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The Detroit-based in-your-face Rock band Van Go Go captures both sides of a story with their conceptual single, "Big Mistake." Since the band's initial separation in 2008, Van Go Go decided to reunite during the midst of the pandemic. Consisting of Nathan Mackinder, Jason Schaller, Paxton Olney, and Jonah Brockman, Van Go Go is charging full steam ahead with the release of their latest single "Big Mistake." The heavy single surrounds themes of infidelity and the perspective of someone who's been cheated on. Produced by Chuck Alkazian, the single powers through with tight Rock instrumentation and an overall sense of belonging. "Big Mistake" opens with Nathan Mackinder's thrilling vocal performance dropping vast energy on the track. As he begins to sing a tale of mistrust and crossing the line, Jason Schaller's layered electric/rhythm guitar takes the track by storm and pushes a highly energetic yet reflective state. Reaching the hook, Van Go Go's entire instrumentation induces this chilling sensation through the song's descriptive lyricism and the band's boundless energy. What keeps our toes tapping are Jonah Brockman's hi-fi drum patterns and Paxton Olney's deep bassline, offering the track tremendous rhythm. That being said, the track's strong point has to be Van Go Go's intense and vivid lyricism surrounding the profound disappointment and sadness one undergoes after receiving such news. Closing the song off with tight instrumentation, we love the reflective texture that this song offers to listeners. Although the lyrical content within Van Go Go's single "Big Mistake" is rather heavy and emotional, we always appreciate a raw tune like this where listeners can relate and find a safe space to feel the depths of their lingering emotions. We love the honest and truthful lyricism you deliver within your single, "Big Mistake." Why did you choose "Big Mistake" to lead the way of your career comeback? We always believed in the song when written a decade ago. Now having been through a divorce and major life changes, the song has transformed into a different meaning altogether. It’s a symbolic unveiling of something personal that seems to parallel the revitalization of making music together. A nod to each other for being honest about the hell we’ve been through that now drives us on to bigger and better things. Speaking on the deep message within your single "Big Mistake," was it challenging to write lyrics surrounding such unfortunate events? Could you expand on what your songwriting process looked like? I‘ve always believed lyrics should be as honest as possible to reach listeners. Unfortunately, failure and being let down is a pretty relatable story. I typically write melodies in quick moments and words come out based on the recent or current events around. They aren’t always about me directly but I’m certainly pulling them from real life. Within the instrumentals for your single "Big Mistake," your sound is truly stimulating with your energetic Rock instrumentation. Why did you want the song to be so lively instead of fusing it with melancholy instrumentals? Jay and I spent our early days playing more angst and melancholy songs. As time went by, I started to get back into more major keys and driving rock rhythms. I also love the irony of a sound that’s uplifting against a subject matter that’s normally dredged with minor keys and somber instrumentation. We've heard that your band separated in 2008 but rekindled this year during the pandemic. What sparked the band's reconciliation? The stars kind of aligned that we were able to get back together and finish what we started.  Jay and I both lived in Florida for the past decade and really hadn’t had a chance to connect. I made a recent move back to Michigan and the guys slowly started to reach out and talk about the possibility. The madness and uncertainty of the 2020 Pandemic was the final motivator all of us needed to put in the effort and make the project come back to life. What can fans anticipate to hear next from you? We have several other songs prepped for release and really look forward to getting them out there. The sound is powerful and it’s amazing how much technology is helping improve the mixing process. I’ve been writing some of my strongest material to date and we will be laying tracks down through the end of the year. We love working with Chuck @ Pearl Sound here in Michigan. He has really helped us craft a unique sound that I truly believe fans of honest rock n roll will grab a hold of and swallow like ear candy. Instagram Website #BUZZMUSIC

Rediisin is a Toronto-based New Wave/Alternative Singer/Songwriter, Drummer, and Session Musician. He got his start performing in the Vietnamese community and shortly after ventured into sound mixing, promoting drum teaching, and managing/playing in his former group Low Kites. Rediisin's latest single showcases his competitive spirit. "Sucks @ Sports" is an upbeat Synth-Pop track that allows his New Wave influence to shine through the retro production. His lyrics take the listener on a journey of his inner thoughts about feeling trapped in his own mind and continue to ponder why this defeat is taking a toll on him. This track is a relatable anthem for teens everywhere who struggle with defeat in their own lives. Rediisin has been working towards his dream of being a songwriter for years. During the 2020 lockdown, he was given the chance to start actively pursuing his journey as an artist. He used his time to focus on his skills as both a songwriter and producer. Determined to spend the rest of his life making music, Rediisin is ready to make the most of all opportunities that come his way. Rediisin is on the rise. Keep a close eye out for his next creative project. Learn more about him here. Instagram Facebook #BUZZMUSIC

