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Emerging Pop artist Dina Renee hails from Knoxville, Tenessee, now residing in Los Angeles where she is constructing the very foundation of her trendy and euphoric sound. Teaching herself all of the necessities in singing and songwriting, Dina Renee is truly a self-made artist. Her passion for the arts grew undeniably strong in her childhood but manifested itself to be much more potent today. With all of the experiences, academics, as well as hardship under her belt, Dina Renee takes on the Pop music scene at full swing, creating relatable and memorable listening experiences. Dina Renee released a new single, titled "What I'm Not Gonna Do", and the song houses all of those catchy and flowing elements that you'd expect to be in any pop-driven single. "What I'm Not Gonna Do" definitely strikes us as the right kind of song to be featured on your local Pop Radio music station. Contrastingly, the production of the track falls more in line with a bustling and electric rhythm. "What I'm Not Gonna Do" truly has tons of extractable energy, which falls into place primarily from the colorful production. The buzzing surge of vitality washes over us as listeners, and we feel completely vibrant listening along to Dina's track. A huge contrast within the song comes from the comparison of the production to the actual lyrical content of Dina's song. "What I'm Not Gonna Do" hones in on the realities of a toxic relationship, and the entire emotionality is displayed in the music video Dina Renee released for the single. The music video for "What I'm Not Gonna Do" follows along with the narrative of an unrelenting relationship, and the exact thought process that goes on in the mind of an individual seeing the realities of the situation. The music video displays the emotional expressions well, allowing listeners to get completely involved with the storyline appropriately. With the cohesive contrast and stimulating storyline of "What I'm Not Gonna Do", our anticipation for future music has grown exponentially. Listen to "What I'm Not Gonna Do" here. Welcome, Dina Renee, and congratulations on releasing "What I'm Not Gonna Do", as well as its music video! What was the primary vision for the way you designed the video for the song? Do you feel that the vision extended itself in the way you initially believed it would? Thank you so much! The song is an empowerment message of leaving a bad relationship that isn’t right for you. I wanted the video to reflect that message and also be more comedic and show myself as an actress as well. I wanted to create a Barbie and Ken dream world that isn’t what it seems because well; shocker, Ken turns out to be secretly gay. Both of us are unhappy together but find our truth apart when he breaks up with me on a post-it on my pink fridge. I’m finally no longer domesticated and controlled and he’s free to live his truth as a gay man. I think this video more than extended the vision I had. I wanted it to say to people that even in a paradise pink palace things aren’t always perfect and what is important in life is living your truth and stepping out and being who you really are. And also I now have a pink kitchen because of this video. What kind of process went into ensuring that the emotional expressions of the song were communicated accurately in the music video? Being the director and producer of your own music video, do you feel that the type of control you had over the vision of the music video amplified the integrity of the song? I think so for sure. When you work with people that get your dry/ weird sense of humor and understand you as a person, it definitely helps the process. I wanted actor Connor Dante to play my boyfriend because we get each other’s humor and I knew he would be brilliant. His expressions are my favorite part of the video- his subtext says so much and tells the story just as I wanted. Would you say that there were any challenges you faced constructing the music video for "What I'm Not Gonna Do"? What pieces of wisdom do you feel were brought to light once you finished the writing, recording, and filming of the song? I learned that it is possible to make my absolute dream video a reality. I tend to be very critical of myself and am a perfectionist so I’ve always been a little afraid to make videos as an indie artist just because it can be very overwhelming with the business side of everything you have to do. I do love being so involved in the creative aspects of styling and directing but it would be nice to also do a shoot in the future where I only have to worry about being the artist. You've encountered some pretty difficult hardships regarding your artistic career thus far. Nevertheless, you've always persevered and found a way to obtain the main goal. What kind of advice do you feel you can offer to other emerging songstresses out there that may undergo hardships as they begin their musical careers? To just not give up. It is hard sometimes to put yourself out there not knowing if you’ll be successful. You are bearing your soul and in the most vulnerable way especially when you write your own songs. I’d say if music is what you’ve known in your soul/ in your deepest inner voice that you want to pursue, there’s no reason not to pursue it. Don’t let what others say get in your way. You know your truth and you have to persevere and share your gift with the world. There is nothing to fear but fear itself. instagram.com/Dinarenee fanlink.to/whatimnotgonnado youtube.com/Dinarenee twitter.com/Dinarenee #BUZZMUSIC

Electric sounds are brought forth by Fracture Lines on their latest single, "Panic and Rage," off of their heavy EP, 'Cyclical.' Canadian-based Progressive Hard Rock band, Fracture Lines, reigns from Montreal, Quebec. Made up of Julian Myers dominating vocals and guitar, Jorge Olivares Romero shredding the guitar, and Brandon Lee Watt bringing rhythm on the bass, Fracture Lines brings the raw sound of rock with new modern ideas to the genre chalked full of diverse influences. "Panic and Rage" is the second song that can be found on 'Cyclical.' This track immediately has you headbanging to the slowed-down tempo carried out in the instrumentation. It allows you to get deep into your thoughts while the enticing musical progression delivers sweet sorrows being played in each guitar chord is strummed passionately. As we approach a more electric and up-tempo cadence in the heavy-hitting drums and rhythmic bassline, we find ourselves anticipating what's next to come in this composition. Julian Myers displays a longing and despair in the vocalization of each word that is shed in this creation that continues to adapt to each note. "Panic and Rage" shares a profound reflection on the current state of affairs in the world of politics. The expression exuded is meant to be a statement piece and a protest song. Showing the wide range of artistic versatility that Fracture Lines is capable of, this song has us covered in angst as we pick up the pep in our step and carry out our day to day activities with that much more zest. All members in the band put through the performance of a lifetime as this collaborative effort makes this record a statement piece that leaves you picking up your jaw. From the alluring introduction, heavy breakdown, triumphant guitar solos, and empowering tom hits, "Panic and Rage" carries out signature trades of a rock hit. What was the creative process for you when crafting “Panic and Rage”? Julian: Musically, this song was quite the collaboration. We came up with most of the music from playing the parts over and over again to the point where it became very natural and cohesive. As far as lyrics go, that always usually comes after writing the music which was the case for this song. The inspiration came about after watching too many political debates that got me into a rabbit hole of ideologies and just made me express my anger towards it all. Brandon: As far as the music is concerned, it was a combination of our different musical backgrounds blended together. We all work well together because if someone has an idea, we listen. Jorge: We aren't married to any style, so we do what we feel like doing. So people can expect the music to be honest because we didn't force ourselves to write these songs, they came naturally. What message and theme would you like your listeners to take away from this song? Julian: I think it's pretty direct in certain parts, but I really came up with the theme from realizing how politics has become so focused on anger to the point where debate is out of the question. We can't have proper political debates without one person insulting another, that's not proactive for a change.... Could you take us into what the studio session