favorite part of creating music is recording. It’s so much fun. It’s like drawing or painting a picture. You get to decide whether you want to stay in the lines or go outside of them. Either way, you're bound to catch somebody's attention. What can listeners anticipate to hear from you in the new year? I’m working on one thing at a time for now so definitely be on the lookout for another song. I’m also looking into filming a freestyle I’m super excited about. Stay tuned and run the numbers up on my new record InAVeeCoop - You Are The One on all platforms. The visual is out everywhere also. Instagram Facebook #BUZZMUSIC

ETA shed their artistic dynamism in the realm of Hip-Hop and R&B. This trio is composed of Rapper Tyler on Demand, Singer and Songwriter, Alexandre Henri, and Producer/Engineer, Emiltheproducer. Their most recent project, 'SMS,' is their culmination of summer under wraps and under pressure. With nothing but plenty of time to share stories in the studio, this body of work displays their experiences first hand. The production of, 'SMS,' remains on the top of the totem as Emiltheproducer sets emotional tones in the instrumentation that he crafts. Carrying heavy waves of sentiments forth, the unique creations that he brings to life allow Tyler On Demand and Alexandre Henri to develop their sounds in an imaginative manner as their collective put out relatable content that can have you grooving to any mood. Sharing the spotlight amongst these three Kings, each individual has their time to shine as they seamlessly fuse together. “Skip To My Lou,” “Rewind,” and “Cynthia,” “Anna May Interlude,” have us caught up in Tyler On Demand’s lyrical dexterity in place with raw talents. Taking the cake for his clever one-liners displayed in the upbeat pulsations of high energy atmosphere has us on the edge of our seat as we take in each word shed. Tipping the scales of modern Hip-hop with a twist, the alluring setting of “Crimea,” “Locus,” and “Rafters,” cascades upon Alexandre Henri’s reverberated resonance in a sizzling life like grasp. With a profound pep in his step, he rings bells with the way he delves into each harmonious note. We sonically glide through the rollercoaster of life as tracks like, “I Do,” “No More,” and “Red Wine,” captivate us with the mesmerizing tones set in a Contemporary R&B soundscape. Sweet and dominant vocalizations touching on the themes of love and lust pair with enticing instrumentations that have us feeling smooth and sizzling ambiances in the depths of, 'SMS.' Overall, the themes that ETA weighed in on, showcase who they truly are as individuals outside of their artistry as well. With tasteful content that still pushes boundaries, we hear the burning passion and desire that went into each song on the tracklist of, 'SMS.' The trio of ETA merges together for a triumphant method of storytelling that floats upon clever thoughts, heartfelt moments, and expressive melodies. As they delve into their summer with a copious amount to show for it, 'SMS,' is a project that transports us to what happens when hard-work meets dedication. Dominant vocalizations share dynamic limelight with the eloquent singings shed as each member takes the time to share their perspective with the audience. With Emiltheproducer on the beat creating extraordinary canvases for these vocalists and emcees to paint upon, we see each brushstroke that went into crafting the foundation, structure, and finishing touches. As these three artists continue to establish their name, it is bright and clear that they glisten on their own and in a trio. Catering to a wide audience with their vast talents, these three share a certain dynamism that you don’t see everywhere you go. Making their way to the top in a respective manner, there is no doubt about it, you’ll see plenty more of ETA as they have only shared a sliver of what they have to offer the world. Hello ETA, welcome to BuzzMusic, and congratulations on the release of, 'SMS.' Touching on numerous moods throughout the project, what was the ultimate ambiance like when creating this album? I started making the record fresh off of an exciting, fulfilling, painful, and confusing relationship that ended with me leaving the country I had lived in for 4 years. The last year and a half or so drove me to reflect on self-worth and the sacrifices we make in our search for acceptance, love, all that stuff. I came into every session with that context in mind. This context, mixed with friendship-building conversations, red wine, and apple E&J, lead to the final product you can listen to today. What’s your origin story? How did the three of you become ETA and how has the process with one another been so far? Moved from