Ever since he could remember, Country artist Christopher Griffiths had dreamed of becoming a rock star. The multi-talented artist began to learn bass, guitar, keys, synth, harmonica, mandolin, and upright bass before furthering his musical education at Berklee College of Music in Boston. At age 22, Christopher Griffiths made the life-changing decision to move to Nashville where he now releases his music, including his recent single “Take On You.” A bass drum and a country strum of an acoustic guitar introduce “Take On You” before Christopher Griffiths first showcases his honey rustic vocals. The sonic atmosphere he creates is immediately absorbed as down to earth, heartfelt, and authentic. “Take On You” has the type of stomp-clap beat that paints a picture of two-stepping cowboy boots in a down-home honky-tonk bar scene. “Take On You’s” hooking melodies will make you want to sing along, even on your first listen. As the track continues, a few high octave chords on a piano perpetuate its youthful spirit. Christopher Griffiths demonstrates his vocal range during each chorus, where his passion is transparent within his vocals. With its country accent and gruff textures, Christopher Griffith’s voice is comparable to the likes of Eric Church. Altogether, “Take On You” remains organic as each instrumentation and vocalization seamlessly fuses without feeling forced. Christopher Griffiths has created nuclear instrumentation that will make fans feel like they’re a part of the sensory experience that is “Take On You.” With the ability to hook his fans with the magnetic musical personality behind “Take On You,” listeners will be heavily anticipating more country hits from Christopher Griffiths. Listen to "Take On You" here. We loved the lighthearted energy combined with your sonic authenticity with “Take on You.” What was your inspiration for the song “Take on You?” I was having a conversation with my sister Cindy Drummond in Hollywood and she was telling me about her work with sheltered animals and getting them adopted. I have five adopted pets myself and it inspired me to come up with a jam for her and her work. What made you donate all proceeds to the L.A. Animal Rescue? This is such an amazing initiative to incorporate! Well, that’s where my sister volunteers. So... I guess nepotism informed that decision. But do you follow them on Instagram? So many gorgeous babies! You’re influenced by a variety of artists including Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Dr. Dre, and Iggy Pop. Can you tell us how these artists inspire your music style? What have you learned from them? Well, Bob really informs my metaphor usage. And Bruce tells me whatever I say I should mean it, even when it’s a lie. And Dr. Dre keeps me very sonically textured and not afraid to go farther than a quaint Americana song. And Iggy Pop teaches me to perform with no fear because lines are made to be crossed. And to have a lust for life. Could you tell us a bit about your songwriting process for “Take on You?” What is the message behind the lyrics? Well, the process was 19 seconds of writing followed by a half-hour of cuddling my cats. But the recording process is interesting. It started with a hand clap only. And then I build out from there, track by track in my office.  The lyrics are pretty straightforward, in life, our true value is determined by when we give without taking and how much we lighten the burdens of others around us. Can you tell us a bit about the people in your life who inspire you and support you with your career as an artist? I mean I can’t do anything without my wife. Anything. I’m basically a large well-dressed squash without her.  My mom has definitely had my back forever. Mostly I draw from my peers, inspired by all their creative efforts. Instagram Website #BUZZMUSIC

From Oklahoma to Los Angeles, the genre-blending Artist, Instrumentalist, and Producer Keith Austin releases his funky debut EP, 'Turning It On.' While blending the sounds of Pop, R&B, and Neo-Soul, Keith Austin is eagerly embarking on his career journey through his extensive history of live performance. Making music that moves listeners, physically and emotionally, we're ready to feel something with his debut project, 'Turning It On.' The EP begins with the title track "Turning It On," opening the project with immense grooves and a funky yet modern appeal. With bright and rhythmic synths, light melodic keys, and a gripping bassline, Keith Austin's colorful and playful vocals appear while depicting the vast history between him and a past lover. Encouraging listeners to move on from their comfort zone that's been beaten and battered with exhaustion, Keith Austin's supporting production contrasts the song's concept with incredibly bright electronic pads, synths, and impeccable arrangement. We love the energy that Keith Austin has placed into his EP thus far, and we're excited to see where the rest of the project takes us. Dropping everything with the second track "Grooving On The Red Line," have we mentioned how similar Keith Austin's vocals and overall performance is to Justin Timberlake's? Austin exudes this unhindered confidence and swagger while his sparkling vocals win any listener over. Through warm brass instrumentals, Maroon 5-esque electric guitar melodies, and ambient background keys, the song delivers this automatic need to dance along with the track's lively instrumentals. Keith Austin's lyricism paints playful pictures of living life to the fullest and forgetting all woes until the next day, while the track pushes through with incredible energy and infectious grooves. A plucky bassline and nostalgic Synth-Pop drum patterns overpower the next tune "Love Song," while Keith Austin makes his heartfelt vocal appearance and tells an unfortunate story of avoiding the repetition of grueling cycles. While daydreamy Electro-Pop instrumentals mold the song's atmosphere to be incredibly bright and spacious, we love the contrast that Keith Austin brings with his reflective and introspective lyrical concept. The supporting instrumentals swell to this fluttering and hi-fi Pop atmosphere with each electric guitar melody, rhythmic synth, and gripping drum break. We love the passion and heart that Keith Austin has infused into this track, as we're grooving away with his relatable lyrics and thrilling production. Deepening the EP's passion with the fourth track "Later Tonight," Keith Austin pushes a sultry and heavily intriguing atmosphere within this intoxicating tune. As the song opens with spacious droning synths, short electric guitar bursts, and equally stimulating synth melodies, the track starts with an exhilarating sensation for the jump. While Keith Austin begins to serenade us through his warm and rich vocals, he begins to describe his emotions towards someone who has this compelling hold over him. While playfully questioning what she's up to later tonight, the surrounding production thumps down with an