was like when you recorded this record? How long did a song of this caliber take to record? Jorge: Well, given the current situation with covid making it difficult to see each other, we tracked our instruments from home and mixed from here which is super convenient to tweak guitar and bass tones afterward. We then sent the song to be mastered by Acle Kahney from the band TesseracT. Brandon: Being independent gave us the freedom to do things how we wanted, especially to track all our parts at home. Julian: I think we must have taken a couple of months to put all 4 songs together, particularly this song. Some of my parts were recorded a while back. The solo was probably the hardest for me to get everything just right and in the pocket. It was a lot of fun though, I think this was the most fun to play and record out of all the songs for me. The vocals were fun to do at home, it gave me time to be creative and really get into it at my own pace. Where do you find your main sources of inspiration outside of music when you get to create? Julian: The inspirations are usually all around us. Seeing, hearing, or reading about something can make the lightbulb on the top of my head appear. Jorge: I try to think of it as a good movie or book, basically storytelling. You can find inspiration in anything, even the phone number of your ex-girlfriend can become your next chord progression haha the important thing is telling the story in an interesting way. What can fans anticipate next from you? Julian: For sure the next thing is more music. We're thinking about a single next with some possible collaborations. It would be a song that people who've seen us live a while back would recognize quite easily. instagram.com/fracturelinesband facebook.com/Fracturelines

The LA-based Songwriter, Musician, Composer, and Educator Orange Dog offers power to the people with his latest concept album titled, 'The Power.' Wes Hambright (Orange Dog) trained and studied at multiple notable schools like UCLA, LAVC, and California Institute of the Arts, honing his film scoring abilities and Jazz arrangement. Through various TV sync placements and film scores, Orange Dog is making his way around the industry and charging full-steam ahead. Through his latest album, 'The Power,' Orange Dog built the project around the idea that everyone has the power to create positive change in the world. Diving into the project with the first track, "Pressure on You (feat. D Gardner)," the song opens with a speech from John Lewis speaking on the social revolution that's still present today. As D Gardner opens the album with her sweet vocals singing playful lyricism, she offers incredibly rhythmic lyrical delivery while grooving over top of Orange Dog's plucky and fresh Alternative/Soul instrumentation. Giving an ode to the late Aretha Franklin through lyrics like, "-treat everyone you meet with r-e-s-p-e-c-t," D Gardner offers this song immense strength as she leads by example, preaching equality and justice within each passionate lyric. Moving onto the next track, "LGBTQI (feat. Honey Hip Hop)," the song opens with a punchy bassline and Orange Dog chanting lyrics of wishing to be someone's boyfriend. As Honey Hip Hop's playful vocals make their appearance, she begins to chant the same lyricism back to Orange Dog, exclaiming that she'd like to be someone's girlfriend as well. As the song continues, the brilliant back and forth between Orange Dog and Honey Hip Hop offer a highly playful and sensual atmosphere alongside the gripping instrumentals. This song oozes sexuality and power, not to mention the unique Electronic/Alternative/Pop production Orange Dog has captured; the track makes for an exhilarating experience. With the next piece, "Choose Love (feat. Honey Hip Hop & D Gardner)," the song opens with spacious electronic production and haunting filtered background vocals speaking of giving love a chance. As Honey Hip Hop comes around with her bars surrounding the narrow-minded people everywhere and the divide within our country, the chorus comes around where she belts her heavenly vocals and preaches that we must choose love. The supporting production is incredibly modern through spacious synths offering a darker tone to the song and quick electronic drum breaks. Ending the song with a beautiful piano outro, Orange Dog allows listeners to reflect on whether they offer hate more than love. Through the fourth track, "Teachable Moments," the song takes on more of a powerful, synth-wave instrumental. As Orange Dog places a speech by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez overtop of the entire two-minute tune, this song acts as more of a reflective interlude that allows the listener to take a breath and listen to the powerful words spoken by Ocasio-Cortez surrounding the corruption amid our system and the hush money that's turned a blind eye. Orange Dog has fuelled this track with fiery electronic production that blasts us into the celestials, far away from the political dishonesty we've seen these past four years. One phrase in particular that continues to linger in our minds is, "-yeah, there are almost no laws that apply to the president." The next hard-hitting track, "Stand Up Tall," opens with a quick-tempo through a gripping kick and pulsating synths. As Orange Dog makes his deepened vocal appearance, he begins singing a powerful message of standing tall and firm in your ground amid the chaos you're surrounded by. As the instrumentals continue to offer a Hi-Fi approach through the fascinating and engaging sonic aspects, Orange Dog increasingly adds more sonic flairs that keep the track incredibly electronic while also incorporating organic electric guitar and brass around the mid-way point. We love the inspiration and motivation that Orange Dog offers listeners with this lively piece. Moving to the next song, "Sing a Song (feat. D Gardener)," the track opens with haunting organ melodies and a nostalgic synth arrangement, offering highly retro electronic elements. As D Gardener makes an entrance with her soothing vocal stylings, she begins singing a saddening story of regret and remorse towards the tragic actions that have taken place this past year. While D Gardner sings lyrics like, "-no, you can't take the bullets back once they break the air," there's a massive instrumental breakdown where eerie and haunting elements accompany Barack Obama's filtered voice speaking on acting upon the second amendment responsibly. Ending the song off on a widely reflective note, we highly appreciate the album's concept thus far. Reaching the next banger, "Exile on the North Ridge," the song begins with a wide array of synths offering a highly modern and intense atmosphere. The song's entire first minute consists of the haunting electronic soundscape and the House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff speaking on impeachment. Continuing on the heavy journey with Orange Dog's gritty and deep vocals offering in-depth lyricism regarding our loneliness that this year has served, the song takes a significant shift through the addition of a children's choir, reminding us of the future of our country. Through the song's ambient production and Orange Dog's thorough lyricism and instrumentation, he's genuinely infused this project with all the power our country needs to get back on its feet. Moving forward, the next piece, "Oooh la La," opens with Orange Dog chanting the title while profound synth-work comes in to offer the song a slice of technical bliss. As the broad instrumental's breakdown, a powerful piano melody strikes our speakers alongside thrilling electric guitar chords and kicking percussion. As Orange Dog continues with his desirous lyricism towards someone he's captivated by, he pushes the song with an immense sense of desire and need. The exciting instrumentals perfectly compliment Orange Dog's playful lyricism, as they both move towards the outro with heat. With the next track, "The Power (feat. D Gardner)," the song begins with distorted electric guitar melodies and a muffled speech reminding us of the power we hold as individuals. While Orange Dog and D Gardner start singing with captivating harmonies surrounding the power we hold, a sweet and jazzy instrumental breakdown submerges us deeper into the song through bright brass and snazzy snares. Continuing with Orange Dog and D Gardner's layered vocals reminding us of our power, they both offer an empowering space alongside the dynamic instrumentals that give us all the might to make changes amid our world. Moving on to the second last piece of the project with "14 (feat. Douglas Kearney)," the track begins with a fiery electric guitar intro and sweet, plucky synths offering a quick-tempo. As the lively song continues, Douglas