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Los Angeles is known for its great talent and sensational Hollywood effect. The pop singer born and raised in North Carolina, Simo Love, is making huge waves for herself in the big city. Simo Love creates music that feeds her soul, which spans through many genres as a black trans woman. Simo Love released her single titled "Alone," and we weren't prepared for the impact this song left on us. Starting on the production of this single, the acoustic guitar chords developing into an electric guitar resonance added this soft rock dimension to this single that created a foundation for the genre-blending record. Another cool effect we've noticed in "Alone" was the cinematic feel it gave. The introduction of this single began with a climactic emotional build-up to help reflect the song's sentimental vibe. Simo Love's vocal delivery was so intricate & detailed in different projections, and her stylistic approach to her musicality showcases her individuality as an artist. "Alone" opens a pathway for the listener to be vulnerable with Simo Love, with its relatable romantic lyricism that depicts the concept of isolation, a feeling many of us have felt before. When artists are able to get unguarded with their music and express themselves on a personal level, the admiration and respect for their artistry are inevitable. Simo Love has exceptionally delivered a work of art that reflects her character while also connecting with the audience she attracts and more. In what ways do you think growing up musically inclined has benefitted your artistry today? I think growing up musically inclined gave me the ability to be experimental today. I would listen to so many different kinds of artists and I think that led me to be open to not being afraid to bring all of that influence to my art. Growing up singing gospel music compelled me to refine my voice and gave me a good ear when I am listening to music. I do not think that race is king when it comes to music. And I bring a lot of empathy for my artistry. “Alone” was a theatrical piece that resonated well with us. Can you tell us the inspiration behind this song and how it reflects your personal experiences? Thank You so much! Well, when I wrote the hook for the song, I was being haunted by a couple of different things. My high school friend Monica had just died from a car crash. And it was discovered that she had alcohol in her system. So I imagined that she was “swirling like a cyclone” before she died in her car. I was also haunted because I was dating a white guy and we call that swirling darling. It made me feel very free. Love knows no race but I grew up in a very religious and upper-middle-class black family that I remember hearing tell my older sister that she was to date a black man. So I was conflicted but also felt exhilarated. Usually, I write stream of consciousness before I try to refine my songs and so I was also driving from North Carolina back to Conservatory in California by myself and I noticed how beautiful the Arizona sky was. Finally, there was a time that I questioned my gender and sexuality and did not think that I could honestly find real love if I came out as trans. So the “I wanna love without fear” line definitely was about freeing myself from the limitations of doubt in race, gender, and sexuality. What were your intentions with the creative direction of “Alone”? What was the ultimate feeling you wanted to deliver to your listeners? Well creatively, I wanted to appeal to many different types of music listeners and create my own genre. I do not feel limited by pop, r&b, rock, gospel, or electronica music and I wanted to reflect all of the themes that I am talking about in the song. I love a lot of different genres and wanted to make music with this song and album that reflected my vast musical sensibilities. I had a lot of different references for this song; Moby, Solange, Christina Aguilera, Vertical Horizon, Alicia Keys, Blaque, and Frank Ocean. Specifically, I tried to pull from songs that had similar themes to the lyrics in “Alone” and I wanted to captivate my listeners by mixing in elements of those songs to my haunting melody. Ultimately, I want the audience to feel a sense of peace in love from the song. Thanks for sharing Simo Love! As 2020 is slowly approaching to an end, what do you think has been the biggest lesson this year for you career-wise and why? Thank You! As 2020 is slowly approaching to an end, I think the biggest lesson that I have learned is to not limit myself. In March, when I was still trying to make music, all of the studios were closing. So I bought a new laptop and home studio and decided to continue to try to make music even if there was a pandemic. My creativity definitely did not stop and I learned that if I can continue to thrive when “all shit has hit the fan” then I will be unstoppable when things are somewhat back to normal. This is because I was so unyielding and relentless. It’s something I never knew in myself and career-wise I finally feel like I have found my voice as an artist. So when I am hopefully booking a hella amount of shows, I will be able to be this confident and very specific and unapologetic artist. This year has been extremely difficult for the music industry. What has been your biggest source of inspiration while creating new music, this year? Well, I started writing some of the songs on this album back in 2009! That is eleven years ago! Whew Child!  Getting my album done has been my biggest source of inspiration. I feel like the world needs my perspective. I am a college-educated black trans woman that isn’t limited by what the drag clubs and ballroom scenes think is edgy, sexy, and relevant. So I think, I am driven by my own narrative. I see artists like Beyonce, Lady Gaga, and Janelle Monae able to exist in many different types of scenes and that fuels me. Instagram #BUZZMUSIC

