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Reigning from Los Angeles, Singer/Songwriter, and recording artist, Raizel immerses us in melodies that fuse together sounds of techno, pop, and EDM which she pairs with heartfelt lyrics and transcendent vocals, showcasing her artistic versatility in her intoxicating debut single, “BTW.” This is the first single off of the forthcoming album, 'Space Ex.' This album will take you on a journey across a whole galaxy of emotions such as love, heartbreak, betrayal, revenge, and other human emotions deemed as unnecessary. Not only is, “BTW,” a high energy pop anthem, it is also Raizel’s first song to date. It was written from text messages she had sent to producer and old friend, Kendra Celise about her recent breakup. The song was produced by Celise, David Pavluk, and I AM XNDR. “BTW,” was released on October 16th, 2020 with a music video to accompany the rollout. “BTW,” begins with futuristic elements in the beat that introduce a reverberated vocal glistening with a sparkle from Raizel. As the instrumentation progresses an up-tempo rhythm submerges us in all of the elements as they tie together. Raizel’s lyrics of heartbreak embrace a powerful and passionate side that complements the melodies in a graceful manner. A wide vocal range showcased diversifies this vivid and lively track giving it multiple sides in just over three minutes of music. The repetition of a chorus so catchy, you couldn’t forget it if you tried, is truly intoxicating and we are graced with melodious harmonies as, “BTW,” proceeds to end. You can’t help but disconnect with your surroundings and connect with yourself. With “BTW,” being your first solo single, how did you make the choice to shine the spotlight on this song first? Thank you so much! When I wrote this song, it was during a time in my life that really changed me and helped me grow as a person. I was going through a really rough breakup at the time. I remember sitting in the writing room feeling so much pain but still hopeful for the next step in my life. “BTW” captures the struggle I went through and what so many others can relate to. It’s a breakup anthem. That’s why we chose it to be a single! ​ What is your favorite lyric from the song and why? “But then I guess that you, can’t handle all this big dick energy” It’s iconic. I remember suggesting the lyric and everyone in the room laughed. I was like….guys...I’m serious. One of my favorite lines ever. ​What does “BTW,” mean to you and what would you like fans to take away from it? I would want anyone listening to this song to know it’s okay not to be okay. The lyric “I am not okay by the way” literally takes the words out of my mouth. I listen to “BTW” now and I celebrate. This song means so much to me. It's like I documented my growth and every time I listen I take a moment to appreciate how far I’ve come. ​How did you come to reconnect with producer mastermind and friend, Kendra Celise? I’ve known Kendra since we were kids. Our reconnection was so random. I saw Kendra in the parking lot at school and I gave her a crash course of everything that was happening in my life. She immediately told me that we should write together about it, and the rest is history! What has been keeping you inspired in 2020? My Music. I have been working on my album for 2 years and it's finally being released on New Years' Eve. My team and I are making finishing touches to the album, so the work environment is constantly keeping me inspired. We can’t for everyone to get the full experience of 'SPACE EX!' Till then keep a lookout for the next single “ATM” being dropped at the end of November on all music streaming services! Instagram Twitter #BUZZMUSIC

The Chase is the Nottingham-bred Dream-Pop quartet starring brothers Tyler and Dion Heaney, their cousin Luke Childs, and their life-long mate, James Cahill. The four pop-rockers are influenced by their council-estate centering childhoods and the sinuous flooding orchestrations of British guitar-pop bands like 'Oasis,' who regularly garnished the band's adolescent heydays as the soundtrack to their lives. Their latest single 'Wondering' thrives with an equivalent—if not more jovial—beckon of the same dynamics found in Noel Gallagher's songwriting from his prime, versifying pristinely over a winding stanza, and booming anthemic glee for the chorus. The passage opens with a kaleidoscoping spectacle of carbonated bass slides and nostalgia-inducing synths that explore jaunty melodies, conspiring together with a keen aptitude for encouraging dance. At first, the synths sound something like the old Yamaha key-stations you got as a youngster and convincing played twice, before donating it to