Kearney offers his filtered vocals while delivering more of a spoken word approach, depicting quite poetic lyricism. What keeps our ears deeply engaged is Orange Dog's gripping instrumentals and his mix of electronic and organic sonics that create an incredibly powerful and enthralling atmosphere. Ending the song off with a round of applause, we're excited to see how Orange Dog will end this powerful album. Continuing with the use of President Obama's speeches through the album's outro track, "Groove 4 a New Mindset (feat. D Gardner)," the song quickly moves from Barack Obama speaking on the power of the people to the quickly-paced beat offering a blast from the past through the nostalgic electronic arrangement. As Orange Dog begins vocalizing incredibly witty and thorough lyrics surrounding a needed mentality change, he continues to encourage listeners to change their way of thinking and drop any negativity to channel their inner-power. The blistering production is just as engaging as Orange Dog's lyricism, keeping us locked in while ending the song with scorching hot electric guitar, whopping drum patterns, and punchy synth use. Offering us power left, right, and center, Orange Dog has set sail into greatness with the release of his strikingly conceptual album, 'The Power.' As Orange Dog reminds us to stand firm in our inner-power and beliefs, he paints vivid pictures (lyrically and sonically) to give us a power boost for a better future. What initially inspired you to create such a thorough and conceptual album with 'The Power,' where you go deep on our country's political and social issues? I’m inspired by people currently trying to enact change for a better world and by people from our history who have done the same. I’m especially inspired by the young, new generation of activists who have shown this incredible energy, determination, and confidence as they work to make their visions of a better world a reality. I’m so impressed by them. They make me want to be better, to do more. On the other side of the coin, I have to admit, I was also inspired by some of the wrongs I see. I wanted to get people thinking and talking about these wrongs and I’m hoping my music can encourage people to have meaningful conversations and generate ideas for change. And change comes in all different sizes. Change for good at home, in our communities, around the world, at work, in schools… they all ripple out and impact the world. And that inspires me. You've mentioned that names like John Lennon, Barack Obama, John Lewis, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Martin Luther King Jr. inspired your album, 'The Power.' How have these forward-thinkers helped you create your project? There is a CBC interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono from 1969 where he talks about the people having the power. Watching that video was a mind-opening experience. I realized that we, the people, have the power to raise our voices when we see wrongs and enact change. We have the power to stand together and make a difference. The forward-thinkers you mentioned are inspiring to me because they speak their minds and stand up for issues I care about it. Their words ring true and fill me with hope. Their courage and perseverance, their intelligence, and their ability to articulate complex issues… how can you not be inspired by that? Speaking on the features within your album, 'The Power,' what were you initially seeking when looking for artists to accompany you on the project? What do the featured artists bring to the table? I wanted to work with great musicians and artists who could bring their unique style to the project, to give the album dimension and diversity. For this album, I worked with some people who I had worked with before, as well as some new talent. I approached D. Gardner because I had worked with her on a film I scored called, Some Torches Don’t Burn. Her voice is powerful and beautiful but it’s also full of personality and emotion. Listen to her on Pressure On You - she kills it. Guitarist, Matthew Sarinana, and lyricist/songwriter, Jadan Echo were both former students of mine. It was a blast to work with them and they brought an amazing energy to the tracks they worked on. It was my first time working with Australian rapper, Honey Hip Hop, and I loved her edginess and sass. She really helped bring LGBTQI to where it needed to be and on Choose Love she took this challenging wordplay and made it simple and natural. Very cool. Within your album 'The Power,' you infuse the project with heavy electronic production as well as striking Rock instrumentals. What pulled you into this unique sonic route for the album? What was it like creating your instrumentals/production? The Moog synthesizers I used were always going to be the backbone of the project. But each song was written on the piano or guitar and their instrumentals organically grew out of those simple parts. Once the general idea of a song was flushed out on the piano or guitar, I’d go to the synth rack and realize it in different iterations. I’m a big fan of working with Moog sequencers and arpeggiators to take the initial musical information and creating something completely new with it. As far as post-production goes, we mixed at a studio I had worked with before called, Grandma’s Warehouse run by engineer and producer, Andrew Bush. Andrew’s a vintage gear guru with great ears and his place was ideal for this album because I wanted that classic analog warm tone. Finally, what do you hope listeners take away from your entire album 'The Power?' What lyrical concepts did you want your audience to reflect on after listening to the project? I hope listeners are inspired to think about the issues and also have a sense of hope. I want them to feel empowered, to realize they can make a difference. The album is structured like a story. There is a call to action in the beginning and evidence of change in the end. The first tune, Pressure on You, calls on listeners to carry a responsibility to work toward improvement. Issues from our society are brought up and examined in the next 9 tunes. The last tune, Groove 4 a New Mindset, is the final act where the journey proves fruitful; we are in a new place and it’s better than where we were. And change is ongoing. We’re striving to be better, striving to make the world better. The lyrics, “Abracadabra, yes, it’s so possible. Abracadabra, yes it’s so magical,” hint at the magic in even the smallest change. And the idea that as long as we are trying to improve things in the world we are making magic. #BUZZMUSIC

From Houston, Texas, the 'acrobatic rappin' addict' and Hip-Hop Artist Travis M. releases a powerful and empowering music video for his latest collaboration with MC Lyro, "Pray (feat. MC Lyro)." The enthusiastic performer has been writing songs and doing backflips since before he can remember, wowing his audience with his engaging shows and endeavors. Before graduating from Grambling State University, Travis M. received the opportunity to open for Tory Lanez and Young Thug at the school in 2016. His latest successes have led Travis M. to the release of his empowering music video for his single, "Pray (feat. MC Lyro)." The two passionate artists go deep within their bars on this track, as the supporting production by Koala Khool offers a sweet Lofi escape through melodic instrumentals and gripping drum breaks. The music video for "Pray (feat. MC Lyro)" opens with surreal scenes of the Houston coast while Travis M. and MC Lyro emerge from the shore onto the sand, accompanied by various dancers executing a contemporary performance. As Travis M. and MC Lyro begin to sing the emotional hook where they're praying for victims affected by police brutality and the unjust system, the video starts to deliver scenes of protests and many people coming together to fight for deserved equality and respect. Travis M. provides highly rhythmic bars as he continues to describe the ache in his heart for the brutal treatment of black lives in our country. MC Lyro. offers a similar rhythmic delivery while pushing the song's lyrical theme with his unique vocal abilities and dreadfully real lyrical content. The overall music video for "Pray (feat. MC Lyro)" offers nothing but power and resilience, as the song itself features Travis M. and MC Lyro's emotional lyricism, while the video gathers countless lives to speak their truth on the journey to well-deserved justice. Could you take us through the moment you felt pushed to create such an emotional yet powerful single with "Pray (feat. MC Lyro)"? How long was the single in the making? Wow, this is a loaded question. I'll start by saying that there aren't many independent MC's whose skill set I admire the way I do Lyro's. We've