electrifying sensation through the song's precise rhythm and dream-like synth arrangement. The next song "Come And Go" stops us dead in our tracks. The tune opens with a drifting and eerie synth that's met with R&B-inspired drum patterns. While accompanied by a steady and sensual bassline and gripping mid-tempo drums, Keith Austin's warm vocals begin to serenade us through his lyrics of complete and utter devotion, stating that this kind of love doesn't "Come And Go." While the groovy instrumentals continue, Austin's lyrical concept begins to deepen through describing the endless and infinite love he has for this person. The song's atmosphere is serene and delicate, allowing listeners to feel every inch of Keith Austin's aching desire. Brightening the EP with the outro track "Hands Down," the song opens with a highly playful tone from the very beginning. With unique percussion patterns, short and plucky electric guitar, and a growling synth, we're left floating above with the song's stimulating sonics. Once Keith Austin begins describing the relentless passion and desire he holds for the fairest of them all, we're highly relating with the longing sensation that he describes ever so clearly. With added ghost vocals and punchy drum hits, the song's vibrant atmosphere continues to push through with each intricate instrumental and Keith Austin's desirous lyricism. Closing his EP with boundless love and the highest of vibes, we can't get enough of the project's overall experience. Keith Austin has released food for the soul with his debut EP "Turning It On." With each intricate and deftly-produced track, the project pushes listeners into a positive space through lively instrumentals and Keith Austin's stimulating vocals. We can't get enough of the energy and passion you've infused into your debut EP, 'Turning It On.' What inspired you to take this unique sonic route with your electronic instrumentals/production? First of all, thank you very much for your appreciation and kind words. I would say that my inspiration for the production on this record mostly comes from me taking elements of the musical styles that I like and grew up with and then rearranging/combining them into something new. For example, I love disco, funk guitars, and the sounds of classic EPs like a Fender Rhodes or Wurlitzers, but I also love the modern sounds of shimmering synth pads and trap drums. Growing up in Oklahoma gave me an appreciation for the rich vocal harmony productions inherent to much of country music. I tried to use this record as an opportunity to combine all those things into something fresh and hopefully a little different.  We've heard that your EP 'Turning It On' is a personal and honest exercise of self-reflection. What pushed you to create an EP that not only informs listeners on who you are but allows them to get to know you below the surface? I suddenly found myself with a lot of time on my hands during quarantine and knew I had to opportunity and possibly an obligation to do something productive with it. I don’t think I’ve ever been really good at self-reflection, so making this record was a bit like ongoing therapy for me.  Overall, “Turning It On”  is deeply personal, but I think relatable enough that listeners will identify with many of the sentiments contained in the songs as they draw their own meaning from the lyrics. So while it may help them learn something about me, I’m hoping that by listening to it,  they may also learn something about themselves. Seeing as the EP 'Turning It On' surrounds personal inner-reflection, which track on the project was the most personal and close to your heart? My favorite track on the record has to be “Come and Go.” Not only is it somewhat sonically unique from the rest of the EP, but the lyrics describe the balancing act of maintaining a sense of “self” while also learning to be “selfless” in a long-term relationship. It's a challenge that many people say they want... but few are prepared for. This track is an exploration of my personal journey with that.  Within your EP 'Turning It On,' there are moments where you become quite vulnerable and open with your lyricism. Did you face any challenges when being so vulnerable during your songwriting process, or was the endeavor fairly seamless? I think it has always been difficult for me to be emotionally open, but I feel like the process of writing songs helps me get there in a way that I otherwise couldn’t. I wanted to create something as authentic as possible, so as you can imagine, it needed to borrow heavily from my own experiences. I think that’s what I would enjoy personally in a record and what I wanted to do for anyone else willing to listen.  Now that you've released your debut EP, 'Turning It On,' should listeners anticipate to hear this bright Electro-Pop/R&B sound with your future releases? “Turning It On” definitely captures my “sound” better than any previous music project to date, but to be honest, I’m constantly in the studio experimenting with sound design and new production techniques. I’m very excited about how my future work will sound. It's the reason I keep at it and why every day continues to be a new adventure. instagram.com/kaustin1023 facebook.com/kaustinmusic twitter.com/kaustin1023 #BUZZMUSIC

The Welsh and Nashville-inspired Singer/Songwriter Laura Evans breaks free from restraints with her gripping music video for her powerhouse Country/Blues single, "SOLO." Fresh off three well-received singles, Laura Evans has made her way over to Spotify editorial playlists and sitting at #1 in the UK iTunes Blues chart. Co-writing her latest single "SOLO" with fellow Welsh Songwriter Stace James, Evans noted that the single was close to getting cut before Producer Josiah J Manning reworked the song with soulful Country/Blues instrumentation. The powerful single serves an empowering message alongside the song's music video, directed, edited, and filmed by Kris Barras. Allowing listeners to bask in their independence, we must note the brilliant direction and execution Kris Barras captured within the video for "SOLO," it gets us itching to spread our wings and fly. The music video for "SOLO" begins with scenes of Laura Evans putting in the elbow grease to serve an unappreciative significant other. The song opens with a gut-wrenching and powerful tone through punchy rhythm guitar and hard-hitting drums. While Evans begins singing the