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Alternative R&B duo, DAN.G allows us to transport into the depths of our inner peacefulness with their nostalgic new single, “Never Go.” Reigning from Portland, Oregon, this blissful duo brings together elements of Lo-fi, Indie, and R&B vibes that create a nostalgic yet modern sound. DAN.G consists of a harmonious singer/songwriter, Daniel Garrett, and Jesse Valdez tackling the striking production and instrumentation. Together they continue to provoke feelings of tranquility and empowerment, mirroring their life experiences during the writing process.  This R&B record provides us with sensuality and amplified desire as DAN.G exudes their artistic talents in, “Never Go.” “Never Go,” opens up with futuristic Lo-fi elements accompanying the rich and mellow bassline and sparse snare hits. The sparkling hi-hats and keys add a shimmer to the otherwise dark instrumentation transporting us into a blissful utopia. Daniel Garrett hits a sweet, unique flavor of vocals that we feel through the speakers with each melodious element he visits. The dominance in his delivery remains present as he bounces between cadences and switches from the sultry, warm notes in the tunes he sings to the empowering conveyance in his emcee like verses. The production hits a spectacular sonic voyage as we are transmitted through elements that allow us to see into the artistic versatility that Jesse Valdez puts forward. With every reverberated effect we are diving deeper into the ambiance that tells a story solely through the music itself. The duo comes together providing an ultimate force that takes Alternative R&B to a different level. DAN.G has us reflecting on the delicate ambiance they put forward. We are patiently awaiting the next release from this dynamic duo and hope that they truly never go. Congratulations on the release of, “Never Go.” Could you please tell us how this collaboration came together in 2019? Jesse saw a video I posted on a musicians community page on Facebook and asked me if I wanted to make my little jam into a song. We began the project by making indie rock songs in the vein of Coldplay but soon found inspiration in sample-based production that allowed us to dig into our influences. The first song we made was the single “Silhouette”. It brought together our love of soulful genres like jazz, hip-hop, and R&B, giving our slightly dreary indie sounds a much-needed boost. We would love to know what the creative process for a track as wistful as, “Never Go,” looked like. What is it like working with one another? “Never Go” began with a pitched-down sample supported by a simple drum beat. Jesse then worked his magic, arranging the song and sprinkling in some tasty riffs. I instantly felt inspired by the groove it created and began to find some fun cadences and melodies to sing. Jesse noticed that I was relying too heavily on fast cadences and encouraged me to do a stretched out singing part for the chorus. It was a quick process getting the raw idea down, and after that, it was fine-tuned by Jesse and eventually our mixing engineer. What do the smooth and passionate vibes of, “Never Go,” mean to both of you as individuals and together as a duo? The vibe that we create gives us a feeling of empowerment and peace. We feel a sense of freedom in the sound we are creating. It mesmerizes us as we write, giving us inspiration in unexpected places. How have you established your sound and is this the ambiance that we can expect from DAN.G moving forward? That’s certainly going to be something we discover together. We didn’t create this sound with any specific intentions, and I believe that experimental nature will always play a significant role in the end product. The thing that should be expected is a re-interpretation of a vibe that lives inside of one of our influences. What has been keeping you inspired this year? We’ve decided that even with the world in such a difficult place, our art is still very important to us. We began hanging out a lot less, but every time we did we’d do something productive related to DAN.G. A focus on a visual concept emerged, and the idea for a music video came up. Jesse and our friend Matthew Fitzpatrick found a beautiful church outside of Portland, which eventually became the set for the “Never Go” video. We’ve both had time to reflect and discover what’s important to us, giving us a renewed sense of inspiration for the project. Expect to hear and see more things from us in the near future, we’ve got many exciting things moving down the pipeline and hope to see you all along the way. Instagram #BUZZMUSIC

Jacob Gonzalez has chased his dreams all the way to Los Angeles, to fuel his ambitions and creative appetite. His burning hunger to dominate the entertainment industry is inspiring. His latest release “Never Met” put Gonzalez in the limelight where he truly belongs. It’s hard to believe that this studio-quality track was recorded within the walls of his bedroom, the standard of this quality speaks to his talents as a creator. Overall “Never Met,” is a sonic treat to the ears! In a recent interview with BuzzMusic when asked about how he stays inspired during the hard times Jacob said “Streaming Music, I think my Spotify rewind said I had over 300 hours listened.” He has a diverse variety of musical influences that he listens to from The Killers, Lana Del Rey, The Weeknd, Bleachers, and some oldies like ABBA, and Fleetwood Mac. His passion for music is evident in all aspects of his life. We are keeping an eye out for Jacob Gonzalez to see what this talented artist will do next. You can learn more about Jacob Gonzalez here. Instagram #BUZZMUSIC