Being born in the birthplace of Hip-hop; The Bronx, in New York, Gangalee grew up learning firsthand the lessons in the realm of rapping and battling. This experience also gave her the opportunity to be introduced to the scene and also rhyme on mixtapes for DJ Doo Wop. Most recently Gangalee has been making massive waves in the Tampa, Florida music scene. Establishing her own indie record label, DOE Records as well as hosting the weekly podcast, “She Can Talk” are just a few of the things Gangalee does when not creating new and original music. Gangalee has developed a mastery of genre-blending, this skill is showcased in her powerful single, “Follow Me Now,” off of her album, “La Esmerelda.” This track will instantly entice you with the ambiance of the up-tempo rhythm surging through the speakers. The instrumentation of this single is a perfect blend of Hip-hop meets Funk meets Reggae with a modern edge. Gangalee’s drive, desire, and fire make her a rising artist to watch for. You can learn more about Gangalee here. doerecords.com instagam.com/GangaleeMC facebook.com/TheRealGangalee

Portland Native, Rapper, and Human Rights advocate Glenn Waco has been garnering major attention with his critically-acclaimed debut album “NorthBound,” which has been used to teach college courses around the world on Race, Politics, and Protest. Now, the Portland emcee returns with his single “Willie Lynchings,” collaborating with producer extraordinaire Samarei. While the rapper’s words in this specific record act as a seeming report from the frontlines, he wrote this track nearly four years ago. Leaving it all on the table, he hopes his rhythmic protest offers relief and fuel to a tired nation. Throughout the instrumentation, the rhythm of sparse drums and lush guitar riffs carry out a rhythmic composition from frequent-collaborator Samarei. Glenn Waco casually offers a grim prognosis on the state of his city and nation in “Willie Lynchings.” Leading into his aptly titled sophomore project “46,” a nod to a new federal administration in the top office, marking an end to Trump’s reign, but not to the foundational violence core to America’s being. Glenn Waco wishes to bring listeners a sense of therapy through the hard-hitting lyrical content he delivers in an effortless manner. Speaking from a personal point of view and touching on emotions he holds within, he carries the trauma of continually seeing police brutality and people with financial freedom in the world who can make a difference telling others how to think, feel and react. Putting all his power behind the matters at hand, he drives home the factuality that change needs to happen. Submerged deep in your thoughts, you can’t help but acknowledge that Glenn Waco and Samarei convey a heartfelt performance from start to finish in hopes that they can relate to the other humans hurting around the world. If that doesn’t scream noble, we don’t know what does. Congratulations on the release of Willie Lynchings. With a collaboration of this caliber, we would love to know; how was it working with Samarei in order to bring this vision to life? It’s been organic. Samarei’s not just a producer I tapped, he’s been my DJ for as long as I can remember. The creative process basically came down to me getting the concept and melody of the song and him creating the rifts with live instruments is building on everything from there. What is your reasoning for holding onto “Willie Lynchings” for four years before releasing it? It wasn’t on purpose, I’m just a firm believer in trusting the process, it simply wasn’t time, but it’s right on time. Nothing has really fundamentally changed in the country so it’s still relevant because it’s still our experience. I’m into making timeless music and Willie Lynchings is my Strange Fruit. What does your creative process look like for you when speaking about factual matters at hand? I pull from my experience first and research context and details that I can use later once I start writing. Sometimes I’ll sit with something for a week, sometimes it’ll take a few months, and other times I’ll pen songs in a day. It all goes back to trusting the process. If you could choose one lyric in the song that resonates with you the most, which would it be? “Kneeled in the field and it nearly got us killed, when America was great, there was still an Emmett Till” I think that’s one of the most important lyrics because no matter how far back you go, America has never been great for black people and it won’t get great for black people until we build our own infrastructure, quit expecting people who pimp our trauma to do anything different, and simply take seats. Their biggest trick is convincing us that they don’t work for us. What can fans anticipate to hear next from you? We have the music video run of Willie Lynchings to get to, the way I’m releasing my album will be non-traditional so they’ll have to stay tapped in with me. I consider myself a social engineer, all creatives are Social engineers, we control culture. People can anticipate getting more familiar with my network, FreedMinds, and expect to hear more timeless music. instagram.com/glennwaco twitter.com/glennwaco

Tiara Hill, affectionately known as Twoaym, is a multi-talented American Rapper, songwriter, and Producer hailing from Columbus, Ohio. Coming from a family full of musicians, Twoaym started creating at a young age by playing musical instruments all by ear, such as drums, guitar, and piano, eventually leading up to her writing and recording rap verses by the age of 14. Being one who is truly inspired by artists who have set milestones in the recording industry, Twoaym has gained attention for her songwriting techniques from artists such as Jackie Jackson, producer extraordinaire B.A.M, and many more. With her recently dropped the single “Koolin,” the feature single off of her highly anticipated forthcoming album, “Unsolicited,” Twoaym’s versatility is something to look out for as she features a mixture of nostalgic and Hip-hop tones in the music she showcases. “Koolin” submerges you in the laid back ambiance of everything Twoaym has to offer. The captivating melody of the instrumentation allows you to sink deep into your seat as you transport to the nostalgic world Twoaym opens you up to through the creative lens of her soul. The way that Twoaym’s vocals enter this