Toronto to Boston. Reconnected with Tyler on Demand after seeing online that he started making music. We created a 3 track EP in our first session together Emiltheproducer and I fit in an EP during the SMS sessions as well. I came to Boston hoping to find collaborators and happened to find two incredible ones in Emil The Producer and Tyler on Demand. What would you like your listeners to take away from the themes and messages that you send out in your music? People seldom owe you anything, if ever. This was my conclusion in creating and finishing this record; another person cannot make you better, happier, or otherwise. Peace comes from within. Out of all ten tracks on 'SMS,' do each of you have a specific track that resonates with you the most? Red Wine. A groovy, liberating, versatile song. What has been the biggest takeaway for you as a group in 2020? Collaboration is powerful. You may move faster alone, but you move further together. Alexandre Henri Instagram Tyler On-Demand Instagram Emiltheproducer Instagram #BUZZMUSIC

Coming in hot from the cold streets of Toronto, the Afro-Swing Artist and Singer/Songwriter Bouff releases a stimulating single with the wittiest of bars, titled "Callin'." Fueling his music through the inspiration of his Nigerian roots, Bouff's modern and exciting take on Afrobeat music is truly setting him apart from the competition through his catchy melodies, raw emotion, and confident lyrical creations. You may recognize Bouff through his viral freestyle over the infamous "Tony Montana" instrumental, landing him a co-sign with Afro-Swing pioneer Mr. Eazi. Through his latest single, "Callin'," listeners are able to entirely lose themselves amid the warm Afrobeat fusions that Bouff offers. While coming through with witty, confident, and conceptual bars, we truly love the sophistication and professionalism that Bouff delivers within this track, as he's familiarized himself with Afro fusions that make it look all too easy. Listening to "Callin'," the song begins with warm R&B-style production through fading keys, a beautiful shamisen appearance, and a haunting ghost vocal. That being said, we can hear the fresh Afro-Swing/Afrobeat atmosphere touch down as the bright percussion kicks in, taking us to the warm lands of Bouff's roots. As Bouff beings singing, he stops us in our tracks and leaves us in awe of his brilliant vocal melodies and rhythmic delivery. While moving from singing to rapping, Bouff tells a lyrical story of independence and working his way up to the top solo (with the exception of his tight circle). He puts a smile on our faces with confident and witty bars like, "-I'm lit in real life, you famous on Tiktok." Reaching the end of the track, Bouff has outdone himself with the incredible vibes he's delivered within the single, "Callin'," and we're excited to see what the future has in store for the Toronto artist. Hello Bouff, and welcome to BuzzMusic. What inspired you to create such a confident and witty single with "Callin'?" What did you want to get across with your bars and lyrics? My everyday life inspired me, things I had witnessed and live through that I wanted to talk about and put out there in the form of music. I always love a groovy melodic beat so once I heard it from the producer, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it! I wanted to show people how versatile I am with my flows, hooks, and beats as well. I left a few bars in there too you get me, but nothing too complicated. I usually like to give my supporters and audience a groovy and easy catchy line to remember innit. I try to make a lot of my bars sound like something I would write as a caption and that helps with making proper punchlines you get me! We absolutely love the warm sonic journey you've provided with "Callin'." Did you produce the song yourself, or did you reach out to any fellow creators to help your sonic creative process? The song was produced by Jaemally who is based in Australia! I reached out to him earlier to work together not too long ago, but came across the beat and really loved it immediately. To be honest, at first, I never thought I would put it out because the first version still had some work to do however with the help of my friend CJ, who was with me all throughout summer we were able to come up with a proper structure and foundation for the beat! There's a certain shamisen sample within your single "Callin'." Why did you want to expand the sonics and add this beautiful traditional Japanese instrument? The instrument you hear is actually the west African banjo! Very similar to the shamisen but slightly different as well. The banjo was first made initially in West Africa (where I am from). Nigeria