Born and raised on a farm in Southern Indiana, Holly Auna learned how to play her guitar around local bonfires. Years later, she is taking the country world by storm and performing across the country in Louisville, Nashville, and New York City. She has just released a new single labeled “Lonely” that is sure to capture the hearts of her growing fan base. With a down-home country strum of an acoustic guitar and fluttering keys of a piano at a high octave, Holly Auna immediately lets fans know what they can expect from her recent country single “Lonely.” Soon joined by a romantic violin, the track tugs at your heartstrings before you even hear her voice. Once she begins to sing she has no problem connecting with her fans on a deeper level. One of the most endearing qualities of Holly Auna is her natural vocal talent. Her ability to seamlessly break her voice between pitches is comparable to the alluring vocals of Shakira. Holly Auna’s angelic vocals have the unique effect of emitting fragility and confidence at the same time. In addition to the addictive softness that is Holly Auna’s voice, she truly reveals her vulnerability through her thoughtful songwriting. “Lonely” is a gateway for Holly Auna to be able to bond with her fans based on her life experiences. Inspired by her authentic and honest thoughts, she draws lyrical inspiration from the emotions caused by real-life experiences that people encounter on a day to day basis. Her lyrics for “Lonely” bring attention to battles with self-esteem, self-love, and interpersonal relationships. She hits home for many listeners with the ever-so-relatable verse “I’m not alone, but I’m lonely.” For a country song, “Lonely” is more on the romantic and soulful side. What other genres inspired this song? What were your inspirations when creating this track? It’s funny I’ve never known what genre to call my music. A lot of people have called “Lonely” a country song but I’ve also heard, singer/songwriter, pop, adult alternative, Americana, etc.  My bandmates and I all have very different influences. My influences are a mix of 2000s country, 60s folk, John Mayer, Colbie Caillat, and Jason Mraz. I asked my bandmates for their influences in general and for this song and here’s what they said: Dan Kozlowski (drummer/co-writer/producer) Glen Hansard, Ryan Oetken (guitarist/producer) Tom Petty, Matthew Foss (bass/producer) Pino Paladino and Anthony Jackson, John Townsend (guitarist/producer/mixing/mastering) John Mayer and The 1975. All of us here at BuzzMusic were very impressed with your ability to evoke the emotions of your listeners through your introspective lyrics. Can you tell us more about the message behind the lyrics of "Lonely?" When I was in high school I wrote down the song idea “I’m not alone, but I’m lonely” and I held onto that idea for years.  But I think I had to really live it before I was able to write it.  In 2017 I sat down with two of my best friends, Lydia Dall and Dan Kozlowski.  We talked, we cried, we wrote.  I don’t think I’ve ever been as honest as I was while writing this song, and that’s probably why it is still my favorite song I’ve ever written. Ten years in the making, I’m glad “Lonely” is finally being released into the world. I want people to know you don’t have to be alone to feel lonely and that if you’re ever in a relationship or friendship that makes you feel this way, it’s always okay to leave. Throughout your journey as an artist, you have reached many highs and, surely, many lows. Can you tell us a bit about your experience as a country singer, and mention any huge accomplishments? Once again I’m not quite sure what genre to call my music. I write with many other country artists in Nashville and none of them think my music is country. Yet when I leave Nashville and go on tour people often refer to me as a Country artist.  But I don’t really care what genre people are calling my music. I'm just glad they’re calling it anything! I love writing music with other Nashville artists. One of the highlights of my career so far was writing “There’s This Boy” with Tenille Arts and Lydia Dall.  “There’s This Boy” was on Tenille Arts’s debut album and in rotation on Radio Disney Country. This year in particular has been full of highs and lows for me. Canceling my tours, canceling studio time, pushing back the release of my album, and stopping writing with people in person took a toll on me for sure.  But this year I learned to branch out in so many new ways. I built my TikTok following from the ground up to over 360k followers.  I signed a partnership with TikTok where I go live every day playing my original music to thousands of people. And the highlight of this year so far was watching this new single, “Lonely” go #1 in my genre on iTunes. You are a verified TikTok creator with over 350k followers! Can you tell us a little bit about this platform and what it's like to engage with your fans through social media? I love my TikTok family so much! I started TikTok last December and if you would have told me where it would have taken me I wouldn’t have believed you.  On September first I actually partnered with TikTok and I now play original music to thousands of people on TikTok LIVE every single day.  I love getting to still play shows even if it’s in this unconventional way. I love getting to talk to friends and fans all over the world! What has been keeping you inspired in 2020? I have officially been quarantined for 220 days.  I’ve been in buildings with people I didn’t live with only five times since March 16th.  It’s been difficult, of course.  But I know that this is what it takes to keep myself and others safe and that will always be worth it.  From the safety of my home, I’ve stayed inspired by re-reading my favorite books, watching good TV, listening to great music, and talking to my loved ones as much as I can. My online communities of TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook have been so incredibly supportive during this hard time. It has been such a blessing to still get to play my original music to people every single day from the safety of our own homes. hollyauna.com Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok

Hailing from Fort Collins, Colorado, and based in Nashville, Tennessee, Jennifer Lauren has dialed-in her R&B and Soul amalgamating stratagems to liberate audiences with her eloquent productions and inner-directed storylines. In her debut single, "I Like Your Jeans," Jennifer Lauren takes the turbulent experiences of her past connections and the societal pressure surrounding them to produce a gyrating venture; exposing the tantalizing nature behind her infectiously groovy music. Opening with a savory bassline and a clean accentuated electric guitar, "I Like Your Jeans" settles-in with a mid-tempo strut, corralled by the thump of earthy drums, and chaperoned into scintillating sonic-depths by Jennifer Lauren's impassioned warbles. "I like your jeans, I like the way you walk in them, I like to know who you are," she buzzes with an infectious buoyancy as if she's borrowing from the playbooks of songstress legends like Aretha Franklin and Nina Simone while adding in her own trade-mark flare for some added flavoring. As her encouraging band simmers and develops more of the infatuating groove, Jennifer Lauren's voice bends and waves with booming confidence as her vibrations soar into the atmosphere; it's a welcomed feature and something she's admitted struggling with in the past. When asked about the essence behind "I Like Your Jeans," Jennifer says, "it grew into a bigger conversation about whether or not women should make the first move when they meet a man that they're attracted to," and throughout the erupting hooks, and stewing verses, it's clear that the budding soulstress has found her confidence in breaking those societal normalcies. Throughout her debut's playthrough, she takes command over listeners' attention and infuses every rumble and wail of her voice with a sense of repletion, affirming that she's gained confidence through her past turbulences. Though the narrative in "I Like Your Jeans" might seem minimalistic and simple in nature, the sophist behind her revelation is genuine, and it manifests beautifully in her debut performance. How did you go about curating the playback of "I Like Your Jeans" in terms of instrumentation and having your message come forward as clear as day? This song was actually written a couple of years ago and debuted live at the FoCoMX 2018 Music Festival with a different sound. I loved it then, but when I decided to record it, I knew I hadn't found the perfect vibe yet. So, when my long time favorite guitar player, Ben Sailors, and I sat down to produce the recording, I knew we had work to do in terms of creating the feeling that I really needed for the lyrics. I'm a huge fan of Jace Everett, who did the theme song to True Blood, Bad Things. The opening sequence to that show has always captured my imagination. I think it's super sexy. I wanted that bass-heavy, guitar-driven sexiness for my song too. Ben experimented with every guitar he owns, and a few of the basses too, until we heard the blend that evoked the imagery I was looking for. In short, Ben did it. What were the primary emotions you had to tune into for the expressive vocal performance you've captured on "I Like Your Jeans?" I wrote this song in a state of absolute longing for someone. It's autobiographical, really. Despite our chemistry and many fulfilling moments together, he declared one day that our relationship could go no further because his friends and family would never let him "live down" being with a "fat girl." I was devastated. So, I suppose this song was written out of the realization that even though he's moved on, as have I, and even though he wasn't the man of character that I believed him to be, the attraction lives on, and there just won't be any resolution for that. Were there any intended emotions or lessons you wanted your listeners to acknowledge after "I Like Your Jeans"? Why did you feel this was important for audiences to understand? I hope that the listener will catch the lyrics enough to follow the story and think to themselves, what does that mean? What does it mean that he's with someone else now despite her not being his "true preference"... what is his true preference? Why can't he live that truth? Why can't any of us? I think it's important to examine society constantly and challenge the boundaries and limits that we are presented with. Like, in terms of relationships - if you like bigger bodies, then like them out loud. If you're gay, then be gay out loud. If you prefer only people shorter than you, then by all means let's do that - out loud. Whatever it is, let your "freak" flag fly. We're all freaks and if everyone could just be a tad more honest then maybe we wouldn't be calling people freaks in the first place. Do you feel like the production process behind "I Like Your Jeans" has helped you develop as an artist? I do feel that the production process for this song has informed my artistry moving forward. I learned a lot of technical info that I never needed as a live performer and there are things I would have done differently... now that I know how songs sound on various platforms. I have a vocabulary now that I didn't have before. I can ask for particulars I didn't know about this first time around. I have high hopes for my second single. If you could prefix your intentions behind your upcoming musical catalog, what would you say, and why? I intend to continue creating music that tells common human stories in a way that challenges society's lamest standards and encourages people to be true to themselves. I want listeners to feel heard, understood, and empowered to live their lives to the absolute fullest. Instagram Website #BUZZMUSIC

With a driving sound that's impossible to ignore, the rocking quartet Hugh Effo releases their vibrant self-titled debut album, 'Hugh Effo.' Consisting of Matthew Scotch, John Reid, Jimmy Nickerson, and Hank Smith, Hugh Effo takes the striking elements from 80s Tech-Punk and merges them with Modern Garage Rock for a meticulously sculpted sound. Through their debut album 'Hugh Effo,' the four-piece takes listeners through scorching sounds of angst while adding brilliant range through playful and animated lyricism. Without hesitating, Hugh Effo jumps into their album with heat through the exciting intro track, "Jelly Massage." The track opens with incredibly tightly-wound electric guitar squealing and squeaking quickly-paced melodies. While the layered rhythm guitar delivers a gut-wrenching tone through stimulating melodies, the spotlight moves to the lead vocalist chanting and hollering with life. While singing lyrics of needing to escape, the surrounding fast-paced instrumentation keeps our adrenaline flowing with each dynamic tempo change and the lead's blazing vocals. One track in, and we're already locked into the invigorating album.  