piece shines a light on her smooth as butter cadences that highlight the deep and mesmerizing tonal distinction that she carries in her conveyance. “Koolin “ is full of expressions that Twoaym sheds regarding the fact that she doesn’t have time for anyone out there looking to waste hers. Unfazed by life’s hardships, Twoaym wants her listeners to know that around her, you can effortlessly catch a vibe as she carries the “Koolin” mentality with her through her day to day life. Wrapping your head around the universe that Twoaym creates, you can’t help but gravitate to the ambiance that she has set out. Allowing her influential elements to speak into her captivating melodies, you find yourself wanting to know more about the artist as she embarks on her storytelling voyages within her performances. Twoaym has won us over as fans as we patiently await the release of her forthcoming album 'Unsolicited.' Congratulations on the release of, “Koolin.” You have such a way of creating your own soundscape in the music you create! Could you please let us into what went into the creative process of “Koolin,” to get that desired sound? Thank you! I truly appreciate you guys for listening. Honestly, when it comes to the creative process for any song I do, I’ve trained myself not to rush any of it. I’ve learned that if you rush something, it will sound rushed. With“ Koolin “, it was actually not supposed to be on my album but as soon as I heard the beat, I felt it. I knew right then and there that I had to at least do something with it, so I came up with the melody for the chorus first and then put lyrics to it. I had to break apart the beat and put it back together so that the melody would flow smooth with the beat but only me and the producer would’ve been able to notice. The chorus was originally supposed to come in after the first verse, but I thought the chorus sounded better upfront. When it comes to the first and second verse, my lyricism sums up me. Myself, with a hint of what people can relate to and that, ’s the goal for me as a songwriter which is to write songs that people can relate to other than myself even though most of the songs that I write are experiences that I have gone through. The outro is what my people have been saying for quite a while now. It’s not just what we see in the media either, it’s everywhere and it’s real. What inspired you to make “Koolin,” the first official single off of your album “Unsolicited”? What inspired me is life itself and grow. “At the end of the day I’m koolin’ “and that’s all I will ever be. When it comes to inspiration and sound, I’ve always been experimental like hey, I’m a songwriter. That’s what we do best is an experiment and I don’t stick to one specific sound. I’ve been told “Hey you remind me of a female version of Isaiah Rashad or Kendrick “and I appreciate that because those are great artists. But when I listen to my music, I hear myself and that’s what I want people who listen to my music to hear. What inspires my music in a whole, is other art. Is “Koolin” a representation of what sound we can expect from the full album? Yes. But you’ll definitely hear other than what you guys heard already. Overall, I want it to be a journey. If you’re into boom-bap, neo-soul, and r&b vibes, you’ll hear that. Sometimes artists stick to their comfort zone, I didn’t for this album. Not to mention, the producers are great, the features are great, and the engineer is great. I’ve been dropping snippets on my social media since I decided that I wanted to do an album. But what I want my listeners to know too is that I don’t make music just for you guys, I do it for myself because once again music heals so when I release “Unsolicited “, I want listeners to feel connected to me as well and not just the music. What overall message would you like your listeners to take away from “Koolin”? Be yourself, cut out all the bullshit, and focus on you. A lot of us don’t know how to chill out or just not worry about what others think of us and if our mental health is down bad, we don’t function properly! Understand that you can be your own mood even if the people who have secret animosity aren’t tryna hear or see it. Let them. What can listeners anticipate to hear next from you? Pure vibes. Cause without them, what do we have? Thanks for having me. instagram.com/twoaym

Oakland's very own Izzy the Gent has been extremely busy as a multi-talented artist and producer on the scene. Everything But The Everything is the production moniker that Izzy the Gent uses as he produces Punk Rock bangers soaked in Rock and Roll music. While Izzy the Gent handles all of the writing duties, the lead vocals are provided by a vocalist that he met in the Bay Area's music scene. Everything But The Everything has teamed up with ex-bandmate and NYC transplant Vacances on the debut single, "Jump," from the artist's long-awaited forthcoming EP, 'Rock n Roll is a Feeling,' which is packed with energy in four tracks. This specific collaboration brings dark, dance-like elements that are reminiscent of old times. "Jump" kicks off with a heavy groove-filled bass lick that immediately sets the deep and enticing tone for this entire record. The progressive instrumentation carries an up-tempo ambiance that has you swaying your head from side to side while you tap your fingers and toes. Paired with the distant and washy essence of Vacances passion-driven vocals, you have a groovy track that bends genres and feelings from this dynamic team. Meaningful lyrics are passed through abstract storytelling as we hear the sounds of a lost connection. It appears as if the story being shared tells the tale of an old flame that has burned out through the rollercoaster of emotions that carry out through the duration of a relationship. As we sink a little further in our seats as we hear the emotion spilling out from all parties in this record, we can't help but try and wrap our heads around these artists' performance as they dive deep into their creative outlet. Everything But The Everything and Vacances make for a truly distinctive showcase of talents in "Jump." If this debut single is a