in particular as studies would have it and I wanted to capitalize off this instrument because it is often overlooked and is a part of my culture and heritage. I am a Nigerian born, Yoruba and Edo to be precise, I want to bring afrobeats to the world. The way I look at it is, music is a very simple yet complex build. I call it simplex because it is very simple yet has many components to it that make this one big piece. That being said, the beat would not have been complete without this one little yet mighty instrument added to it. End of the day, it's all about the little things and I would say that for a fact, this one little thing was the icing on the cake for me! It brought this beat to life in my opinion and shout out to the producer as well. Coming from a city as musically diverse as Toronto, how does your music stick out from the city's other talented creators? I am an afro-fusion artist. I choose that genre to describe my music because it is afro rooted but has many components to it. The city has a lot of Canadian hip-hop, trap, and gangster rap going on. However, I chose a different path with my music because I feel like it needs light to be shed on it. We have The Weeknd who represents east Africans, Tory Lanez who represents the Caribbean people, A lot of Somali rappers but we need someone who puts on for The West African people. I want to be one of the first people and greatest pioneers of the Toronto afrobeat scene. People will know that Bouff brought the new-modern age afrobeat to a mainstream level in the city and did it in his own unique way. I don't want to be classified as a Toronto rapper, I want to be an artist. A truly versatile artist with multi-genre capabilities who stays true to his roots. What goals do you have with your music going into 2021? 2020 was really all about testing the waters. With a lot that happened, it was hard on a lot of artists especially from a managing point of view. I have been able to reflect on past decisions musically, and look at what I did wrong and come up with a new plan going forward. 2021 is all about solidifying the structure and foundation which I am currently building. The end goal is to go all the way with this, so I want to be more consistent by releasing more music, more visuals, more behind the scenes for all my supporters to see what I am truly like behind the cameras and lights. I plan on being more strategic with what I put out.. its bangers only, versatile work and my production will be alot better. I have started vocal lessons, made links with certain engineers who can mix my songs properly to the exact way I would want it to sound, and moving forward I am coming for everything I have worked for and deserve. Instagram Facebook #BUZZMUSIC

Hailing from Frankfurt am Main, Lexy LaVey is a self-taught Indie artist that marches to the beat of her own drum. Lexy LaVey thrives to bring all elements of her multi-genre taste together to give them a modern twist as she bends and fuses numerous styles that celebrate contradictions. Her third-ever single, "RSDNT EVIL," came out in the Fall of 2020 and has been garnering major attention for the unique creation for a panache that she deems, Shock Pop. She takes everything that she is not and becomes them through the musical creations that she carefully crafts. A fusion of ominous transmission revs up the engine that is, “RSDNT EVIL.” Lexy LaVey delves into a sultry ambiance filled with haunting components that send chills down your spine. The enticing instrumentation throbs through your headphones as you become fixated upon the heavy basslines and booming drum hits that speak for themselves. Lexy LaVey writes all of the mesmerizing lyrics we hear and uses inspiration from her personal life experiences and what she observes with a grand pinch of irony. As she takes her evocative expressions to another dimension, we fall deep into the spell that she casts upon us. The vocalization of the vivid words she sings, illustrate their own brilliant masterpiece upon a sonic canvas. Showcasing the great complexities of her imaginative flexibility, Lexy LaVey’s creations simmer on your mind as you absorb the obscure soundscape painted. As “RSDNT EVIL,” carves out its own lane, we feel the victorious emotion of Lexy LaVey telling her truth through her abstract spin. As she is one to stand out from the crowd, this is the type of content that we love to see from this emerging artist as she continues to cement her place in a genre of her own. Hello Lexy, welcome to BuzzMusic, and congratulations on the release of “RSDNT EVIL.” We appreciate your powerful approach to the melodies that you craft! What moment inspired the creation of “RSDNT EVIL?" First