known each other for a few years, and both have a background in Spoken Word. Being that we both work closely with Koala Khool it was only a matter of time before we collaborated. One day in February we sat in the studio listening to Koala's beats and agreed instantly that this was the one we'd use when we heard it. Being that it was Black History Month we knew we had the opportunity to make something great for our people. As the creativity started to flow Lyro was freestyling and Koala heard something he liked "Pray for my people." Now we had our chant (hook) and from there we built the chorus together and recorded it that night. Knowing how important this song could be we agreed not to rush the creation of our verses. About a month later the country began to go through the turmoil of Corona's outbreak, the murder of Breonna Taylor, shortly after that, the murder of George Floyd who was a Houston native, and Ahmaud Aubrey in GA. While cases of police brutality were happening all over the country, Houston was no different. I was asked to speak at the Justice for Josh Rally on May 16th. With all of my people and the state of our country in mind, I drafted my verse as a spoken word piece. I saw MC Lyro at the Justice for Josh Rally, and we got back in the studio with Koala shortly after that and released Pray on Soundcloud on Juneteenth, everywhere June 22nd. What was your collaborative process like for "Pray (feat. MC Lyro)" when creating the single with MC Lyro and Koala Khool? Was Koala Khool's beat pre-made or designed specifically for you? It was definitely an honor working with Lyro in the studio. Our styles have the perfect juxtaposition of two different generations of hip hop, and yet the same love runs through our veins. On both sides, there was nothing but praise, and respect for the different perspectives that came together. While there was some tweaking done to the beat to make sure our verses flowed together, Koala's beat was definitely premade, with the intentional rise and fall actions that guide the listener through the experience. The only thing he added on the recording date was the cymbal crash. Speaking on the brilliant and empowering music video for "Pray (feat. MC Lyro)," how did you come up with such powerful scenes from compelling contemporary dancers on the beach to an emotional protest? We came up with the concepts for the visual in the same session right after recording our verses. Being that the song was so powerful already all we had to do was build from there. Bringing our faiths together, the lyrics of the chorus are very specific in who we are praying for which gave us our storyboard. Of course, we knew we wanted a protest scene, but we all know we've seen that before, so how do we bring another element to set us apart? We chose to incorporate the historical significance of Juneteenth and Galveston Beach. For those that are unaware, Juneteenth represents the roundabout date, after the civil war, in which the Union Army finally came through the port to let the slaves in Texas know that they were free. We incorporated the dancers of "PRO Status Houston" to perform a contemporary piece with an African influence, choreographed by Stacy Lockett. The young dancers enact the summoning of the spirit of our ancestors who refused to live as slaves, from their watery graves, to join us in our continued fight against today's injustices against indigenous people of color around the world. Within your music video for your single "Pray (feat. MC Lyro)," did you have any help with the direction, production, and other aspects of the video's creative process? Lyro and I came up with the storyboard together and forwarded it to Lauren Holmes AKA RarePM, who carried out the actual direction and editing of the Visual. While I coordinated with the cast members to get them to the shoot it was RarePM who got us through the shoot on Day 1, and 2. What can listeners anticipate next from you? 2021 is going to be a big year for all the Misfits out there. In addition to collaborating with more artists and producers, the plan is to expand my reach, to start touring in various cities as well as a shift in sound for my next album. We also have "Pray" merchandise coming sooner than later. Instagram Facebook #BUZZMUSIC

Alternative singer and songwriter Zhaklina conveys her latest four-track EP, '17 Reasons Why II,' in an elegant expression of her mind. Originally from the Hudson Valley in New York, where she was born and lived for much of her life, alternative artist Zhaklina reigns from Nashville, Tennessee. Zhaklina is a creative artist and storyteller all in one adoring package. Creating a safe space for her listeners to feel heard and seen, she advocates for mental health through much of her work, donating portions of her profit from music to various mental health organizations. Focusing on the second desire-driven record, "Crown," Zhaklina expresses a unique power and sensitivity, drawing listeners into both an emotional and inspiring experience. "Crown" is a prominent ballad that carries the elusive and prevailing components of everything that Zhaklina encompasses. The chilling piano keys being played give a simplistic and sophisticated take on the instrumentation allowing Zhakilna's vocals to act as a centerpiece on this decadent masterpiece. The resonant sound of her vocals graces the speakers as they give you goosebumps while we dive deeper into the manner she showcases her wide vocal range accompanied by heartfelt lyrics. "Crown" is a song developed from a wistful place of mystery and love combined. Zhaklina's storytelling allows us to see into this place that her mind lives where she reminisces on a time where what she had to offer was received as not enough from the person she wanted to stay in her life. "I'm tired of losing love," can be heard repeatedly as we feel for the sorrow her performance delivers to us all. She pulls us into a nostalgic headspace as we hold onto each passionate word that she embodies. Zhaklina wants us to know that if we live from a place of knowing that we're loved, we could change the world - one heartbeat at a time. Hello Zhaklina, welcome to BuzzMusic, and congratulations on the release of your latest four-song EP, '17 Reasons Why II,' and the record “Crown.” With the passion delivered in such a beautiful manner, was this song built off of a real-life experience? Yes, “Crown” was built off of a real-life experience. Up until the last chorus of the song, I was writing about a long-term relationship I was in for about 5 years. It was a relationship filled with a lot of passion, love, and faith but it was also toxic because it wasn’t built on trust and we struggled to build and maintain trust from the very beginning. Because we couldn’t find a way to cultivate trust, our relationship fell apart- all of our dreams began to abuse us rather than delight us. It got to a point where even friendship, for me, was not possible and firm boundaries had to be set. I then go into a lament towards the end of the song expressing that I was tired of losing love (we had gone back and forth, breaking up & getting back together so many times) but that my heart, even in its brokenness, still had hope for a future relationship built on trust. The very last line expresses “trust will be her crown,” which is a message about walking into a relationship with a crown of trust. The crown symbolizes glory (which I attribute to my faith and trust in knowing we are God’s children, daughters, and sons of the true King) and I believe that when we walk into our relationships knowing that trust is something we are all supposed to not only expect but bring into a relationship, we can feel empowered to build our future relationships on that firm foundation. How was your creative process different on this record versus the rest on your EP? Could you take us into what your process encompasses? Similar to how I write many of my songs, I wrote the song as I was processing through a meaningful experience. It took me over a year to write, perfect (as best as one can with their work), record, and produce in its entirety. It took longer than most of my songs because it evolved as events during that time transformed the message to be what it is today. Grief is something we have to work with and as I worked through it, I found a message. Musically, the form doesn’t have the typical verse, chorus, verse, bridge, chorus structure. It has a verse, an instrumental first chorus, a second verse, and then ends on the chorus. There’s no bridge. This is also the first song I played piano on. I’ve been teaching myself how to play the lino for years and although I’ve written many of my songs on the piano, it has taken time to feel confident enough to record and play