a foaming-at-the-mouth audiophile enthusiast friend, totally unaware of the magical tones you've just unwittingly contracted away. The pounding drums and their classic nuanced fills, boastfully slapping bass guitar, scintillating guitar solos, and elegist-like vocal stanzas, render up similar to what a détente between the Gallagher brothers would sound like if it happened in 2020, and if they were singing about juvenile love. Over the spirited and catchy ornaments of Tyler Heane's cheekily rolled 'r's, the nostalgia-inducive pads heaved straight from the 80s, a slapping bass guitar, and the 90s-inspired yeses pointed at inquires of their Brit-pop influences, this Nottingham collective's new music feels like an exacting bid for the position of UK's household name in Dream-pop—asserted through a growing dossier of hard-jamming British drive and melody titled, "Wondering." What were the inspirations for the aesthetics and sound you chose to incorporate with your instruments and vocals on "Wondering?" For every song we write, we never want to do the same thing twice and with ‘wondering’ we ended up creating something really different compared to our previous releases. The lyrics have a sober voice that takes a more optimistic angle in contrast to a lot of our tunes. We’re all bored as fuck about everyone going on about Corona so we wanted something more colorful and positive to put out there! Our sound is massively influenced by the ’90s and we wanted to encapsulate this by going down more of a groovy, baggy, electronic route than normal but by keeping true to our Brit-pop sound. Primal Scream and Oasis were key to us creating Wondering! Can you tell us about what the meaning behind "Wondering" stands to promote, and how the song itself holds genuine to your vision and ethos as a band? Wondering is pretty much about escapism - feeling trapped by your surroundings and feeling stuck in the everyday loop of working life. We wanted to write about this without hitting the rock n roll clichés which everyone’s heard before (but not in a negative way). There’s a lot of hope in the song and it’s the hope that drives you to want to get out. Do you feel like 'The Robin Hood Chase' significantly influenced your sound and union as a band? If you grew up elsewhere in the UK, do you think "Wondering" would stand changed? Without the Robin Hood Chase and St Ann’s, there would be no us and it’s as simple as that. The place we were raised was our starting point and is central to who we are, and we’re not one of those bands who try to hide their real selves and where they come from. We see so many singers (especially from Nottingham) sing in American accents... and the fakeness irritates us massively! You can hear Nottingham in our music, especially in Wondering, and we’re proud of that. There's always going to be an added dynamic when you have siblings in a band like myself (Tyler) and Dion, and then when you add my cousin Luke and school friend James to the mix you can imagine the result. But that makes us tightly knit. The great thing about being in a band with your best mates and family is that everything is always unfeigned, and it shows in how we are as a band.  If you were to give your audience a few words that would act as a prologue to the experience behind "Wondering," what would you say and why? 90s Britpop vibe with an electronic sound… The lyrics are reflective but sweetened by the energy of the track. Wondering is going to make you want to dance...why? Because we said so. What has been keeping you inspired in 2020? 2021. Instagram Website #BUZZMUSIC

Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, this spirited R&B and Pop Singer/Songwriter Madison Hughes is here to offer her fans a sweet-escape through her long-awaited single, “Love & Honesty.” With artistic influences stemming from Norah Jones, Jackson Browne, John Mayer, Post Malone, and Drake, listeners can easily understand why Hughes' music is rather vibrant. Crafting music that resembles R&B and Pop, Madison Hughes has made it evidently clear that she is quite adaptable as an artist, still developing a unique sound that delivers heartfelt and sincere melodies along the way. “Love & Honesty,” has you instantly bopping to the up-tempo pulse of the beat accompanied by the mellow and heartfelt sounds of a smoky saxophone. This animated yet relaxed vibe has you falling into the depths of a versatile composition. Hughes graces us with her naturally alluring and warm sounding vocals that fit so effortlessly into the structure with her reverberations pulling you in. The sultry soul that her vocals carry, complement the well-crafted lyrics scripted. Striking harmonies join in at the final chorus producing a much more bodacious vocal for the outro of the track. We are left with the soothing sound of her vocals and a saxophone that transports you to a cocktail lounge across the world. We have fallen for the sincerity in Hughes’ creations and can’t wait to hear what she delivers to us next through the passion she exudes. Instagram #BUZZMUSIC