trials and tribulations of their love, she pushes through with independent lyricism depicting her flee from his hold. The exhilarating music video takes us through deftly-shot scenes of Laura Evans moving from the kitchen onto the open road, all while spicing the video with sultry and intriguing scenes of Evans delivering a passionate performance all dolled up. We can't help but feel this Christina Aguilera in Burlesque vibe from Laura Evans' performance and overall music video. We're stomping our feet right along with Laura Evans thrilling single "SOLO," and we're equally engaged with the song's empowering music video, inevitably sparking our natural independence and strength. We're locked right into your captivating music video for "SOLO." What initially pushed you to create the empowering single, and what did you want listeners to take from the song? I actually wrote this song for someone else initially but I wanted to write an empowering anthem that everyone could relate to. I know I definitely feel more powerful flying "solo" so I hoped other people could relate. I think we've all been in those not so perfect relationships and want to break free and I feel when you can be happy alone, you can move mountains. Speaking on the gripping music video for "SOLO," what was your shooting process like with Kris Barras? How did his direction help your vision come to life? Working with Kris was amazing as not only is he a great videographer but he's a super creative artist and had a clear vision for the video shoot. The vintage car was my idea! I wasn't quite sure how it was going to work, I just knew I wanted to drive it! haha, Kris did an amazing job of tying all the footage together and gave those flashbacks a vintage feel. He took a great time and attention to specific lighting and cuts so the video takes you on a little journey from beginning to end. Regarding the single "SOLO," you mentioned that it was reworked after almost being cut. What changes were made to the original song, and what inspired this soulful Country/Blues approach? I co-wrote this song with my friend Stace James back in 2016 and back then it was produced very poppy, and you won't believe this - but it actually had a rap in the middle! We sadly had to lose the rap for my version ( as rapping is not my forte, haha!) and we reproduced it much rawer & organic to give it an edgier more rock/blues feel. But the lyrics and melody stayed exactly the same. We love the power and strength that you've infused into your single "SOLO." Would you say this is a common theme for your music? Do you usually strive to empower the listener? Yes definitely. I went through a phase of writing heartbreaking ballads for a while and now I think I've moved into the phase of  "bluesy/ badass" songs haha it's a lot of fun writing these kinds of songs and I love singing them. What can fans anticipate to hear next from you? I'm hoping to put out another new single before the end of the year and lots more brand new music to come in 2021! Until I can tour and play live shows - new music will keep coming. thelauraevans.com

Coming from Hamilton, Ontario, the emerging Alternative Singer/Songwriter Mandolynne shares her heart with us through her latest single, "The Pines." Infusing her music with moody atmospheres and real-life experiences makes Mandolynne's brand all the more intriguing to anyone who geeks out on Alternative. Using writing to help cope with past trauma, Mandolynne offers lived experiences to help listeners heal. Her latest release "The Pines" takes listeners on a truly dynamic and unexpected journey. With an atmosphere perfect for this time of year, Mandolynne pushes through with power and resilience over soulful instrumentation while offering listeners a safe space through her genuine lyricism. "The Pines" sweetly opens with bluesy acoustic and electric guitar soulfully strumming away alongside Mandolynne's sultry and airy vocals. Jumping into her lyrical message, Mandolynne offers a saddening story of searching for someone who's long gone. Filling the song with incredible space through the droning electric guitar melodies that sprinkle down from above and a reflective down-tempo beat, we're truly lost in the moody and dark atmosphere that Mandolynne provides. Before we know it, the instrumentals deliver a massive switch in sound and energy through scorching hot electric guitar chords and a quickly-paced beat. Once the entire blistering instrumental sets in, we can't get out of the atmosphere as it's not only irresistible, but it defies many boundaries in Alternative music through a sharp Rock edge. We're deeply submerged in the depths of Mandolynne's authentic sound, especially with her powerhouse single "The Pines," it would be an understatement to say that we're impressed with such a raw, emotional, yet stimulating piece. We can't get our ears off of your intense release, "The Pines." Could you take us through the song's lyricism, and the concept behind your words? Ah, thank you so much! This is a loaded question! I originally wrote this song during a very dark time in my healing journey. I was going through a really shitty breakup and confronting a lot of my inner demons. Initially, it started as an “f you” anthem directed at my parents/abusers. It was meant to be a way to release all of the pain I was feeling. I’ve always been really empathetic, and as a result tend to turn inwards when I’m feeling anything, and usually end up hurting myself. Through some self-exploration, I realized I was actually harboring a lot of resentment towards these people for my upbringing, and the psychological impact it’s had on me as an adult. This song was a way to let go. Once I started arranging it and reflecting on the lyrics I ultimately came to realize that this song was more about self-reflection, learning to break the cycle, and stepping into your power. The lyrics are essentially a reflection of me going through this process. Within your single "The Pines," you offer this powerful instrumental switch up around the mid-way point. Why did you want to add this switch up to end the song off with heat? For me, the only way to authentically express myself was to come up with a vision that accurately depicted what I was emotionally feeling at the time. I worked with musicians to develop parts and create what I felt my journey sounded like. Coming to terms with your past and stepping into