live while singing. I still have so much room for growth but this was a monumental experience and in a sense, a redeeming one, affirming that beauty and growth comes out of even the most difficult experiences- if you let it. What was the inspiration behind the way you chose the tracklist for '17 Reasons Why II?' The inspiration behind the way I chose my track list for “17 Reasons Why II” was mainly to create an experience for my listeners that flows. In both message and sound, the songs ordered like a sandwich. The two harder-hitting songs with firmer messages of strength are the “bread” of the EP, the two middle songs are softer and more vulnerable; the insides of the sandwich (meat/veggie/etc). My hope was for that visual concept to translate auditorily. What would you like your listeners to take away from this heartfelt piece? I would love for my listeners to feel like they’re not alone when they experience heartbreak and to feel inspired by the message of hope & trust. I believe love and trust are action words so I encourage my listeners to embody both love and trust for themselves and their relationships, knowing that good things come from meaningful work. What can listeners anticipate to hear next from you? I am currently working on a few collaborations and singles, as well as conceptualizing the third part of 17 Reasons Why. There will be 4 total “17 Reasons Why” EP’s released over time. Two are now out so there are two left! However, I’m in no rush to have them all out right away and feel myself growing as an artist as I co-write and co-create with other artists. I plan on doing more live shows and hope to continue building my connection and relationships with my listeners in the meantime. Instagram Facebook #BUZZMUSIC

A new wave has been discovered in South Central Los Angeles and, he goes by the name of, MelodicTae. MelodicTae is from the Crenshaw District of Los Angeles and has recently been introduced into the music industry as a hybrid artist with both of his rapping and singing techniques. After garnering some significant attention from his first single, MelodicTae went on to release two additional singles, which eventually led him to release a five-track EP titled 'Intro to Tae,' which offers listeners a well-rounded taste of the abilities he puts forth. After being recognized for his talents and energy by an up and coming independent record label that goes by Gen Money Music Group, MelodicTae signed with them in September of 2020. Shortly after, on November 13th, MelodicTae released his latest wistful new single, "Come Through." "Come Through" opens up with the resonant sounds of the instrumentation gently grazing the speakers and peaking your anticipation for what direction this record is headed towards. The soothing vocalization that MelodicTae puts forth in his performance exudes the burning desire that sparks his motive as a creative. The production elements stand out substantially. We hear MelodicTae's vocals gracefully fuse together with the gentle effects that accompany the bass's heavy supporting notes in this composition. This record holds an intimate place in the mindset of the artist and the listeners. Diving deep into the carefully crafted lyrics, MelodicTae expresses a heartfelt relationship that trickles with intimacy on the love and lust scale. "Come Through" holds all of the trademarks of an intoxicating hit song. The captivating chorus pulls you in as you eagerly await the next verse to come, dabbling into the Contemporary R&B spectrum all while approaching the new wave modern flair that Hip-hop holds. We can hear MelodicTae's rapping and singing talents under a spotlight that shines ever so bright as he leaves a piece of himself with his listeners now and to come. Congratulations on the release of “Come Through.” We get up close and personal with you as an artist and individual on this record. Could you please tell us what story or moment inspired the creation of “Come Through?" I met my girl at the end of March and one of the first things I told her was the type of girl I was looking for. I told her something similar to what I said in the first part of my hook. I told her to tell me that she’s going to ride with me without ever lying to me. So, when I was thinking of a hook for my song, I went back to that conversation in my head. I came up with, “Say you gone ride, say that you love me don’t tell me no lies”. The rest of the song is an experience that I and my girl have shared so far in our relationship. How does it feel to have your first official release with Gen Money Music Group? It feels good to have my first official release with Gen Money Music Group. Before I signed with Gen Money Music, I hadn’t released music in a while for various reasons. Gen Money has shown me that they have some great ideas for me and the way they let me collaborate with them is something that I really appreciate and enjoy. What went into the creative process when crafting “Come Through?" Could you take us into what you experienced on the creative side of things? With this being my first single as an artist with Gen Money Music, I wanted to show them what I could do. Gen Money Music had my work with a producer named Taj and the very first beat he sent me was the beat we used for ‘Come Through’. I didn’t even ask Taj to send me another beat. That how fire I think that beat is. I immediately knew that it was the beat I wanted to use for my first single. I thought the beat was a perfect match for me to introduce myself as a Gen Money artist and to the world. As I was thinking of what to write, I just decided to write about the time that I’ve had with my girl over the past few months. After that, the rest was history. So, the creative process was pretty simple for me. What would you like your listeners to take away from the music you release? The first thing that I want my listeners to know is that I’m going to release good music. I consider my music in a category of its own; chill and sexy. The one thing I want my listeners to take away from my music is the seduction aspect of wanting to hear more of my music. Do you have any other releases lined up before the end of 2020? I definitely got some things in the works that I’m hopeful that will get dropped before the end of the year. Right now, I’m working on a visual for ‘Come Through’. That will definitely drop before the end of 2020. We just have to decide on a release date for that. I’m also working on another single that I’m really, really excited about. I know my listeners will be excited for that one too, especially if they’ve been with me from the beginning. That’s a hint to my listeners. I’m hoping I can get that out by the end of the year. If not, then that will definitely drop at the beginning of the year. Instagram #BUZZMUSIC

Hailing from New York City, the authentic Singer/Songwriter and artist Collette Astle takes us on a soulful journey with her latest hit, "Black Hole," off her recent EP, 'Lead With Love.' Collette Astle has been writing songs for over a decade now, merely through artistic expression and a private escape. However, after formulating her sound to offer wise messages of her journey, Astle decided to release her music for the music industry to experience a uniquely female perspective. Through her recent single, "Black Hole," Collette Astle goes on to tell a powerfully introspective story of picking yourself up from the dirt and charging full-throttle into the future with love. Through the song's gripping Alternative/Soul instrumentals, Collette Astle is genuinely making a name for herself with powerhouse songs like these. "Black Hole" begins with woozy electric guitar strums and Collette Astle singing her truth. As the instrumentals start to deepen with down-tempo drum breaks and layered guitar, offering a robust atmosphere that's perfect for the lyricism Astle brings to light. While she continues singing with immense strength, Collette Astle takes us by surprise as she uses her powerful vocals to offer astounding melodies that linger in our minds long after the song has finished. As Astle continues singing her message of steering away from a black hole type of love, she offers this darker tone through her lyricism that gives us a deeper peek into the creative's mind. Ending the song with her layered vocals and powerhouse instrumentals, we're genuinely captivated by the strength and stamina that Collette Astle has fueled this song with. Through her powerfully emotional track, "Black Hole," Collette Astle is turning heads everywhere with this heated single while reminding listeners to take a thorough look before they fall. Hello Collette, and welcome to BuzzMusic. We love the heaviness and soul you've brought to your song, "Black Hole." What inspired the song's