We must note that Hugh Effo's transitions between songs are quite excellent, as the band wastes no time and leaps into the next track "In The City" with the stimulating outro to the song prior. Continuing on that high energy note, Hugh Effo jumps into this track and delivers a picturesque vibe within seconds. As the lead singer begins describing scenes of living deep in the city while submerged in its nightlife, Hugh Effo's entire instrumentation swells up and presents unexpected tempo changes within the band's uniquely rhythmic delivery. Ending the song off on a strong note, we're highly impressed with the album's split song introduction. Moving onto the third track "Layla the Lacerator," Hugh Effo slows it down and opens the track with groovy layered electric guitar melodies, once again offering impeccable rhythm. Once the entire instrumentals take place, we can't help but notice the band's Garage Rock influence through this somewhat grungey song. The lead singer brings a playful storyline where Ms. Layla has her magnificent hold over someone for years to come. The band's energy takes us back to prime 80s Tech-Punk through the gradual increase in power and force. So far, we love the range that Hugh Effo has offered through the project. Onto the next track "Happiness Machine," right off the bat, Hugh Effo jumps straight into their unique rhythmic delivery. The instrumental break downs take us through a stimulating experience while the lead vocals offer mind-lingering chants that we can't help but belt in our free time. Delivering lyrics of being stuck in our cycles and searching for a place to find happiness, we have to note Hugh Effo's vast creative talent by formulating such vibrant and ear-licking tunes while always coming through with a strong lyrical message. Especially with "Happiness Machine," we're left with our heads bopping and deep reflection. A self-titled album with a self-titled song, the next track "Hugh Effo" takes the cake for the hottest and most vigorous piece on the project. With this minute and a half tune, Hugh Effo scorches through with the utmost power. One of the fastest tempo's we've heard to date; we must recognize the band's dedicated drummer for keeping the pace so tight and precise, without missing a single beat. If the album were a human, this song would be our fight or flight instincts. As the band's scorching instrumentals open the song, the vocalist powers through with mind-boggling lyricism and a gripping angsty delivery. Once again, Hugh Effo has perfected versatility and range within a project.  Switching up their tone with the next track "Tame," we're able to see a different side of Hugh Effo as they take this mid-tempo Alternative-inspired track by storm. The melodic and Country-like electric/rhythm guitar offers sublime melodies, all while the vocalist begins singing a heartfelt story of love and loss. About halfway through the first chorus, Hugh Effo heightens the energy with blistering instrumentals that resemble our emotions when experiencing relationship obstacles. The electric guitar solo at the bridge grasps our hearts and throws us into a deep and passionate atmosphere that Hugh Effo finally serves within the project. When you think Hugh Effo, you must be thinking of incredibly dynamic rhythmic switch-ups. Especially with the next track "Sexless," Hugh Effo opens the song with their tight instrumentation and various rhythmic breakdowns. Within this piece, the vocalist's style resembles Arctic Monkey's Alex Turner, exuding a sensual charm and grasping anyone's attention in a matter of seconds. While the lead vocalist begins singing a sultry story of lust and needing someone's energy by their side, the surrounding instrumentals blast through and offer that stimulating sensation that the vocalist continues to sing of.  While also exuding a primal 80s Tech-Punk approach, we can't help but feel this Surf-Rock sound shine through within many songs, especially "Baby Blaster." Hugh Effo opens the song with another quick-tempo instrumental and gripping rhythmic breakdowns. This track has to be the most sonically stimulating, as there is never a dull moment within the instrumentals. From the sweltering electric guitar, solid rhythm guitar, quick basslines, all the way to the ever-changing drum patterns. Not to mention the lead vocalist's energetic and forceful delivery, we're lost in the energy that Hugh Effo continues to push. Slowing down the album with the next track "Livin," Hugh Effo opens this piece with blissful and Grunge-inspired instrumentals. With guitar filters resembling a prime-time Nirvana, we love the gritty and soulful atmosphere that the band pushes with this piece. The vocalist takes the energy down a notch and begins to serenade us with his vocals' natural charm. While depicting scenarios that he's lived before, he locks us right into the track through a textured concept and the song's driving instrumentals. Spicing up the sound for the song's outro, we can't emphasize how perfect Hugh Effo's range and versatility is. Not only with this piece, but the entire album.  Reaching the outro track "Washed," Hugh Effo sums up the nine tracks prior and serves an incredible vibe within this five-minute piece. Opening the upbeat song with distorted rhythm guitar and squealing electric guitar, the entire instrumentals serve this surreal texture that keeps listeners wanting more. The lead vocalist goes back and forth within his vocal delivery, from a more mellow approach, all the way to his enraged delivery at the hook. Another exquisite instrumental breakdown appears mid-track, slowing the song down to this groovy and soulful space. Serving all sorts of range within the song's instrumental outro, we couldn't have asked for a better way to end the project.  Hugh Effo has shown immense talent through each individual track on their self-titled debut album 'Hugh Effo.' From the band's rhythmic breakdowns to the instrumental switch-ups, Hugh Effo has captured artistic versatility and in a highly authentic way.  