your power is a complex journey, and by no means is it a linear or predictable path. I wanted to develop an arrangement that explored and showcased that. Seeing as your single "The Pines" touches on genres like Alternative, Rock, and Blues, did anything/anyone inspire this unique sonic route? Oh, wow! I literally listen to everything under the sun, moon, and stars! I would say absolutely, yes! All that I have listened to has in some way or another shaped my approach and style to writing/arranging. I would say that my biggest influences have been bands/artists such as Metric, Radiohead, Cat Power, and Placebo. Also, during my time in music school I had an Arts and Culture class that opened me up to the Blues, and honestly, it resonated so deeply with me. That class truly pushed me to embrace and explore my unique sound- without fear, just grit. We've heard that you look towards writing to help cope with past trauma. When it comes to trauma and writing about it, is there a fine line between sharing with listeners and being 'too' vulnerable? Or has your past made you comfortable with vulnerability? Ah, this is a wonderful question. I think that boundaries are important. It is not our job to share our stories, and it is not our job as artists to share anything that we’re not personally comfortable with. We are under no obligation to expose parts of us that could somehow overstep a personal boundary we’ve set for ourselves; I just want to say, that I have insane amounts of respect for people who write light-hearted songs, that shit is a challenge! That being said, personally, I’ve had very cathartic experiences processing my trauma through music. I’ve also had very beautiful interactions and have connected with others by openly sharing my experiences with them. I think finding a form of expression and running with it is imperative, and has been crucial for my healing. Haha, ahh, I wouldn’t say I’m comfortable with being vulnerable, in fact, I would say quite the contrary… but I think that’s what aids in my healing process. I think for me feeling uncomfortable is a necessary part of growth, creativity, and connection. Otherwise, I would never leave my room, release music, or speak to a soul. ;) This year has been extremely difficult for the music industry. What has been your biggest source of inspiration while creating new music this year? This has been a heavy year, to say the least. All of the injustice in the world, covid fatigue, people losing their loved ones, jobs, venues… and this collective trauma that we’re all experiencing is, well, heavy. For me, that heaviness needs somewhere to go. This year has gifted me with a lot of extra time to process and shape my project. So, I guess my biggest source of inspiration has been time. Time to sit, time to educate me, time to process, and time to release all that has been weighing me down. I do miss performing live though, and can’t wait to get back to that when it’s safe to do so! Last thing! Everyone, please find ways to support your local venues. Let’s keep them standing. Instagram Website #BUZZMUSIC

Welcoming the dreamy bedroom Synth-Pop Artist Laine Rex to the industry with her shimmering debut single, "Money Down." Decades in the making, Laine Rex (Erin Dickson) took it upon herself in the unpredictable year of 2020 to delve deep into her solo craft and spend hours recording her charming and dreamy sound. Her debut single "Money Down" brings the listener into a spacious atmosphere through various synths and Laine Rex's vocals resembling that of Debbie Harry. Sending us back to the late 80s with sparkling electronic production, Laine Rex has impressively blown us away with a colossal debut. "Money Down" opens with dreamy background vocals, nostalgic synths, and Laine Rex's atmospheric Bedroom-Pop vocals. As the supporting production begins to grow with help from stimulating drum patterns, the hook quickly approaches with laser-like synths that bring the song into an incredibly electrifying space. While singing lyrics of putting her complete faith into someone for their relationship to flourish, Laine Rex offers a textured and surreal atmosphere for listeners to get down and relate with easily. Around the bridge, ambient pads soak up the song while airy keys drift over Laine Rex's intoxicating vocal performance. Picking the energy up once again for a lively outro, we can't express how dreamy yet stimulating Laine Rex's "Money Down" is. With each synth and breath that graces our speakers, we're taken into sweet-sounding bliss. We love each picturesque moment of your warm debut single, "Money Down." What inspired you to take this dreamy Bedroom-Pop route for your debut single, let alone your music career? I would say that going the bedroom pop route with my music was less of a conscious decision and more just the product of what happened when I let myself create what I wanted to create without worrying if people would like it. I try not to overthink it too much and let the music be what it wants to be. For this song and all the songs on my upcoming EP, I actually recorded all the demos in my bedroom—I even have a room in my house dedicated to being a home studio, but my bed is comfier so that’s where I camped out with my keyboard, laptop, and guitar. There were days where I actually worked on my music for up to 12 hours straight because I was just in the zone, ha. When I decided to take the songs to the studio to record for real, we ended up keeping all the demo synth parts which helped maintain that warm, lo-fi feel while adding in some energy and drive that real drums and bass can bring.  Regarding your lyrical content within "Money Down," could you take us through what inspired the song's message? What pushed you to create such heartfelt and romantic lyricism? I’m not very good at expressing feelings in real life, so I have to put all my feelings into my songs. I think the lyrics for “Money Down” are based on a memory of one of the better summers I’ve had when I first joined a band and discovered how much I love playing and writing music. At the time that I wrote the song, it was more just subconscious thoughts coming to the surface, but the theme that keeps showing up is this idea that if something is that important to you, you have to take a risk and go for it. That's why I chose this song to be my debut release--because I'm finally taking that chance on my music.  