off, thank you so much for the warm welcome and the kind words on RSDNT EVIL! Well, I wrote the lyrics for RSDNT EVIL a long time ago. I was just really frustrated and heartbroken, that the person I was with at the time, played down their potential as a person and played dumb, pretty much. Since then, I had the reassuring realization with other people as well, that they all had amazing, interesting, and fascinating sides to them but hid them on purpose because they were scared of being “uncool” or not “manly” enough or whatever. It killed me, that they showed me their impressive souls once every blue moon but then went straight back to f*ckboy behavior. For some reason, they thought that was more desirable than their true self, but it clearly was not. RSDNT EVIL wraps that together and puts a creepy bow on it. Some of your biggest childhood and teenage inspirations are, in your words, “the biggest contradiction in the music business.” With names likes Marilyn Manson, Britney Spears, Slipknot, etc., how do you allow these inspirations to speak into your creations? For the most part, I weave the darker musical influences in visually through my aesthetics in my music videos, personal style, cover artwork, etc. I also like to include that mystic, creepy vibe into my music and metaphors within lyrics. I mix those things with my pretty blunt writing style, which is mostly seen in the pop genre, and my voice that sounds pretty pop, too. And visually as well! I like to mix the “Britney aesthetic” and “Manson aesthetic” about 50/50, depending on the particular song, and quite frankly, my mood. Sometimes I feel the 2001 vibe more, sometimes the gothy vibe. What goes into the creative process that allows you to make these captivating melodies? A lot of alone time, honestly. Melodies come to me easiest when I turn off my thoughts as much as possible and dive into the feeling of the lyrics I’ve written. And a great baseline sparks a lot of my inspiration as well. But mostly it’s seizing a creative moment when it comes. Sometimes I have three good ideas in one session and then there’s nothing happening for four weeks. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, then it’s that I can’t force my creativity or productiveness. In terms of themes and messages, what would you like your listeners to take away from your music? To allow their shadow side to be there and to be valid. Whatever that might mean to each individual. To me, it seems like, that most people suppress a certain side of them or even shame them. But there’s no light without dark and it’s equally important and necessary. It’s nothing to be scared or ashamed of. In the end, I think my message comes down to embracing yourself fully and unapologetically. What goals do you have with your music going into the new year? To do a feature with someone! I’d really love to do that! And definitely to release a lot more music than I did in 2020. But since I write everything myself and even started to mix and produce everything myself, it’s hard to deliver in a frequent manner. Especially because I’m not musically trained at all. But I’m producing my first beat as we speak and it’s going unexpectedly well, so who knows? Maybe things will go more smoothly with a little more experience. Instagram Facebook #BUZZMUSIC

Brooklyn-based, Soul-infused, Caterina J was raised in the country of Chile and began her musical expedition at her grandmother’s piano at the young age of 7 years old. Inspired by great Chilean writers like Violeta Parra, Isabel Allende, and Pablo Neruda, Caterina J initiated the songwriting sector of her journey by using these greats as her muse. Caterina J has released not only her first English single, “Blazing Stars,” but the second official single off of her forthcoming bilingual EP, ‘Reborn,’ set to be released on January 11th, 2021. Recorded at Plaid Dog Recording Studio in Boston with producer extraordinaire Mike Davidson, ‘Reborn’ is filled with a similar eclectic nuance and exotic mystery as some of her inspiration, as it weaves through a fascinating thread of Classic Rock, 90’s Alternative, and Latin Jazz. Through enticing instrumentation filled with tight drum patterns, lush guitar chords and a rhythm fueled bassline, “Blazing Stars,” has an intoxicating and mellow radiance that puts you deep into a trance. As you get lost within the enthralling soundscape that pulls you under waves of cadence, Caterina J is truly the cherry on top as she drizzles the luxurious reverberations of her vocals upon the song's cosmic transmission. The way in which she expresses the inner thoughts of her mind in an abstract storytelling method has us following along to each melody she sheds. Taking this record to a colossal aptitude, the atmospheric resonance immersed in her messaging has us singing along to the sweet sounds of, “dancing in the dark, you and me we’re like blazing stars.” Caterina J’s ability to have us sink into our seats as she transports our minds to atmospheres across the galaxy is quite remarkable. The brilliance exuded in the composition that is “Blazing Stars,” has us submerged in the world of Caterina J and we don’t want to leave. The glorious execution behind each perfectly placed sonic puzzle piece has us anticipating the release of her forthcoming album, ‘Reborn.’ Instagram Facebook #BUZZMUSIC