Listen to 'Hugh Effo' here. Hello Hugh Effo and thank you for joining us at BuzzMusic. What an experience you've captured with your debut album, 'Hugh Effo.' How long would you say the project was in the making? The album was written and worked out over about an eight-month period. Hank joined the band in May of last year and we began writing new material shortly after that, starting with Baby Blaster. As a band we’ve prioritized being as tight as possible, so we tended to write new material slowly as we polished each new song as best as we could. That emphasis was only heightened once we decided we wanted to record the album live. When creating each song within your album 'Hugh Effo,' did your band divide the songwriting, or was your songwriting process the same for every piece? Almost all of the songwriting was done the same: I would come up with the rhythm guitar parts and a general idea of the vocals would be and bring that to the rest of the band. We’d build around that and tweak the original idea as needed. We all have a lot of confidence in each other to recognize the feel of a song and suss out how to best emphasize it. Once we’ve got the general structure it just turns to trial and error experimentation. I’d only finalize the lyrics once the song was well established. The only exception to that on this album was the title track. We wrote that together after a particularly rough show where we played right after this incredible band called Katatonic. They played an absolutely blistering set and when we went on after them almost everything that could’ve gone wrong went wrong. Afterward, we felt like we needed a straight-ahead driver of a song to pull out if we needed to regain any momentum in a set - I believe Hank worded it something like “a song we could play if we only had four strings between us.” We wrote that song start to finish during our next practice. Within your self-titled album 'Hugh Effo,' your band blasts through with incredibly versatile and dynamic instrumentals. Could you break down what your creative process looked like when forming the many intricate and unique instrumentals? Well, I think my influences come through strong on what I write for guitar. I tend to gravitate towards bands that bridge the gap between the discordant and the melodic like early Devo, Richard Hell, and the Voidoids, The Uranium Club, and Otoboke Beaver. Since we mostly write out from what I bring in, the skeletons of our songs are fairly reflective of that style. A big part of the process is being open to experimentation - we’ll try anything once. I’d say out of all of us John has the most active hand there. With his background in music theory, he’s aware of a lot of different tools that we can use to build upon whatever vibe we’re going for in a particular song. He’s always thinking about how we can subvert standard harmonies or change up the rhythm in a way that helps heighten each moment of a song. Also, we put a lot of stress on emphasizing drive. Jimmy is always focused on propelling any intricate play between guitars or other instruments forward with his bass lines. When Hank locks in with him we have to be dynamic to keep up with that momentum without becoming one-note. Open communication in the collaborative effort ultimately plays the biggest role. We all ask each other questions about how what we’re doing plays off what someone else is doing. We pay attention to minor changes and give feedback. Any versatility you hear in our instrumentals stems from us all doing our best to play to each other’s strengths. Regarding the vastly different vocal delivery and lyricism on your album 'Hugh Effo,' was there a particular concept that you wanted to shine through on the project? What inspired the concept? I was mostly writing songs that were based on my own experiences to help process my feelings about them. I’m usually big on abstracting and removing myself as the narrative voice when I write, so this time around the goal was to adopt a more personal perspective. As far as the vocal delivery goes, I just wanted the delivery to match the intensity and mood of the lyrics. Within the ten songs that make up your album 'Hugh Effo,' how does the track-listing order emphasize the album's concept? The tracklisting wasn’t so much organized around a concept as it was structured to emphasize the live aspect of the recordings. We wanted to record the songs in the same order we would have played them live, so we just went into the studio with essentially a setlist and played everything through. If it flowed well as a set, we figured it would flow well as an album. Instagram Facebook #BUZZMUSIC

Coming from Vernon, British Columbia, the Canadian Pop duo Via Barcelonia brings us into a sweet-escape with the title track for their recent single, "Wonderland." Offering listeners peace of mind through their warm sound, Via Barcelonia drops hints of the past while leaping into the future with a Pop/Folk approach. Their sound resembles that of Paul Simon meets The Chainsmokers, providing sound lyricism and exhilarating performances. With their latest single "Wonderland," Via Barcelonia dabbles in the world of acapella harmonies while Taylor McKnight's vibrant electronic production pushes the listener into new sonic places. Not to mention Andrew Allen's fiery vocal performance, the track is exuding with life from each corner. "Wonderland" begins with sweet guitar picking and Andrew Allen's relatable lyricism depicting our inner thoughts and everyday routines. Once a gripping kick makes its appearance alongside textured electro-pop production, the beat drops at the hook with a groovy bassline, which naturally lifts the listener into the celestials. Fluttering and electrifying synths swell the hook and take us into new sonic places with each exhilarating beat and Andrew Allen's lively vocal performance. With vast sonic elements from the past and a futuristic vocal performance, we're feeling nothing but lifted after experiencing a piece like this. While "Wonderland" drifts away like the sunset with ambient pads that settle across the evening sky, Via Barcelonia doesn't fail to paint surreal images in a short amount of time, and we admired the experience each step of the way. You've genuinely created a thrilling experience with your recent hit, "Wonderland." Was the song inspired by life's everyday routine while encouraging to enjoy the little moments? Thanks so much! And ya, totally, though maybe a bit more towards the idea of escapism lol! The day to day routine sometimes becomes a lot, and the idea of being able to get away from all of it to a magical place called Wonderland sounds appealing at times. We've noticed that within "Wonderland," you've