Speaking on the nostalgic production within "Money Down," what did your sonic creative process look like when crafting the melodies through various synths? What sound were you aiming for? The foundation of this song is actually the background vocal “oh’s” you hear at the very beginning. Then I added in one main synth patch that I really liked—it’s the first one you hear at the beginning of the song—and built on that. I always try not to overthink it too much, because the sheer amount of timbre options can be overwhelming—I just try to start with a tone that is really interesting to me and that fits well with the overall feel of the song, and then as I listen through, either in the moment or weeks later, I hear parts that need to be added in, and I keep building layers until the soundscape brings the right emotion and introduces enough sonic interest to keep the story moving along. The guitar is an important color in this one too--I think the bright guitar helps keep the song from feeling too melancholy, and the drums and bass keep things moving. (Shout-out to my guitar player/recording engineer/mixer Ryan, drummer Brandon, bass player Beniah, and guitar part-writer Alex!)  We've heard that becoming Laine Rex was decades in the making. What made you decide to finally undergo this musical venture? I just felt like it would be a waste to hold onto all these songs I’ve written and not share them—even if just one person is able to connect with my music, I think it makes it worthwhile. Not to mention, the whole process of songwriting and recording is something that I really enjoy, and that gives me a sense of purpose. But I don’t think I ever would have decided to do this if I hadn’t received the immense support and encouragement from my close friends and family that I have over the last few years.  What can fans anticipate next from you? Keep a lookout for another single this winter, and then an EP shortly thereafter! And when live shows are a thing again…who knows? I’m open to whatever comes next! Instagram #BUZZMUSIC

From Los Angeles to Hay-on-Wye, and back to LA, the Singer/Songwriter and Artist Willow Robinson releases a thrilling Alternative-Pop anthem titled, "Weight of the World." After dropping his life in London and the rest of the UK, Willow Robinson took his career by storm and pushed full throttle into his own music. Releasing the last installment of 4 EP's, "Fall" follows "Winter," "Spring," and "Summer," encapsulating the entire upcoming album, "Seasons." Taking a listen to the second track of his EP "Fall," "Weight of the World" brings listeners through a realistic storyline reflecting society's new norms and the inevitable weight that sits on our shoulders while attempting to reach unrealistic standards of beauty. Through gripping Alternative-Pop/Rock instrumentals, the track blasts through as a soundtrack to our everyday lives. "Weight of the World" begins with filtered staccato rhythm guitar and Willow Robinson's powerful vocals resembling Imagine Dragons' Dan Reynolds. We can feel Robinson's LA influence through the addition of blissful droning electric guitar that naturally transcends the listener above this plane. The song's gripping synths and airy drum patterns make for an empowering experience with each intricate transition and soulful instrumental. Willow Robinson continues to sing a story of trudging through society's man-made mud that sinks us deeper into unrealistic expectations of beauty. Leaving the last half of the song to the thrilling Rock-inspired instrumentals and whaling electric guitar, we can't get enough of Willow Robinson's powerhouse vocals and his equally engaging instrumentals that change like the seasons. "Weight of the World" takes listeners through the depths of our psyche and picks apart modern-day standards that social media has created, while Willow Robinson offers listeners a slice of sanity by reminding them that the weight on our shoulders is a universal feeling. We appreciate your heavy yet highly realistic lyricism within your song, "Weight of the World." Could you take us through what inspired your message within this track? The song is about dating a girl who portrayed our relationship as rose-tinted on social media, but in actual fact, it was far from a dream. It's about the fake nature of how we portray ourselves online. ‘She’s tricking them with candy, but its really only raw meat’ is the line that illuminates what I'm trying to say. This message is coupled with the fact that I was in love with this girl and she was leaving me at a really difficult time in my life, where it felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders. Writing and recording it was the only way to endure the pain I was feeling.  Your instrumentation and production within "Weight of the World" are truly exhilarating. What sort of genre would you say this track falls under, seeing as you place thrilling Rock instrumentals and a dash of Alt-Pop? My first love is rock music. I'm a die-hard fan of guitar solos and riffs. That said I'm so bored of modern rock artists simply mimicking the sound of the greats who can never be surpassed. I'm just trying to bring the sounds I love to a modern audience and hopefully carve myself a niche while I'm at it. Could you take us through your songwriting process for "Weight of the World"? How did you capture this universal weight within your lyricism? I and my two producers were living in the desert, with no AC, in 100+ degree heat, sweating like maniacs, sleeping on the living room floor of this house, and trying to finish writing the last song on my album. Weight of the World came so quickly, we practically finished the whole thing within a day. It started with the opening riff, and the chorus just came to me organically, felt like it was meant to be. Our aim when writing the song was to create something fresh and modern sounding, so my producer Brian laid down the beats and synth sounds, and Chris did this great bass line, as soon as the tone was set, it wrote itself. At the time I felt like I was being crushed, and the lyrics really were my way of expressing my anger and sorrow. The best songs are ones that are honest and based upon real emotions. If you want to write a song I recommend going and getting your heartbroken.  