R&B is blessed to have the luxurious vocals of Kiva Richardson. Memphis-raised this emerging artist delved into her love for music at the petit age of 8 years old, while bellowing gospel melodies from within. Obtaining the devotion of her rapidly growing fan base, Kiva Richardson has allowed her own flair to take the lead as she continues to pursue her burning desire in the arts. With the soothing essence of her latest single, “You Should Know,” she manages to draw her listeners into the music as she forms an ambiance in her own lane. The rich timbres of her vocalization cascade upon the sizzling instrumentation to ignite vigorous, sonic flames. Speaking words of wisdom in the striking resonance conveyed, we hear the confidence displayed as Kiva Richardson addresses her worth and value for loyalty. As her heavenly tones fill the speakers while you sink into your seat, “You Should Know,” that this record will be on repeat for time to come. Instagram Facebook #BUZZMUSIC

Fortifying her foundation on talents through various genres and a burning desire for music, Ashley Reed offers her listeners a heartfelt look into her soul with her latest release, “Waves.” This California native has an undeniable work ethic as she produces tones of striking melodies and larger than life vocal abilities. Welcoming us into her world of atmospheric bliss, she draws her listeners into a mid-tempo Pop flavor that has us captivated the moment we begin our journey of, “Waves.” Through her vivid expressions that delve into the hardcore authenticity of who Ashley Reed is as an artist and individual, she allows us to get lost in the swift productions of, “Waves.” Opening her musical arms with a warm embrace, we admire the vulnerability shed from this emerging artist as she proves time and time again that she belongs on top as a more than capable wordsmith and intimate storyteller. Discover more about Ashley Reed here. Facebook Instagram Twitter

Philadelphia-based Songwriter and Composer, Alex Kahn has weaved an eccentric path through diverse musical terrain. His experience in the industry has tailored his unique sound as he thrives upon the in-depth contributions that he has to offer. His most recent sophomore album, 'The Marble Jar,' is dedicated to melodies that comfort and disturb his audience as he oscillates between the bright jangle-pop of 1991 and the faint intimations of Elliot Smith. The second single off of, 'The Marble Jar,' is titled, “Lorelai.” A record drizzled in the cavernous reflective conviction that conveys lighthearted lyrics. Delicate tones of classic guitar channel an equivocal touch on the cherished effects that the softened composition holds. Alex Kahn uses his creative genius to craft, “Lorelai,” as a love letter to his beloved dog that shares a name with the title of this song. With thoughts pondering across the mind of this brilliant artist, questions arise, and Alex Kahn starts to answer them for himself. As one to never take himself too seriously, Alex Kahn sprinkles his keen wit with some self-deprecating humor, poking fun at the immense safety precautions he takes to overprotect his cherished pet. The soothing effects of Alex Kahn’s raw vocal talent weigh heavy on our minds as we take in his ultimate quintessence as an individual and artist. The tender bulk of his conveyance has us swooning over the performance exuded in, “Lorelai.” As Alex Kahn dips in and out of our minds as we float to cloud nine, we appreciate the craftsmanship in the manner in which he maintains the theme of this album in the song, “Lorelai,” we hear a sonic demonstration of an elusive tightrope walk between various opposites. “Lorelai,” represents the talents transmitted in the soundwaves of Alex Kahn’s sophomore album, 'The Marble Jar.' As we fire up the next song in the queue, we suggest that you do the same. Hello Alex, thank you for joining us at BuzzMusic, and congratulations on the release of your second single, “Lorelai,” off of your latest album, 'The Marble Jar.' What was your main inspiration behind the name of the albums and the themes