reflection of what the four-track EP carries, then we know we're in for a hard-hitting treat. Congratulations on the release of “Jump,” featuring Vacances. We were picking up some major vibes from this record and we would love to know; is this what we can expect from the entire EP, “Rock n Roll is a Feeling”? I would certainly hope so. I wanted every song to be driving. My hope is that every song makes you want to play drums on your steering wheel or air guitar or perhaps pick up the TV remote to sing into it. What inspired you to make “Jump,” the debut single from the EP? I felt like Jump was the catchiest of the four songs. Even if you don't like the track, the combination of the chugging bass with hard dancy drums is hard to resist. How did the collaboration of yourself and Vacances come to life? Vacances and I used to play in a band called The Frail. Our new projects are very different from what we used to play but as Jump was coming along in the studio, I thought the intensity Vacances sings with would be a perfect match. I was and was ecstatic that he agreed. Was there a specific moment that shaped the story in “Jump”? I don't know why but whenever I'm writing music, I always pull from darker topics. It seems easier to write about pain than happiness. What has been keeping you inspired and creative throughout this difficult year? Little victories in the process of producing music are the little happy moments that have kept my mind off of all the negative news and my personal situations. Like one day my stress level was rising, worried about EDD money that had yet to hit my account, but then the drummer sends his stems and they rock, and for a moment, my mind went into a blissful mode, listening to the progressing sound. the new possibilities. Escaping reality but for a moment. everythingbuttheeverything.com

Cloer is all about bringing some fun to the table with his recent string of releases. Hailing from Kansas, Travis Cloer is all about setting his sights on his goals and putting every step in place to achieve them. Using his raw sense of spirit to guide his artistic persona, Travis Cloer is what you would call a natural performer and entertainer, which will inevitably get translated through his latest holiday-inspired release. Jubilation immediately fills the air with Travis Cloer's recently released track, "Holiday With Me." We're getting that instant pep and cheer with the buoyant vocalism of Travis Cloer, as he doesn't let one second of the track to waiver in its projected energy. The playful energy that arises from "Holiday With Me" brings instant positivity and waves of calming serenity, allowing for an enjoyable entertainment experience to ensue. Travis Cloer takes the time within "Holiday With Me" to express the desires he possesses, especially over the holidays with a certain special someone. The persona that Travis Cloer takes on for the song is absolutely fitting with the holiday theme, and we're ultimately admiring his natural sense of cheer that gets relayed through his upbeat and flavourful performance. Travis Cloer is undoubtedly the right kind of artist to spread some holiday fun, and we're looking forward to any further holiday-inspired releases from this fanatic artist. Hello Travis and thank you for joining us at BuzzMusic. How would you describe the creative process of writing and recording your own holiday-inspired single? I started writing this song a couple of years ago and just finished a few months ago. I just kept getting distracted with other projects, other songs, other shows, several things. Then the Covid pandemic hit and I had plenty of time to finish many unfinished songs. I love Holiday music and I love writing it. With the uncertainty, anxiety, and troubled state of the world right now, I wanted to record a song to take people away from their worries. This song talks about forgetting all the stress that is on us at this time of year, packing a bag, and running off to the islands to celebrate the big day. It’s packed full of my major influences too. I say it’s like 60’s pop meets doo-wop meets Nashville and they all got to Hawaii for Christmas! I also got to work with my good friend Grammy-nominated artist Frankie Moreno. He produced my debut album “HERE’S TRAVIS CLOER” last year and knocked this track out of the park. It’s fun, upbeat, catchy, and will make you want to hit repeat! What was the most rewarding aspect of creating "Holiday With Me?" Like I said, I wanted to give people something to take away the weight of reality right now. How nice would it be to run away to a beach, not worry about anything and pop open a bottle of pineapple wine to celebrate Christmas? Musically, I loved recording the harmony vocals on this tune. I’m a huge fan of vocal jazz and doo-wop. That's pretty evident in all my music but it’s on full display on “HOLIDAY WITH ME”. What were you hoping your audience would receive throughout the duration of "Holiday With Me?" I want listeners to feel good! I classify all of my music as “feel-good music”. I believe there is a power in music that can touch a listener’s soul in a very intimate way. That is why I do what I do. With “HOLIDAY WITH ME”, I want people to smile, sing along, to dance, and tell their friends how great they feel when they listen to it. Are you planning on releasing any further holiday singles throughout the upcoming holiday season? I don’t have any releases lined up. I do have another Holiday record I recorded a few years ago called “Christmas at My Place” that people can find online. I’ll also be releasing a video for “HOLIDAY WITH ME” in December. Who knows though, I might just get in a mood one night and record something else to get my fans and listeners in the spirit of the Season. What has been keeping you inspired throughout 2020? This has been an incredibly tough year for us all. Artists especially have been impacted in a way we’ve never seen. I’ve reached deep to find a part of me that I didn’t know was there both in my art and my personal life. With all of us being forced to have nothing but an online presence, I’ve found peace in writing original material as well as recording covers and making videos of the songs and posting them on my YouTube page. I must say that my video production skills have made a major leap in the last few months. My wife and kids have been a major inspiration to me. I want to make them proud of what I do and how I handle situations. I guess at the end of the day, I’m not truly happy unless I’m involved with music and entertaining. Since we’ve been forced off stage, recording songs like “HOLIDAY WITH ME” is what keeps me going, inspired, and looking to better days when we can be on stage again in front of live audiences making that soul connection. Instagram #BUZZMUSIC