Speaking on your entire EP "Fall," what role does "Weight of the World" play in the project's concept? We'd also like to ask how your concepts differ from your four EP's "Winter," "Spring," "Summer," and "Fall”? The song ‘Fall’ was a random improv on the acoustic that my producers happened to capture on the mic in-between recording acoustic guitars on WOTW. I remember the sadness I was feeling and you can really hear that in Fall. Weight of the World is the struggle, the anger, fighting back, and trying to grasp at the sand. Goodnight is me letting go and opening a new chapter. So the three songs really represent the stages of the breakup. Fall definitely has a more dark and melancholy vibe than the other EP’s, to signify the year moving back into winter. Its purpose is to bring the whole project to a climax, and then a resolution so that I can move on to new sounds and new experiences. What has been keeping you inspired in 2020? Honestly, for me, 2020 has been one of the most creative years yet. I've had so much space and time to hone in on my craft, drawing, writing, learning piano. Also being that the state of the world is often overwhelming, I find the best way to process my feelings and emotions is to be creative. My mindset has been, that despite all the negative circumstances it can come out of the quarantine with a huge body of work then it has at least been positive in that respect. Honestly, some of the post-apocalyptic days really got under my skin and helped me write some visceral songs. The state of the world has also helped me realize my real-life purpose, using my music as a platform to help fight for environmentalism. I am donating $1 per pre-save of my new EP to help plant trees and fight climate change... small beginnings. I figured there had to be a reason I was named Willow. facebook.com/willowrobinsonmusic instagram.com/willowrobinson

Philadelphia-based experimental jam band Muskrat Flats, serves us up the driving, groove contagious record, “Terrapin Terrace,” from their long-awaited debut album, “Field of Rays.” Muskrat Flats have achieved rapid success and recognition as their distinct sound fuses an array of genres spanning funk, world music, jazz, rock, bluegrass, folk, and electronic elements. With an abundant passion, heated amount of talent, and intoxicating live aura, Muskrat Flats draws on the influences of the jam band scene accompanied by their growing library of original material, some of which is featured on their debut album, “Field of Rays.” “Terrapin Terrace,” glimmers with funk with the opening elements of a bright electric guitar being plucked away while it dances on our head tops. Upbeat and vivid elements of a rhythmic bassline and up-tempo drums create infectious grooves that set the tone for this hit song. All of the components of the instrumentation mesh seamlessly creating an effortless vibe in a record that has clearly had a lot of thought put into it. The warm vocals and rich harmonies add a texture that you didn’t know was needed. They have a soothing and calming effect that showcase the genre-bending likes of Muskrat Flats. The precision and harmony displayed through their performance captures us from the start of “Terrapin Terrace,” and pulls us into the end. You can’t help but get lost in the catalytic essence they put forward as a band and how each individual shines through their performance. Muskrat Flats has proved to us how they master improvisation and emit an aura so lively we can’t help but want more. We are looking forward to the groove they have in store for us in the future as they channel their inner inspirations. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Muskrat Flats! Congratulations on the release of your album, “Field of Rays.” We absolutely love “Terrapin Terrace,” and would love to know, what did the creative process looks like for this song? Muskrat Flats was started by musician/producer, Matty McCann in winter 2018. McCann had been collaborating with the band’s original bassist and co-founder, Jay Stolnis, and the two were ready to make some new compositions into the recording studio. After being approached by Speed of Sound (SoS) Studios owner “LL Gatsby”, McCann assembled the final pieces for the band— Jared Williams on drums and Kevin Cooper on the keys. McCann invited his brother Paddy (DJ PY McCann) to engineer and co-produced the album. The song Terrapin Terrace, as well as the entire Field of Rays album, was recorded and engineered at Speed of Sound Studios in Dover, Delaware. The main part of Terrapin Terrace, as far as the verses and chorus of the song, were written in one sitting— one cold snowy afternoon in Philadelphia. The instrumental part was composed in the studio as we recorded. What do the well-crafted lyrics mean to you? What moment inspired this song? One of our biggest inspirations is Robert Hunter, lyricist for the Grateful Dead. He never explained what his songs were about. It was something that would come alive in the mind of each unique listener. On the surface, Terrapin Terrace is an ode to the earliest supporters of our band. The words also echo admiration for our biggest influences like the Grateful Dead. Performing this song has become one of the biggest highlights of our live shows. Terrapin Terrace acts as a portal, taking fans on a journey back to the early days of Rock & Roll. We can only imagine how fun the studio session was like when recording, “Terrapin Terrace.” Could you take us into what that looked like? For each recording session, the band would drive an hour and a half from Philadelphia to Dover. Because of the long-distance drive, we typically spent the full day recording, which made for a very creative atmosphere. The environment at Speed of Sound Studios was perfect for bringing our creation to life. It can’t be overstated—we could not have done this without the studio owner LL Gatsby. The place is an absolute dream. About eighty percent of the album was already written going into the studio, but there were still many question marks. There were a lot of grueling sessions and the creativity was off the charts. After several months of recording with exciting collaborators, Muskrat Flats would go on to release the debut album in October 2018. On, “Field of Rays,” does each band member have a favorite song? What’s your reason behind this? Though we each thoroughly enjoyed creating every track on the album, our instrumental Dodecahedron was truly a special song to record. Aside from no lyrics or vocals, we speed up the tempo during