that you address? I’m really glad that song resonates with you! “Lorelai” is a love letter to my dog. It explores the non-verbal ways of communication that occur between a person and their dog. How do we live in such intimate communion with another being for so long and not have a single conversation in human language, yet so much is said and expressed. I wrote this song inspired by our long walks through LA. The song also gets into some feelings of helplessness and control. How do we embark on relationships with pets when we know we will outlive them. There is a feeling of “pre-grief” that accompanies this song and is expressed fully in the last verse. We take a leap of faith and bring this love into our lives knowing that they’re going to die and so are we. All we can do is jump into the fire. It also touches on my own neuroses surrounding losing her. In a self-deprecating way, I make fun of all of the safety precautions I take with my dog: gates on the stoop, GPS collars, etc. Because losing her would be too much to bear as she was a pillar of comfort for me during these difficult years. It is also a potential insight into how I might feel as a parent, which is terrifying. Could you please tell your listeners what they have in store with your album, 'The Marble Jar?' This album is a split-screen effect of happy and sad. It’s like if those greek sad/cry faces attempted to make a record. In the past, I’ve been a bit self-conscious about injecting humor into my songs, but with this record, I decided to just lean in. I feel that sadness and laughter are a lot more intertwined than we often think. The record is very narrative and the lyrics are the main thread that connects the whole thing. While making this record, a musicologist who works with the studio suggested that I am a librettist in disguise. I had to look up that word, but after doing so, I found it to be an astute assessment of the situation. That being said, it’s not a record to simply vibe within the background while doing something else. Yes, you can do that, but this is a record that demands present attention to really get the most out of it. It plays more like a short story or a low budget broadway play than an indie rock record. I understand that’s not for everyone, but I like to make music that people can really hold on to and develop an intimate relationship with. That’s how I grew up listening to albums. There’s lots of content and little details that might take a few listens to pick up on it, which hopefully keeps people engaged. In other words, this is more for the Reddit crowd than the TikTok crowd (although I love TikTok too). The sequence of this record is very intentional. Playing on shuffle might be a trippy experience. I felt songs about my dad passing needed extra space from songs like “the opposite of sex appeal”. Speaking of that song, it’s a very unsexy album. This album is a lot more of a Sunday morning after vibe than a Friday night vibe. I wanted to focus on the period of the relationship that happens after the infatuation period wears off. It seems like every Disney movie and most love songs just stop after that point. Everything is hunky-dory when you don’t know a person that well, that’s easy. But when you actually get close with a person, all of the demons you thought you exorcised long ago start to rear their ugly heads. I think this is a make or break moment because welcoming that baggage into your relationship can be some of the most beautiful and intimate moments between two people. These songs seem more relevant to that time during the arch of love. Out of all the songs on the tracklist, do you have a particular song that resonates with you more than others? This is a tough question, like determining which child you like best. They all resonate with me in different ways at different times. Overall, “Barry” really resonates with me. I wrote this song in the aftermath of my dad’s death. It just poured out of me in like an hour, which is rare but happens sometimes. It explores what Joan Didion refers to as “magical thinking”; that in-between moment of grief where the initial shock has subsided but still everything feels surreal and the world is unrecognizable. Believing I could talk to my dad in dreams or in my head was a pretty frequent phenomenon. This song is more of a prayer, or a meditation on that longing to be reunited with the deceased. It is very soothing to me, and perhaps soothing in a way that my dad was to me. The melody and chords give the aesthetic distance to the intensely painful experience of grief, almost like a gauzy balm over a wound. How has it been releasing a full-length project during the pandemic? Have there been any learning