Coming at us from Canada’s capital of Ottawa, independent rapper Svlm is making a name for himself within the Canadian Hip-Hop scene. Inspired by the likes of 50 Cent, Kanye West, and Drake, his sizzling music can be found on various Spotify charts and playlists. Released in August of 2020, Svlm’s hard-hitting single “Six Speed,” and now including a cinematic music video, is one to remember. Svlm uses a seductive technique of repeating a catchy phrase in order to hook his fans on the first listen. The audience will quickly begin to sing along to the memorable, and somewhat addictive, chorus in no time, making them want to repeat the song over and over. The backtrack consists of a bass-heavy drum line with an occasional 808 trap beat layered overtop. “Six Speed’s” bass sounds are engineered at alternating frequencies, giving it a melody that emits intensity. The inconsistency of the trap beat leaves room for Svlm to emphasize the fieriest verses of “Six Speed.” When it comes to his vocals, Svlm places more emphasis on passion and flavor than he does on pronunciation. His nonchalance gives his voice its originality, making himself gettable amidst the complexity of the Hip-Hop world. “Six Speed” is the type of song for any carefree night surrounded by your crew. With a beat that will make you want to get up and dance until the sun comes up, Svlm has created a soundtrack to every memorable night. Can you tell us about your inspiration when creating “Six Speed?” The song came about in 2019, I really wanted to get on a “west coast” style production, and I had found this producer named Ouh Boy. Fell in love with his work, and when I heard this production... my head couldn't stop bouncing. I grew up around cars, my close friends are all really invested in cars and really passionate about them, so it trickled into my life as well. I started humming to the beat, and those were the first words that came out; “she whip it like a six-speed”, so I ran with what felt right. How does “Six Speed” compare to the rest of your songs? Has your music style evolved over time? Definitely, in the last year and a bit, my music has definitely shifted into higher energy in your face style hip hop. That's not to say that I do not enjoy creating music similar to my old sound, I just like to change it up and showcase what I am able to do. For example, in 2021, you'll notice another shift in my sound that I may decide to stick with because it feels right. After all, I'm still learning and crafting my sound, which makes me happy, and what I believe is the most authentic version of me. It's a matter of time and patience, two things that seem to be hard to maintain these days haha. You’re inspired by famous Hip-Hop artists such as Drake, Kanye West, and 50 Cent. How do these artists influence your style? I grew up listening to all sorts of music, but the first hip-hop related record was 50 Cent's 'Get Rich Or Die Trying'. From there I spiraled into anything I could get my hands on and really fell in love with hip-hop. I've been saying for a long time that 50 Cent is one of the first gangster rappers to really get melodic with his flows and deliveries. He's been doing it for nearly 20 years, long before Kanye and Drake, but as the industry grew... I saw the shift happening. In 2008/2009 when '808 and heartbreaks' and 'so far gone' were released. I was taken back by the melodies and the flows that Kanye and Drake brought to the table. It opened my eyes to the possibilities and really redefined hip-hop. What made you decide to pursue a career within the music industry? How did you discover your talent and passion for creating your own Hip-Hop songs? It was around 11 years old where I decided that I wanted to be a writer, specifically in poetry. Over time as I had begun to listen to all sorts of music, and associating myself with the right people, my passion for actually expressing my thoughts and feelings verbally began to flourish. It was when I had met my long time friend and Producer/Engineer Cardeblanche back in 2008/2009 that my career really started changing and becoming more serious. We would meet for coffees and he would show me his productions, id freestyle for minutes sometimes hours straight... no pen and pad, just pure vibes and good energy. Up until that point, I had never set foot in a studio, or behind a microphone. Carde saw in me what not many others had and would not give up on me. I owe him a lifetime's worth of love respect, one can say I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for his nudge of faith some 10 years ago. What can listeners anticipate to hear next from you? Another version of me, but better, more accurate, more authentic. That's all I strive for really. I've been really playing around with some more serious hip hop rap vibes and id love to share it when the time is right. Ultimately, my journey is just beginning. I got a lot planned for 2021, and I hope people enjoy these records as much as I did create them. instagram.com/svlmmusic