the song which is a really cool recording technique we experimented with. “Smile” is also a big band and fan (or as we call them “Fam”) favorite. It is one of the many tracks on the album that takes the listener on an epic journey through lands foreign and familiar. Since the making of the album, Muskrat Flats have added JP Florio (Guitar), Isaac Gaston (Bass), and David Koster (Keys/Vocals) to the lineup. It is super fun to see the music come alive in a whole new way since these guys have joined the band. The songs have developed a whole new feel with these guys on board. What has been keeping you inspired in 2020? In August, Muskrat Flats recently kicked off their east coast tour headlining Ohmfest, a COVID-compliant outdoor music and yoga festival in Delaware. Since then they have released Muskrat Flats: Live from Ohmfest 2020 as well as our brand new line of merchandise and official website, Muskratflats.com. This winter Muskrat Flats will begin pre-production on a new album slotted for 2021 release. facebook.com/MuskratFlatsBand

The Indie-psych radicals, Chess at Breakfast, resurface from their debut LP, 'Wealthcare,' to dispense more of their dopamine injected masterpieces to the masses. More than four months after their last release, the Colorado Psych-rock group follows up with "The Rip." It's a bountiful dose of psychedelia from a trio whose unique sonic approach makes their adventuresome, scintillating sonic synchromesh all the more effective in stimulating you. Inaugurating the journey with an empyreal lead-in from drummer Mike Davis on the keys, "The Rip" winds forward inside a mystifying aura before shapeshifting into a more classical dance with a grand piano, as Bassist Justin Dagget joins the parade. Caleb McFadden arrives with his provocative vocals, "C'est la vie, will she ever, rest in peace? Or will she see this love as nothing but a disease?" before drummer Mike Davis trounces over the snare drum, fingers loose but rhythm kept. Here, Caleb renders-up stories of a past love, with a clandestine elegist-like approach, operating over distorted textures that blend into the scintillating electric guitar like butter, prepping listeners for a feast of oozing sonics. The fuzzed-out edges of his electric guitar and Justin's bass amalgamate, and Mike anchors their synergistic union with a thundering remission through anthemic, trotting fills. Almost halfway through, the psych trio has grown in size and intensity, and Caleb turns his attention to his fingers for a guitar solo. He ushers the mix like a pyroclastic surge, consuming everything in its path. After teasing a majority of "The Rip" with piano choreography and echoing fanfares, Chess at Breakfast slips into a sweltering series of developing uproars designed to promote psychedelic overload and alternative-rock feedback. "Her words are crusted over her teeth and lips, she even admits to it, now she's gonna raise hell," Caleb resounds, soaring over the adjoined creativity his erupting band divulges with ease. The mob of sound grows more and more intensified before Mike crashes over his toms in synergized fashion with Caleb and Justin for the concluding riffs. Like a clandestine manifesto written in magic watercolor, the final sonic deluge leaves a layer of vapor, infusing the air with a sense of bewilderment. What does "The Rip" represent for you as a band? Was this a song about a story you can all relate to in some way? “The Rip” symbolizes the passing and tearing of time within a failing relationship. It is the acceptance — the “such as life” mentality — that evolves with judgments of ex-lovers. This song is an emblem for moving forward, continuing the love you have for those you’ve spent time with (no matter the cost of humility), and allowing yourself to rebuild your relationships as resources, indexes, coaches; to encourage only the best realities in current and future relationships. What were some of the most powerful emotions you found yourself tuning into for the instrumental performances you've captured for "The Rip?" As far as the first "half" of the song, there's a sense of foreboding, with the slow and lonely electric piano. Then the guitar and bass fade in to reinforce this emotion with more energy. The driving piano part during the rest of this half feels kind of menacing and sinister. When this half of the song ends, there's a gritty guitar riff that feels angry, and then is reinforced by the onset of the drums and bass, representing a drastic rip/separation in the mood. With the heavy vocals throughout this latter half, the prominent emotions are angst and despair. During the verses, the bass and drums are very disjointed, but somehow synchronistic, creating a feeling of confusion and dissonance. When we arrive at the solo, it feels like a mirror of the earlier angst but is quickly followed by resolution and a sense of convicted retrospection in the last chorus and outro. How do you manage to generate such cohesive sonic energy in "The Rip" while it evolves from piano waltz to exploding rock anthem? We think a huge part of being able to capture that cohesion really comes down to two major elements. The first is the fact that we have been playing together for over 4 years, and this song we have played many many times for live audiences before recording it; this repetition of the song has really given us space and time to make sure we mold it into exactly what we want it to be. Secondly, our drummer-producer Mike has really refined his production skills since our last release, and that has really been exhibited with the soundscape in this single; we are beyond excited to take this energy into our next record. Where do you imagine your audience listening to "The Rip" for the first time for the best experience? Definitely, full blast in their car ~OR~ fully immersing themselves in it with a pair of headphones. What has been keeping you inspired in 2020? In a big way, our commitment to each other as bandmates has been the main thing keeping us going. We have so many musical ideas yet to express, and we're really focused on recording our second album so that we can get it to the fans that have been so supportive of us throughout our history as a band. At the end of the day, it's all about the music and playing it for the people that love it, so that's our main focus and inspiration to continue. We love what we do. Instagram Facebook #BUZZMUSIC