captured brilliant vocal layering that sounds acapella-inspired. Could you take us through the vocal production and how you shaped the track around the vocals? The entire Via Barcelonia soundscape has a lot to do with the vocal layers, which we feel inspired to do based on a lot of world music. In a lot of pop music, it’s a solo vocal with some adlibs, we wanted to go a lot harder into that world and create more of a choral singalong experience. When we record it, we always start with the lead vocal and a lead instrument (in wonderland it’s the piano), and then we start stacking vocals before we add too much other production in case we step on the melody’s we’re creating. We can't help but tap our feet with the nostalgic yet surprisingly futuristic sonic experience within "Wonderland." How did you go about merging elements from the past and the present to deliver such a unique sound? Stoked that you hear that. It was definitely an intentional decision to pull inspiration from world music, roots, and classic genres, but with very modern pop production. In a way, that’s kind of a mix of what we listen to! We usually write the song with just a guitar or a piano so we ensure the song is strong, and then we jump into production mode and love messing with synths and drum patches to find sounds that make us feel something. With your recent album 'Wonderland,' we've heard that your duo dabbled in the world of Folk merged with Pop. What inspired this sound for the album, and should we anticipate it for the future? Being that both of us are songwriters, the folk genre definitely has more of the storytelling element to it, with a strong emphasis on melody, so the way we write, and the way we produce are kind of at the end of both spectrums which is what creates that fusion. I think our future album will have the same songwriting sensibilities but might even go harder into the pop realm, but who knows where the wind will take us? This year has been extremely difficult for the music industry. What has been your biggest source of inspiration while creating new music this year? To be honest, we created a lot of these songs pre-Covid so thankfully we were just recording them over the worst time which was easier to focus on than actually creating lyrical content. Moving forward we definitely have been inspired by humanity’s kindness and the desire to find equality, so I’d guess more of our songs will have some of these themes as takeaways. Instagram Website #BUZZMUSIC

Independent AfroPop/AfroBeat artist and producer Michael M Jeni, releases his charismatic new single, “Body Language.” This multi-talented Iowa artist has created a timeless and sultry ambiance. Michael M Jeni, is artistically versatile remaining the mastermind behind his creations on a creative and technical level. He collaborated with Young OG to produce the sound of “Body Language,” and take us on a sonic voyage.“Body Language,” conveys a presence and forward confidence that you can only dream of. “Body Language,” immerses us in tropical vibes right from the jump that instantly transports us to a sizzling utopia. The upbeat elements in the instrumentation make it so you can’t help but tap your fingers and toes to this intoxicating melody. Michael M Jeni blesses us with his smooth and empowering vocals singing a tune of that summer love that has you reminiscing on that special someone. Michael M Jeni’s vocals exude a lively and comforting spirit as his delivery dips into a Pop essence that keeps the sound voyage upbeat and intriguing. The gentle yet powerful existence in his delivery through each verse and chorus draws you into every word and has you singing along long after the song has ended. He hits storytelling elements with his well-crafted lyrics like, “I already know what I’m gonna do, I know you not shy, yeah I see you’re moving, we got all night so what it do it, baby, what it do.” We’re feeling the vibes that Michael M Jeni is putting out and can’t help but feel the sunshine through his delivery. We can’t wait to hear what this up and coming artist has in store for us with his next release. Congratulations on the release of, “Body Language.” Could you please let us know how you linked up with Young OG to bring this creation to life? Thank You! “Young OG Beats” is an “AfroPop/AfroBeat” producer based in Africa. I found his YouTube page in 2017 full of various instrumentals and since then we’ve been rocking non-stop. This particular instrumental I’ve sat on for a year and a half knowing that to me, this was something special, it has a groove that you can’t deny. “YOUNG OG” produced the beat while I added my own edits and touch. Is “Body Language,” based on a real-life moment? How important is it to you to talk about the real-life experience in your music? “Body language” was based on a real-life moment, well a couple of moments, while adding a bit of fantasy to it. Not everything in music can be simple, you have to keep the listener on edge and always waiting for the next “off guard” moment. It’s very important for me to keep my music accurate while still adding a twist of fantasy. I want every listens to connect and relate to what I’m saying. Could you please take us into what the vibes were like in the studio session where “Body Language,” was created? “Body Language took 16-17 days to record. That’s the recording, the mixing, mastering and of course, the car test/ readjust phase. During my studio sessions, it’s just me, I do it all, I take great pride in my music, and felt the need to invest in music equipment, that way I’m responsible for my sound. Typically I’ll record multiple melodies and adlibs around the instrumental and build from there. Not every song I record is the same process. “ How have you found it by juggling not only the creative process but the technical aspect of your craft? I’ve found it challenging at times, well while back at least. After I released “body language” I took a break from recording and started to do research on some of my favorites engineers and gain insight from them from YouTube interviews, even messaging on Instagram. From there, I started to re-mix some of my old songs and try new techniques and plugins to use for my upcoming music. The new music I’m working on and the new approach to revamping my sound, I can’t wait for everyone to hear it. The creative is a process that s somewhat there as something always happening in my life that I can write to and bring to life. What has been keeping you inspired and focused to create new music this year? Music is one thing that I know that speaks to people's minds, souls, and hearts. The fact that I’m able to create so much of my reality it’s crazy at times from my perspective. If my music can touch someone's heart that’s enough to keep me going. All the accolades are nice, but I care more about the people who enjoy my music. intagram.com/michaelmjeni facebook.com/michaelmjeni twitter.com/michaelmjeni