The Belfast-based 4-piece Rock band Cloakroom Q. releases their heavy-hitting single "Leave Me At Lusk" off their recent album "Yes, Again." The blazing quartet strikes their audience with a mix of organic and electronic production, fusing their sound with dynamic tension, loops, and hard-hitting instrumentals. Taking cues from acts like Slint and Talking Heads, listeners can get down with Cloakroom Q.'s fresh stylings while recognizing petite elements of the past. Through their recent hit, "Leave Me At Lusk," Cloakroom Q. offers listeners slices of grunge with their heavy instrumentals. King Doss' infectious vocals deliver a rather similar spunk as the late Gord Downie, while Nancy Watt's riveting bass licks add immense depth to the track's low-end. Not to mention Jared Iscariot's rhythmic guitar and River Ares' timely drum patterns, the song leaves us wanting more from the fiery 4-piece. "Leave Me At Lusk" begins with incredibly rhythmic instrumentals through a prominent and plucky bassline, quick percussion patterns, layered electric guitar, and King Doss' enthralling vocals. As Cloakroom Q.'s engaging instrumentals continue, Doss powers through with a certain attitude and character that anyone can relate with. While singing of falling apart and not know which path to take next, the catchy chorus drops and keeps our feet tapping with each dynamic transition. A scorching hot bassline takes place throughout the bridge, anticipating Cloakroom Q.'s heated outro that delivers all the energy we need to get up and at 'em. Coming through with power, wit, and primal passion on their recent hit, "Leave Me At Lusk," Cloakroom Q. is quickly absorbing their audience into each alluring and engaging piece they create. What pushed your band to create such a thrilling and relatable song regarding life's trials and tribulations with "Leave Me At Lusk?" What was your songwriting process like when creating your lyrics? The lyrics were born out of a difficult period of mental-health struggles when you're so engulfed by your own thoughts, habits, and addictions that your paranoia is at an all-time high. Anyone who's experienced clinical anxiety or depression will know that there are days where you can't even bear to go outside or look a stranger in the eye, and perhaps that's why some of the lyrics are so relatable. This is the scary situation the song is depicting when you've run out of excuses and you must face the terrifying reality that you are your own worst enemy. How did your creative process go about when formulating the heavy-hitting instrumentals for "Leave Me At Lusk?" How does Cloakroom Q. compose the dynamic tension you're known for? The instrumental came about one night at the practice where Dan was leaving in a rush, and we wanted to tape this idea of his as quickly as possible, so from the get-go, there's been a real sense of urgency at the heart of the song (heightened by the fact that Danny's drum hits are like a cannon). Of course, the dynamic tension has been with us since the very start. Initially, we took a more textural and avant-garde approach to our songwriting, which we still hold on to, however since then we've grown to more openly embrace the pop song-structure, and "Leave Me At Lusk" is a crystalline example of this unabashed surrender to a catchy hook. Speaking on your recent album, "Yes, Again," is there a particular theme within the project? How does "Leave Me At Lusk" compliment the project? "Yes, Again" is a loose concept-album depicting the decline into, struggle with, and recovery from a breakdown, either mental or emotional. We wanted each listens to feel like a journey: beginning with the more manic, anxious tracks; followed by the most overtly psychedelic, meditative stuff; and rounded out by the lighter, optimistic, and poppy material--so it feels like you're emerging from a dark cave into direct sunlight. So with "Leave Me At Lusk" as the opener, you're getting dropped right into the middle of an emotional mess, but by the time you reach "The Door", you've run the gauntlet against your inner-demons and emerged a stronger, healed person. You've mentioned that over time, your sound and lyric writing has developed thematically. How has your band managed to grow and expand, which experiences helped your band do so? Obviously, playing gigs as much as possible was paramount to help us grow tighter as performers. But the first true watershed moment for us was our trip out to the countryside in Donegal, Ireland. Just the five of us in a house in the middle of nowhere, constantly playing music and not having to worry about the volume. It was incredibly exciting and inspiring, and while most of what we did was endless, unfocused jamming, it did help us spread our wings as a group, and several songs on the album emerged in embryonic forms: Zhia, Here Everything is Still Floating and Lyserg. Our second trip a year later (and with a new line-up) was where the songs really started to take shape. Whereas the first trip was about testing our limits in noisy extremes, the second was when we properly knuckled down and honed our songwriting chops as a group. It was such a fulfilling experience, and probably the two instances that helped us grow more than any other. What has been keeping the band inspired and creative throughout this difficult year? In the first few months of lockdown, each of us worked on a number of side-projects at home, and that was a very positive way to deal with being apart and stuck in the same place indefinitely. But in the last few months, we've all been living together, and in the absence of opportunities to gig, we've spent a lot of time writing new songs and beginning to plan out future projects. We're heartbroken for the people whose livelihood is working at live events, and for their sake, we can't wait for things to get back to normal. We're still working on more promotion for "Yes, Again", as well as organizing a physical release, but we've got an abundance of brand new material in the works, so there is most certainly still plenty of gas in the tank! Instagram Facebook #BUZZMUSIC