curves through the process? This album was already coming out of a musical hibernation for me, so it was a pretty large bummer when I felt ready to share the music with people and the world just shut down. That being said, my problems are pretty minuscule as a privileged person. I definitely felt bummed that I wouldn’t be able to play shows, but I’m doing a Livestream on Friday and will continue to do those when I can. In some ways though, I think art has even more of an important place now than it did before the pandemic. People are stuck at home and many are in challenging situations. Art is meant to comfort the disturbed, and boy are we disturbed! In that way, I feel grateful to provide people with music during this time. 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? I think the best advice I can give to anyone finding it difficult to make art is to re-examine your reasons for it. If you’re making it for other people then you’re going to be constantly disappointed, pandemic, or no pandemic. If there is no organic will to make music then I think it will always be an uphill battle. People just need to find what vibes with them and then share them. That’s it. Everything else is smoke and mirrors. Instagram Website #BUZZMUSIC

Bringing the south and its culture to the mainstream, Los Angeles-based Singer/Songwriter Emi Secrest is here to slay with her sultry single "I FUX W U." Having toured with names like Christina Aguilera, John Legend, and more recently Kanye West's Sunday Service choir, Emi Secrest is swiftly reaching out to all corners of the industry. From writing a JC Penny campaign theme song to earning a Top 10 spot on Stevie Wonder's radio station, it's safe to say that Ms. Secrest is a name to follow. Through her recent release "I FUX W U," Emi Secrest brings listeners into sonic ecstasy with her captivating R&B inspired production/instrumentation and the whole-hearted lyricism she delivers. While riding the mellow beat with limitless grooves and a natural sense of poise, Emi Secrest is spilling her heart for listeners to hold and clasp. Emi Secrest opens her piece "I FUX W U" with mellow layered electric guitars that swing with soul. Accompanied by a down-tempo drum arrangement that offers the sweetness and tenderness of R&B, Emi Secrest makes her way in and turns heads. While singing with the most heart and desire one could imagine, she truly offers a chilling sensation with each angelic melody. Listening to Emi Secrest's lyricism, she's devoted herself to someone who comes through with the steadiness and consistency she deserves. Ending the song with the serene instrumentation and production, we're finding ourselves lost in each transcendent melody and groove that Emi Secrest delivers. Without a doubt, Emi Secrest is making her way through the industry as a force to be reckoned with, and her latest sensual single, "I FUX W U," reminds listeners of the soaring talent she obtains while opening their hearts with this desirous piece. Hello Emi, and welcome to BuzzMusic. What drove you to create the sultry and sweet single "I FUX W U?" Was the song inspired by true events? I Fux W U is a song about finding a safe in a person, being seen and understood hits different. This is what inspired me to write this song. Speaking on the groovy and mellow sonics within "I FUX W U," how did you want listeners to feel when experiencing the song's sonic atmosphere? I want people to feel a sense of home, a familiar feeling while feeling sexy at the same time. Your lyricism within "I FUX W U" is incredibly heartfelt and genuine. How did you write your lyrics to speak such a pure, passionate, and vulnerable message? I co-wrote this song with Cameron Forbes. He had I write together a lot. We always start the session off by talking about where I am in life, love, music. This day I was expressing how much I valued this energy that was around me. It was a different feeling. Something I'd never felt before. Despite my baggage, this energy messed with me tough- I fux with that, and that's how I Fux W U came about! With vast industry experience under your belt, how does the knowledge you've obtained help you create your music today? Which experiences were the most influential? I honestly think life is the best teacher. It will teach you a lot if you're willing to learn. What has been keeping you inspired throughout 2020? Music and not being afraid to feel again. I see so many people just exist... I want everyone that listens to my music to live. Life is so precious, we have to make every move count, and live to enjoy every moment. Keeping a positive mindset, and remaining focused enough to push through the bull crap. Instagram Facebook #BUZZMUSIC