The Maryland-based Alternative-Pop Artist Wan releases a sincere single full of heart and soul with his recent hit, "Light (That Never Goes Out)." Leading listeners into bliss through his meaningful lyricism, Wan expresses that it's okay to feel every inch of your emotions, especially towards men. Without listening to the criticism he faces as an artist, Wan is truly an inspiration for anyone in need of a healthy push. His latest single, "Light (That Never Goes Out)," drifts through the celestials with modern R&B instrumentation that merges with the bright aura of Pop. While creating everything from his bedroom, we're wildly impressed with the overall texture and quality of this single delivers. "Light (That Never Goes Out)" opens with beautifully edited acoustic guitar, and Wan's vocals tuned to a lower, more demonic tone. Not to mention being brilliantly layered, the low-tone his vocals deliver perfectly compliment that song's heartfelt atmosphere. Wan's heartfelt lyrics describe the infinite love he has for someone that still aches today, given their troubled past. About halfway through the song, heated drum breaks enter the track and add this sweltering sensation that lies on the border of Pop and R&B while the supporting instrumentals are held together by a melodic whistle and warm acoustic guitar. Closing the song with the utmost passion through Wan's delicate vocals and uniquely pitched delivery, "Light (That Never Goes Out)" offers listeners a warm sonic embrace with the atmosphere's overall tenderness. Hello Wan and welcome to BuzzMusic. We're mesmerized by the overall warmth and tenderness exuding from your single "Light (That Never Goes Out)." Was it challenging to sit down and create a track so deep from the heart? Thank You so much! I would say it was easy creating the track because it was from the heart. I've always been vulnerable to music. I feel like it's the only way I can effectively express myself. I wanted to be transparent with people and let people know it's okay to still think about someone you spent a lot of time with. It's like once it's over were supposed to move on but we all still have feelings locked away. You still think about the person that once meant some much to you. Regarding the blissful instrumentation and production within "Light (That Never Goes Out)," why did you decide to fuse elements of Pop and R&B for the song's sound? I guess starting out I wanted a warm guitar sound and then that led to other sounds I thought would be really cool to compliment it. I wanted it to be where you could close your eyes and get lost in the track. I collaborated with a close producer that helped execute the sounds I really was going for. I also grew up listening to a lot of R&B so I could see how you would consider some parts of the sound to be. What inspired the unique vocal pitch within your single "Light (That Never Goes Out)"? How did this vocal element add to the vision you had for the song? I wanted to do something different. I wanted to spice things up a bit. I haven't really messed around with formant shifting in the past but thought it would be cool to give it a try. I normally just go with my normal singing voice but I think it's something about the pitch shift that makes the vocals stand out. I feel like it was just the right thing to do on this specific track. I would say Brockhampton and Kanye West's 808's inspired the formant shift. How does "Light (That Never Goes Out)" differ from the rest of your discography? Do you usually release such passionate and desirous music? I would say it's different from the rest of my discography because the songwriting is better and the production is a lot better from my past works. I really wanted to nail songwriting in the butt this time around and I think it's good but still has a long way to go. I definitely release such passionate music. I feel like I'm just one of those artists. I want to express myself to the fullest and release every emotion I have in my body. I feel like I wouldn't be myself if I didn't make this type of music because it's my experience. What has been keeping you inspired in 2020? I would say just wanting to get better at making music whether it's songwriting or producing. I would also say the amount of music that is coming out due to circumstances. There is a lot of good music coming out daily I've been paying attention to. Also, I would say having a lot of free time on my hands to learn about different subject matters to improve my overall life. I literally sit in the house and do research all day and read about how to become a better musician. Lastly, I would say wanting to go into the new year swinging. I want to go into the new year ahead of the curve. Instagram Twitter #BUZZMUSIC

alexdrake. has taken the music industry by storm with his highly creative ventures, creating a unique blend of indie/alternative/emo rock style that showcases his musical expertise. Following up from his latest success “Circles'', alexdrake. stuns listeners with the new single "Peace of Mind". This latest single displays a strong sense of alexdrake.’s rock music background. On this track alexdrake. Was able to collaborate with AJ Pedromo from The Dangerous Summer. In an interview with BuzzMusic alexdrake. explains that growing up in New Jersey one of his biggest musical influences was The Dangerous Summer, getting the chance to collaborate work with AJ was a career milestone. During the turbulent events of 2020 alexdrake. Is constantly looking on the bright side and aspires for positivity in every situation. alexdrake. is nowhere near ready to slow down. Fans can look forward to 3 more single releases over the next 2 months, as well as some music video collaborations. He is dedicated to working and writing in the studio to continue releasing music for a lifetime. To learn more about alexdrack click here. Instagram