Coming in from the Bay Area, the Pop Artist and Singer/Songwriter Janice Lee releases her third single and a treat for the ears with a compelling piece titled, "Finding Home." Taking the world's unnerving circumstances into account, Janice Lee aims to express themes and concepts of renewal and empowerment within her music. Hoping to inspire listeners through her conceptual and personal lyricism, Janice Lee offers a breath of fresh air through each in-depth piece. Through her latest single, "Finding Home," Janice Lee has fused uplifting and somewhat nostalgic Pop elements into this piece while pushing lyricism regarding a relationship where two lovers fell out of sync. With each mesmerizing vocal flair that Janice Lee provides, she tells an empowering story through her lyricism that encourages the listener to fuel their independence. "Finding Home" opens with a mid-tempo Pop beat through spacious drum breaks and short keyboard bursts. As Janice Lee begins singing with her warm and bright vocals, she starts depicting scenarios where she'd lost touch with who she is and wishes to create a new path. Around the drop of the chorus, a sweet and wavy synth offer sweet melodies while Janice Lee sings of shedding the layers of her past self and finding her way back home. Through the song's uplifting production, we can feel this slight nostalgic aspect of 80s Synth-Pop through the upbeat drums and dreamy synths. Ending the song off on a positive note through ambient production and Janice Lee's thoughtful lyricism, "Finding Home," tells a courageous story of navigating your way through inner-turmoil all to come out strong and fiercely independent in the end. What inspired you to write more of an optimistic song regarding post-breakup thoughts with your single, "Finding Home?" There are pains with every breakup, but in "Finding Home," I wanted to highlight how we can turn negative experiences into positives, how we can embrace the journey, and appreciate it's part in the larger picture in shaping us as individuals. The production within your single "Finding Home" offers incredible ambiance and warmth. Did you have any help when crafting the song's sonics, and what sort of atmosphere did you want the overall production to provide? Yes, my fiancé is my music producer, and we worked on the song together. The atmosphere is intended to sound like a spiritual epiphany, a guiding inner voice finally realizing clarity. Sonically, it's meant to relax and calm the mind of the listener, and transport them to a place of appreciation. Speaking on your in-depth and compelling lyricism within "Finding Home," was it easy for you to write about a post-breakup theme and to come out strong in the end? What did your songwriting process look like? It was easy to channel those thoughts and emotions because I've had plenty of time to reflect on it since it ended. I felt that breakup was such a huge learning experience for me that had influenced the person I've become. I feel that this is an experience everyone goes through. I just wanted to emphasize that even at the most challenging experiences, you can still find a way to see the good, empower yourself, and grow into a better version of yourself. Seeing as "Finding Home" is your third released single, how does this song differ or relate to your previously released singles? Is there a common theme or aspect within your released songs? Each song has a different vibe, but they tie together as they are all personal thoughts and stories of mine. It's as if I'm thinking out loud and sharing a piece of my life with you. What has been your biggest inspiration while creating new music this year? The global pandemic has blessed me with the opportunity to work from home, allowing for more flexibility to focus on myself and start fully investing my time and energy into the one thing I truly desire. Instagram Facebook #BUZZMUSIC

The latest album release from Idiot Spit brings together lo-fi 90s influences with modern issues that still plague our world for an honest and profound album. With 'Needlework,' Idiot Spit proves you don’t need a professional recording in order to make a difference with music. 'Needlework' was recorded with no extensive equipment, and any proceeds for the album go to homeless youth in Seattle, WA. Its imperfections give it character, and it is definitely worth the listen. The perfect whimsical opening to 'Needlework' is Idiot Spit’s “Wandering Song” which will remind you of the simplicities of life with its instrumentation. With the soft island strum of the guitar and the mellow double-layered vocals, “Wandering Song” has all the earthy tones needed for a song about being lost. The song’s character is wandering the realms of the earth after losing something, or someone, that gave them a sense of purpose and belonging. Unable to accept the fate that leads to someone leaving forever, they are left wandering alone. Transitioning into track two of 'Needlework,' a similar acoustic performance makes its way into the hearts of listeners. The plucking pattern of “Strange Attractors” is soft and soothing, a beautiful compliment to the simple melody of the lyrics and conflicting thoughts. The waltz-like time signature helps “Strange Attractors” with its flowing, ethereal atmosphere. “Black Cloud Cuckoo Land” adds a little piano to the classic guitar strums and prominent harmonies that ease your soul. The concept of being the reason for your own destruction, told through metaphors, brings the song to life. During the bridge, a little guitar melody is added that gives “Black Cloud Cuckoo Land” an impassioned climactic point. Nostalgic “Experiments Running Experiments” is quite a lyrically strong song on 'Needlework' with many layers to unpack. The 80s/90s chord progression style has a nostalgic feel that gives this song a connection for listeners. Lyrics such as “Keep your color inside these arbitrary lines, they were not drawn for us” paint a clear picture of the tone of this album as a whole. The single-layered vocals draw focus to the lyrics and give the listener headspace to reflect. The short but sweet 5th track “Damage III” is quicker paced with the light-hearted guitar but laced with the numbing thoughts of hitting rock bottom. This emotional track outlines the turmoil of being your own worst enemy and feeling helpless. Idiot Spit shows his ability to relay emotions through his vocal tones in “Damage III”, sparking empathy in all who listen. The second half of the 'Needlework' album is kicked off with “Balancing Act”, a melancholy track about someone turning out different than they portray themselves as. Limited backing melodies allow you to sink