reflective lyrical theme? Was it difficult to write about such personal themes? I wrote the song about my experience of facing myself, my fears, my upbringing, & my religion…which was not exactly sunshine & rainbows experience! Every song on the EP encapsulates a different feeling that accompanied my experience, and I wanted this song to show the darkness. It wasn’t that hard for me to write—I’m honest to a fault, so writing & singing the song was really freeing. But releasing it was definitely the most vulnerable thing I’ve ever done. Speaking on the powerful instrumentals within your song, "Black Hole," how did you craft the instrumentals to offer such a profound atmosphere that drives the song forward? I am lucky enough to be surrounded & supported by very talented musicians that helped bring this song to life. (Dylan Astle - bass, Taylor Newman- drums, Jesse Stone-guitar, & Benny James-keys) I knew I wanted the organ to be part of the song, to give it some church vibes (haha), and Benny really made that happen. Our sound engineer Reed Black was also hugely influential in the overall ambiance & outcome of the song. Through your song "Black Hole," you offer this dark and deep tone with your vocal delivery. Would you say that this song gives listeners a solid glimpse into the music you create and the sound you tend to offer? Yeah! I hope that my newer stuff can be a bit brighter and more fun, but I do plan to always bring that same depth, honesty, and soul to my lyrics and vocals. Within your song "Black Hole," there's a moment where you chant the name of your EP, "Lead With Love." What does this song add to the overall EP? This song and the “Lead With Love” chant is the core message I’m trying to get across with the EP. For me, leaning into love and away from organized religion has helped me live a happier life since it feels more authentic to who I am at my core. My hope is that everyone can figure out how to live their lives in a way that feels authentic to their core, whatever that may look like. And I think the way we get there is with love. Do you have any other releases lined up before the end of 2020? I am planning on releasing a single in December called “26 Years”. And in the new year, I’m excited to start working on my first LP! Instagram #BUZZMUSIC

Frequently compared to a luxe fusion of Leon Bridges meets John Mayer, Retro-Pop artist Micah Edwards is releasing his highly anticipated holiday single, "December 26," on Thursday, November 19, 2020. Reigning from Houston, Texas, Micah Edwards is known for his spirit of power, heartfelt love, and self-control, which continues to make him number one in the hearts of his fans. With "December 26," Micah Edwards is reminding listeners to approach the holiday season of 2020 with a stress-free mindset and soak up the moments that really matter. "December 26," commences with the soothing elements of Micah Edwards reverberated warm embrace before the decadent guitar chords being strummed dip upon our minds in a fluttering fashion. Blending the notorious jingles of Christmas nostalgia with modernity, Micah Edwards pairs his serenading vocalization of the holiday-themed lyrics crafted with a soul-driven performance of his signature Lo-fi meets Pop, meets Soul soundscape. He provides a contemporary and inimitable flair to the typical holiday records that we listen to every year. The instrumentation pairs fluently with the passion exuded in the lush vocals. Micah Edwards brings a calm and composed vibe to the end of a very tumultuous year as he delivers a relatable message through the music he crafts. "December 26," is all about eliminating the redundant customs that tend to add on a lot of unneeded stress during the holiday season. Although this year has brought stress to all of us, Micah Edwards drives home his point of making this Christmas one enjoyable. Take in every moment and go back to basics; remember what the holidays are about. Micah Edwards is already galloping into our speakers and hearts with a double-time pace. There are no questions about the incline in his rapidly growing fan base as he continues to draw us in through his melodic creations. Hello Micah, welcome to BuzzMusic, and congratulations on the release of “December 26." We love the tone that you set into place with this Christmas record! How different was your creative approach when crafting something specifically for the holidays versus everyday life? Thanks so much! Honestly, the creative process for this one wasn't too different from my normal approach. The biggest reason being, I wanted the song to be festive without being overly jolly & commercial. So the songwriting looked a lot like writing a normal, groovy song - then just adding those magical, Christmas-y elements (including sleigh bells, of course). Also, my music normally features a lot of soul and jazz influence anyway. I kinda mentioned this in the song - but Christmastime is one of the only times now that jazz is played on pop radio. So since Christmas music is inherently jazzy, I didn't need to alter my sound too much to fit right in. How long ago did you have this song locked and loaded? Did you know at the beginning of the year that this song needed to be put out? Actually, I wrote this song in July of this year. Maybe it was the 100-degree Houston weather. Maybe it was the warm & fuzzy COVID time of year. Who knows, man. Inspiration struck from somewhere and I went with it. My theory is that, at that point in 2020, I was just ready for the year to end (we probably all were). And the year's end always means Christmas! So maybe my subconscious was trying to conjure up some hope in a bleak hour or something. Could you please tell us; what was the studio session like when recording “December 26?" Most of my recordings so far have been pretty minimal on the production side. I like to keep a lean operation and use my resources wisely. But for this song, it was an all-hands-on-deck production, for sure. Tim Qualls (co-writer, co-producer) was brought in early to help finish the songwriting, and then Ty Robins' talent (co-producer, mixer) was brought on heavily for production. We worked on this song from August-October, where a majority of our sessions included at least one (if not all) of the following: Christmas lights, whiskey, Mariah Carey, Irish coffee, disposable cameras, milk & cookies, Bootsy Collins, and a ton of Christmas spirit. This track also features a lot of instrumentation. I am blessed to be supported by some of Houston's best musicians - who I value greatly for their talent, but more importantly, for their friendship. And it was a lot of fun to feature so many of these characters on the track. It really felt like a way premature Christmas party in the studio sometimes. If you could pick a favorite lyric in this song that would resonate with fans, what would it be? Cool question. "We've only been handed twenty-five chances." Obviously, this lyric is talking about Christmas, but I hope it resonates in a way that's year-round. Look, we're only handed a short amount of time on this Earth, and it's really easy to overwhelm ourselves with a busy schedule. But the main thing that needs to be the main thing. And that thing is the people who mean the most to you. Time is short. It's not easily found, but it's easily given. Invest time into those important people. Especially this Christmas. What was your inspiration behind writing "December 26?" Remember Christmas when you were a kid? Those were the days - no responsibility, no worries. Really, the only worry we had was waiting for Christmas morning. Fast forward to today? Man, sometimes I can’t find the time to actually enjoy the Christmas season. It can get so crazy and busy. But I still...love...Christmas. And I hate that feeling when I wake up on December 26th and feel like the whole Christmas season just passed me by. So I wrote a song about it. This song is all about what matters most. I love Christmas movies, decorations, all the great food. But all those things are usually still around on December 26th. If you don’t truly enjoy the Christmas season - making lifelong memories with the ones you love most, then there will always be something missing on December 26th. Instagram Facebook #BUZZMUSIC