The Actress, Comedian, and R&B/Hip-Hop Artist Lady Yasmina release a track for normies everywhere with her whimsical single, "Baroque." Instead of rapping about her success and achievements, Lady Yasmina has comedically strategized her music to give listeners a giggle while letting their heads bop to the beat. Her latest single "Baroque" captures the reality of young and upcoming artists attempting to deliver lavishness in their sound and style while on a strict budget. Not to mention the production being a modern-day Trap version of Pachelbel's Canon in D Major, the track truly offers listeners a fun-loving approach towards their relatable lifestyles. "Baroque" opens with a spiced up Trap version of Pachelbel's Canon in D Major, rounded out with mid-tempo drum breaks and Lady Yasmina's fun-loving background vocals. Starting the track with a bang through her comedic lyricism depicting her "Baroque" lifestyle yet still being pulled in the lavish direction, we truly haven't had a laugh like this in a while. Lady Yasmina's intoxicating and comedic delivery exudes this natural charm where her audience can easily connect with her messages while getting down with the track's fun-loving aspects. Not to mention Lady Yasmina's highly creative and humorous music video where her face is cropped onto portraits of historical figures; we can't express how grateful we are for a banger that lets listeners kick back and smile. Lady Yasmina's unique creative approach continues to make waves across the music industry and many social media platforms, as her single "Baroque" offers an anthem for the average person/creator who's continuously pulled in the wealthy direction while their pockets say otherwise. Hello Lady Yasmina, we are so excited to welcome you to BuzzMusic. We're genuinely head over heels for your hilarious yet relatable single, "Baroque." What inspired you to take this comedic route with your honest and blunt lyricism? I got the idea about a year ago when I was working 3 jobs and yet was still struggling to pay the bills. Which to me made absolutely no sense and put me into a bit of a depression. But I always like to make fun of the situations that I’m in and at that time I was really interested in starting music. I think honesty is what makes the song funny because people can relate to the specific lyrics. I made sure to not just write vague statements like, “I have no money, wah”, but to give the details of what it’s like to live a financially hard life but still wanting to live your best life (even though your bank is telling you no) I think that’s why so many people can relate to the song. Speaking on the unique production within "Baroque," why did you choose to create a modern-day beat around Pachelbel's Canon in D Major? I’ve always been secretly in love with classical music and I love it when artists are able to add a sample of a classic piece to their song. The biggest reason I used it is that it’s very recognizable, anyone can immediately point it out within seconds of it playing. I also really like the song in general and thought it was a great opportunity to use one of my favorite pieces in a modern way. It also gets extra points for being an actual Baroque composition! It took a couple of tries to create a beat that matches well with the song but I’m so happy with how it turned out! Speaking on the innovative music video for "Baroque," how did you come up with the video's concept where your face is cropped onto portraits of historical figures/moments? I was heavily inspired by Tommy Cash’s music video “Little Molly”. He does the same thing where his face is on different people’s bodies and I thought it was so creative and funny and it was stuck in my head for weeks. It was weird but done so well and I wanted to create that same experience for my viewers but amp up the absurdity a little bit and make it artsier. The concept worked perfectly with Covid since I was the only actor on set and we were able to film it all on a green screen. But I wanted to stress the Baroque element of the song and have my face on famous paintings. I knew the idea would make the video interesting enough to grab viewers' attention because with so much content out there you really have to think out of the box to stand out. I also wanted to make sure that it was funny enough to make people laugh because if it wasn’t funny no one would watch it and it wouldn’t go well with the song. The production team did a great job of making the edits look so seamless shout out to DYNMC! We noticed that you released quite a few promo videos for "Baroque" on TikTok that garnered vast attention. Was this because the audience on TikTok is somewhat younger and might relate to the song's theme more than others? I honestly didn’t think about the younger audience when I posted it. And I don’t mean that in a negative way it just didn’t play a factor in my decision to post it. I think the song's meaning is pretty universal. Yes, people my age and younger can relate to it more but so many people deal with money problems. I always hear about musicians getting their break on TikTok because their music went viral and thankfully I already had a bit of a following. I knew the song was catchy and that the video was interesting so I had faith that a couple of people would stumble upon it and it eventually garnered a lot of attention! I’m really happy I did it because a lot of my views and subscribers came from TikTok! What has been keeping you inspired in 2020? Ugh, that’s a tough question haha! It’s been very hard to stay inspired because of the shutdown and the world is on fire. And this may sound cringy but it was actually the music that kept me going. Writing is very fulfilling for me and brainstorming the music videos for the songs kept my creativity flowing. I already told everybody 2020 was gonna be my year I’d be damned if I didn’t at least try to make that happen. I also have amazing friends who supported me and always believed in my visions no matter how crazy they sounded. Instagram TikTok #BUZZMUSIC