into the lyrics and enjoy Idiot Spit’s gentle and sedative vocals. “Cloud 7” has a simple but lengthy instrumental freestyle intro, introducing this meaningful and tender song. The pressure of feeling like a let-down for everyone you love takes a toll, and those emotions come out and adhere to the lyrics of this one. The theme of seven, whether it be wonders or sorrows, underlies “Cloud 7”. A spew of spoken thoughts closes out the song, a creative insert that makes “Cloud 7” stand out. The title track of the album, 'Needlework,' encompasses the spiral of addiction, and what happens when you are overwhelmed by the guilt of pushing people away. With the characteristic guitar strums and vocal patterns of the entirety of the album, 'Needlework' summarizes the feelings spread out over the other heartfelt songs. The repetitive melody gives a sense of familiarity when you’re feeling like a stranger to yourself. “Empty Light” is the longest song on the album at nearly 8 minutes. The elaborate introduction displays a beautiful plucking pattern that is followed by the now-familiar delicate vocals by Idiot Spit. This song will have you closing your eyes and swaying to the serine melody, just appreciating the stimulating lyrics. “Haunted Safehouse” features more distorted guitar and fuzzy, abuse-ridden thoughts. Nearing the end of the story, this song centers around finding your way out of the darkest places but fighting with yourself on your way to the light. It’s difficult to see the bigger picture when all you have known for so long is pain, and the intricate lyricism takes you through the story. The final track on Idiot Spit’s eye-opening album is “Perceptual Motion” with the same deep and softening lyrics that he has provided throughout the length of this album. The simple, stripped-down songs provide raw emotions, and the lack of production lets the message and melodies shine. 'Needlework' is the result of many years of falling to weaknesses and not quite knowing where to turn. Bravery won out in the end, and Idiot Spit is using his platform to raise awareness for homeless youth. Discover 'Needlework' here. It's incredible how long you have been working on “Needlework” and seeing how intricate and meaningful it turned out to be. How has “Needlework” changed from seven years ago to now? Did you always know you wanted any proceeds to go to charity? If I remember correctly I originally wanted it to be a concept album like “The Downward Spiral” or “Antichrist Superstar”; closer to a story than a collection of songs. However, I realized I wasn’t very good at writing that way so I just wrote the songs I wanted to write at the moment with no grand future plan. I did that for 3 years alongside an ever-growing drug addiction. It got bad enough, as drug addictions do, that writing had become the least of my concerns, and finding a safe place to sleep was at the top. On perhaps one of my worst nights, ROOTS Young Adult Shelter in Seattle provided that place. Much later once I was in a better place I decided I wanted to finish the album, so I went back and collected all the songs I had written over those years. The goal now was to create something raw and authentic that detailed the progression of my addiction. That’s when I decided that I wanted all proceeds to go to ROOTS. I wanted to be able to give back. So, in the end, I guess the album does tell a story, just not the one I originally imagined. What is the biggest challenge you encountered when creating “Needlework?" How did “Needlework” help you get through your own worst times, and how do you hope it will help others? The biggest challenge was definitely getting it recorded. I had all the recording equipment any DIY artist would ever want, microphones, guitars, software, a keyboard, a preamp. In the end, I choose not to use any of it. I recorded the entire album on a laptop microphone. Instead of trying to get away from sounding poorly produced I decided to fully embrace it. I think that lo-fi quality ends up working well for the album. Writing the songs that would eventually become “Needlework” was one of the few ways I was able to escape from the dark, scary, world I had made for myself and try to create something meaningful from it. I hope it will help others who are struggling with anything feel not so alone and to know that the ugliest/darkest parts of anyone’s life can be used to make something beautiful. The beautiful metaphors sprinkled all throughout your lyrics stood out greatly during “Needlework”. How long have you been writing music? How do you stay motivated to write when it feels impossible? Thank you. I idolize the Patti Smith’s and Leonard Cohen’s of the world who drive their music with poetry. Aspects of “Needlework” certainly emulate that. I wrote my first song about 12 years ago and my passion for writing music evolved into a passion for writing in general. Whether I’m working on a song, a poem, or a novel I’ve found patience and revision is key. My writing tends to suffer when I try to force something that just isn’t coming at the moment. So, when it feels impossible I just take a break for an hour...or a month. Which song on “Needlework” started the album process? Which song are you the proudest of? No one song really started the process. However, “Wandering Song” was the first song I wrote that I thought was any good. So, in a sense, that started it since it gave me the confidence not only to keep writing but to keep exploring ways to write better songs. I think I’m most proud of “Strange Attractors” because it’s such an odd chord progression that I was able to make work. There’s something unique about how it sounds that transport me somewhere else. After the long process and countless days it took to make “Needlework”, where do you see your art going from here? That’s a good question. I’ve produced a lot of work this past year (“Needlework”, a novel, and a bunch of poems). I may go into creative hibernation and recharge for a bit while continuing to promote the projects I’ve done. What has been keeping you inspired throughout 2020? My beautiful wife Jill and our two cats. Instagram #BUZZMUSIC