As a creative who transforms her real-life experiences into carefully crafted lyrics, Los Angeles based Mads Deaver has been chasing music for most of her life. Mads carries an unmatchable work ethic and works hands-on with the producers she collaborates with to perfect each message she has to get across, and each sound she gives listeners a taste of. Mads Deaver’s sound fuses together fresh Indie Pop elements with a reminiscent blend of 80’s GarageBand and Ska. Her honest and quirky lyrics scripted allow her true personality to shine bright as she gives her rapidly growing fan base a memorable, tongue-in-cheek ambiance that listeners can easily relate to and belt at the top of their lungs. “I Forgive You” openly creates an ambiance of longing and lost love with the deep and harmonious keys that shine in the composition. Mads Deaver has a striking, heavenly voice that glimmers with reverberations as she shares her story of heartbreak and despair. In this eminent record, she is coming to terms with the one that she has lost. She delicately acknowledges the faults in the connection that were once shared with one another and openly forgave this significant person that was once in her life in this letter like song. The way that the instrumentation supports the warm embrace of Mads Deaver’s performance seamlessly blends the components together in such an effortless manner. You can hear the burning passion behind her vocals in the emotion-filled performance that is exuded. You are instantly tapped into a headspace that you can share with her as the artist and with yourself as the listener through this sonic voyage that paints a unique visual picture on a blank canvas. Mads Deaver’s enactment of this life experience is nothing short of astounding. As she continues to garner attention from listeners all over, we look forward to following her genre-fusing journey as an artist. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Mads Deaver, and congratulations on the release of “I Forgive You.” The passion that shines through in this record has such a magnetic appeal. Could you please tell us, what does this song mean to you as an artist? Thank you for including me in BuzzMusic. It's exciting to be a part of such a cool community of Independent Artists. "I Forgive You" is an extremely important song to me because it's about forgiveness for others and also for yourself so that you can heal and move on after a relationship has ended. I wrote this song as a mechanism to help me get through everything I was feeling while I was trying to understand why relationships don't always work out in the end and to get to a place where I felt more like myself again. What was the ambiance like in the studio session when you recorded “I Forgive You?" The ambiance was very different when I recorded I Forgive You because we were in SUPER quarantine mode at the time and it was literally just me alone in a room. Usually, there are other people in the studio with different ideas for what you can say or what it should sound like and there are other conversations happening at the same time. This experience was honestly really sad and hard because I was alone and was able to feel everything that I had been holding in. I think that's what makes this song even more personal because it's 100% my truth without any other perspectives. What message would you like listeners to take away from this heartfelt song? The message that I would like everyone to take away from this song is that break-ups suck and it's okay to be hurt and angry and feel the need to point fingers because it is a natural reaction. It's important to understand that in order to really move on and heal you have to forgive them and yourself. It's also important to realize that sometimes relationships just have to end for the sake of everyone involved. How different was the creative process for this song versus others that you have crafted? The creative process was extremely different from my last 3 songs because I let myself be vulnerable, which I'm not used to doing. My other songs have been about self-empowerment and not needing anyone to feel good about myself. This was the first time where I took a step back and was like "Hey, it's okay to be sad and miss them. You don't have to be so "F" the world all the time." What has been keeping you inspired this year? What can we expect to see next from you, as we enter a new year? So much has kept me inspired this year. I feel like I've had a lot of time to reflect and I've gotten to see who is really here to support me and who is not. It's hard to do but it definitely lit a fire. You can expect LOTS of new music from me this year. I'm working on a holiday song to come out soon and I just started working on my EP with producers from the UK and the US that I am hoping to have out in early 2021. Instagram #BUZZMUSIC

Born and raised in Mount Vernon, New York, Hip-hop artist CAL. is heavily influenced by the late and great Big Punisher and has been writing and recording music since the young age of 11 years old. To CAL. music has and always has been a way of expression. As of lately, CAL. has been influencing and inspiring more artists to build on their craft and focus on their creative journeys. CAL. is on a pursuit to help independent artists network and grow together as a whole. His newly released collaborative album titled 'Strangers' is a partnership album between numerous elite artists across the country. You can find him on every song on this album alongside a creative that he has personally recruited and collaborated with. This is the first installment of a series of similar albums that open up and showcase the artistic versatility of all artists. The introductory record is titled "Strangers Intro." It clocks in at 22 seconds and features Rick Whalen. This eerie and ominous public service announcement acts as a huge staple setting the tone for what's in store for us. Sending chills down our spine with unnerving laughs, we already know that we're in for a treat. Carrying from the end of "Strangers Intro," "Halloween Town – CAL. Remix," is the second song we can hear. The fusion between the two fits the theme perfectly. We can hear the smooth and Contemporary R&B sounds of John Concepcion's vocals fill the speakers in a record that has us grooving to the striking harmonies and vocal range displayed. The theme of this song is not as haunting as one would be led to believe. In fact, it's rather honeyed. Hyping up that significant other and wanting to share nothing but sweet loving is the subject of this intoxicating track. "Spooky" is the third track that we're given. CAL. rides solo on this one and flaunt his captivating rhyme schemes and highly energized lyricism over top of a Hip-hop beat that takes Electronic elements that dip into the Dubstep realm. Flaunting the fact that the moves he makes are in fact, spooky, he drives it home with such a creative mixture. We can't help but bop from side to side for this track, even when the instrumentation drops out at the end and we're left with CAL.'s witty raps until the beat fades back in for an instrumental outro. "Lookin' to Spend" features the likes of Zacc P and Tinywiings. This slow tempo jam comes in hard with a sizzling bassline and uses its magnetic pull to fully captivate us. The dynamic between the artists on this record is refreshing as we're given a taste of hard-hitting rhymes, soulful singing, and of course, femme power in the emcee department. In a track that has us wanting to go out and spend it all, we love the bars that these creatives come through flexing undeniably. Next up on 'Strangers' is "Bad One." Focusing attention on that one woman who does it in a major way, this bass-filled beat features the talents of Manuel IV and NatStar. The witty quips that drip off the instrumentation have us fully submerged in the likes of this song. Fast emcee abilities, sharp rhyme schemes, and unmatchable lyricism are all signs of a hit, and it looks like we have one on our hands. The rappers deliver a real rollercoaster of hype on "Bad One." The sixth record is "My Life." Slowing things down a bit to initiate the production and then coming in hard, this song features Trenton Priest and Ladi Rock as they showcase their undisputable talents. A message that we can all relate to is put across through the rhymes carefully crafted. No matter what, they're doing everything possible in their lives to win, and they won't stop until they do. A forceful collective of artists putting on a lively performance is put forth as this is a track not to skip. "No Time" conveys the soft and delicate sounds of a Hip-hop song that dips into the Contemporary R&B realm. You can hear the melodies of Tinica Rose, Franklin Richards, and Louie Ville as they shed expressions of not having time to play around in the dating game. They need that romantic relationship to come through for them as they pursue their dreams and build a foundation together. The fusion of all the artists displayed gives "No Time" a striking flair as it breaks up the album in an effortless manner. The harmonies that light up the speakers shine a bright light on this specific song. "Feelingz"– CAL. Remix" is an animated and rich ballad that carries some Reggae flavors to the production component courtesy of CAL. The sizzling sounds of Young Finess as he expresses his feelings for the significant person on his mind time and time again. His storytelling is painted upon a canvas in such a delicate and powerful manner as he gets his point across while sprinkling his charisma on the piece. This memorable bop has strong trademarks of what makes a hit in this industry. "Game Time" takes us to the halfway point on 'Strangers.' The instrumentation carries memorable elements as we instantly have our fingers and toes tapping to the beat. This song makes you want to dance. Chris K H is the artist that we can hear featuring on "Game Time," and he brings it! With his smooth like butter cadences and the powerhouse abilities in his delivery, he drives home the message of flaunting what you got by holding his own. "Get Ya Bag" is a CAL. exclusive. Approaching this song solo, CAL. self-assuredly raps about getting his bag right and having that special someone in his life getting their bag right as well. With the captivating delivery displayed, we are submerged in the confidence that he exudes. Don't be shy on the volume, and make sure to turn up a couple of notches as you roll your windows down and hit the freeway. CAL. is only getting warmed up as he provides us with the simmering rhymes he spits. Sitting at number eleven, "Deep" comes in featuring the heavenly presence of Lovely Cruz. The instrumentation glimmers upon pressing play. The warm embrace of her vocalization catered to the strength of romantic relationships have you melting on the other side of the speakers. The conveyance of this Contemporary R&B record that she puts forth about being a ride or die is nothing short of outstanding. We are taken into the complexity of what she has to offer in her vocalization by releasing her emotional vulnerability. "New Day" is home to the heavyweight of featuring artists of Mikyla Cara, JLA, and B. Russ. Certain empowerment is brought across as soon as the music begins playing. A triumphant feel of elevating to the next level and holding all of that power within you to succeed is the main expression. The versatility that these artists bring blend together as they accolade in a manner that flows gracefully. You have a bit of everything in this song, memorable harmonies, alluring rhymes scripted and a drizzle of everyone's personal flair glowing brightly. Next on the roster is "No Vacation," featuring Wred. This top-notch banger shows you why taking no days off can be the way to go when what you're doing doesn't even feel like work at all. Flexing their lyrical abilities through their verses and CAL.'s talents to make a hook stay in your head until the next morning, this dynamic duo explodes the moment they touch down. You better keep up with Wred, because she is rapping fast and making it count. Her unapologetic personality shines through each word penned, and her performance radiates empowerment. Track number fourteen is another CAL. Remix. "No Pain – CAL. Remix" puts the brakes on in the tempo department but not in the put in the work department. This record still has you grooving but puts you in your emotions even more. Umraan Syed and Zacc P can be heard giving it their all as they share pieces of themselves with listeners. This expression of wanting to win so badly that you'll work through the pain is one that we can all relate to. The soothing and rapid combination of both artists leaves us in an atmosphere that radiates victory. "Spiritual – CAL. Remix" features Cruize FX and &RADE. This composition carries elements that allow you to feel lifted just from the music touching down in your headphones. The smooth and ambient energy allows you to get in touch with your spiritual side as you listen to the carefully crafted verses pacing through your mind. These artists make it easy to sit and lay back as they take their passion-driven performances to sound effortless as they glisten in talent. This record emits positivity in every aspect. We're all about those vibes until the end of time. The second last song that we can hear on 'Strangers' is "At Ease," a collaboration between CAL. and T.J. The enticing instrumentation immerses us in the conscious messaging that is put into rhyme format as we hear a story about there being levels to this industry. At the end of the day, we need to fight for what's right in the justice department and let our voices be heard. A stellar performance from T.J as he weaves through concrete lyricism and ends on a note of saying, "but it's just my thoughts." The final record on 'Strangers,' is "Paranoia – CAL Remix." You can hear the raspy and confident vocals of ItzGibz flaunting his artistic talents on a hypnotic instrumental. The delivery he offers up has him flowing between cadences, diverse rhyme schemes, and his knack for wordplay. The energy is what stands out the most to us as he switches up the language he performs in from English to Spanish. Can you say multi-talented? The perfect way to end this album on a jaw-dropping note as we fade to the purely instrumental sounds of CAL. 'Strangers' creates a diverse platform for multi-talented artists to get together and get creative. CAL. outdoes himself as he takes it into his own hands to stress this point across. With seventeen songs, the next equally as good as the last, there is something for everyone on this colossal project. Congratulations on the release of 'Strangers,' and welcome to BuzzMusic, CAL.. With an album that has so much talent on it, how did you even begin to collaborate with all of these artists? Did you know them before reaching out? For about a year I had this idea of Making a Collaborative Album. I wanted to showcase the talents I came across through my own Artistic Journey. What's incredible, is every artist is from different parts of the world. some I’ve networked and worked with in the past and some are some very dope Artists from my Label HRDRV Records How long does a project of this caliber take to make? Were you able to be there for any of the other artists' recording sessions? Strangers took about 6 months to coordinate. Since this was my first Project with multiple artists, determining beat selections, Royalty Splits, and Track Listing I had to make sure everything was in place correctly. The process was very exciting for everyone because everyone gets heard, and that was my main priority. Two Songs were made in One Session. My Life feat. Ladi Rock & Trenten Priest and No Time Feat. Tinica Rose, Franklin Richards, and Louie Ville. I booked a studio in Brooklyn with great lighting and all the Vibe essentials and had a fun group session. We all had a great time, shout out to Make Life Studio. One Session I helped put together was Lookin’ to Spend. That song worked out on its own. Zacc P being an incredible artist from Orlando, Florida had the idea and reference already. He presented it to Tinywiings which is another very talented artist from Calgary Canada and they both made it a Hit! Shea Michaels mixed and mastered that track for us and we're all proud of how it came out. What would you like listeners to take away from 'Strangers?' Strangers are for all artists who May feel alone in the Creative Process. We’ve all been there, so I wanted to show artists the power of networking and collaborating. Even tho most artists haven't met personally, Were Strangers with common goals and aspirations. Voices that I deemed to be dope and all I want is for people who listen, to appreciate the grind and determination of each artist. How do you approach your creative process when putting together a remix? Songs like Feelingz by Young Finess Which happens to be my cousin from Queens New York would present me with his music. I heard the song and I loved it and asked if he would mind adding it to my Strangers project. So for it to work without technical issues, we decided to remix it, I added a verse on it to add to the style he already had on the record and keep the same vibe. We both liked the outcome! Listen to Feelingz on Strangers and tell me what you guys think. Out of all the songs on this album, does one hold more sentimental meaning to you than the rest? For sure, that would have to be a New Day feat. Mikyla Cara from Luton, UK, JLA from Brooklyn, New York, and B.Russ from Richmond, Virginia. New Day is Special to me because it reflects on what every artist is trying to accomplish. As an independent artist relying on solely yourself to get things done can get overwhelming for most. So In New Day, and my featured artists Express gratitude for the passion of making music and letting it be known that you have to do what you love and do things your way. Never stop chasing your dreams and always express yourself as you need to succeed. It's a New Day. #BUZZMUSIC