Tom Galloway is an Americana Rocker, Singer, and Songwriter who was born in Georgia and raised in Texas. Now residing in Nashville, Tennessee, the budding musician combines his poetic storytelling with his magnetic, old-school country-rock style. Galloway has just released his second solo project called 'Rearview;' a six-song EP that showcases his musical versatility and passion. Named after the EP itself, his song “Rearview” is a lively tune that will have you downloading the entire project soon after. Tom Galloway showcases his instrumental talent by making use of a piano melody, thumping bass drum, and enticing guitar techniques. He has an organically likable voice that gives “Rearview” its classic country feel. With Tom Galloway’s spirited lyrics and “Rearview” feels like a soundtrack to someone’s road to freedom. Picture someone on horseback riding off into the sunset, or a car on the highway cruising into the distance. It’s the type of track that everyone would sing along to at the end of a night spent with good company and a few drinks. “Rearview’s” hooking melody and carefree vibes are comparable to the productions of classic country artist John Denver. With his ability to hook his audience after one listens, Tom Galloway leaves his fans excited to hear what else he has to offer. Hello Tom and thank you for joining us at BuzzMusic. Can you tell us how your song “Rearview” compares to the rest of the EP? "Rearview" probably has the most Americana feel to it out of all the songs on the record. I love the pedal steel on this one and the call and response between the lead guitar and steel during the solo section. I feel like it has chill vibes but still drives. We also overdubbed a secondary drum kit on the outro which I love. How has your music changed and evolved over time since the beginning of your career as an artist? I just think you're always evolving, there is no right way, only your own way. I definitely had many limitations as a performer and songwriter 15 years ago and I still have limitations now. Time and experience help you sift through what works and what doesn't. I'm still learning every day, that's the best part. Could you elaborate on your lyrics for “Rearview?” Is there a message you are trying to share with your audience? "Rearview" is about moving forward without necessarily knowing where exactly that leads. There are aspects of heartbreak, faith, and freedom in there. You have a goal to produce timeless music as an artist. Can you elaborate on what this means to you? What makes “Rearview” a timeless track? Timeless music to me means music that could've been written 40 years ago or could still hold up 40 years from now.  Basically, music that can stand the test of time. Music that isn't written based on trends but based on universal emotions and stories that can resonate forever. What has been keeping you inspired in 2020? I mean what a ridiculous year, I still haven't processed it all and it seems to keep pulling out more surprises. Gratitude has been the biggest mantra for me in 2020 because things could always be worse. Obviously, live music has shifted in a major way which is unfortunate. But as a songwriter, not much has changed for me. If anything I've had more time and fewer distractions to focus. I do most of my writing alone at my home so that has stayed constant, and I honestly don't mind some solitude, but just trying to see the silver linings, staying positive and creative is the best we can do right now. Instagram Website #BUZZMUSIC

John Moore and Missing Star come through with a raucous and edgy new record, "Was it Worth it All?" from the highly anticipated album, 'The Moon and the Stars and the World.' The forthcoming album from John Moore & Missing Star contains poignant, soulful songs on feeling sometimes out of place in a world that is changing at a fast pace. With the '70s and 80's R&B pop throwback and a dash of modern rock it touches on themes, everyone can relate to for its introspective look at living life. With many accomplishments under his belt, John Moore moves forward ready to conquer all endeavors with Missing Star. “Was It Worth It All?” showcases his talents with another endeavor and why they are leaving a mark on the music industry. “Was It Worth It All?” begins with warm, mellow instrumentation that gives an electric live off the floor sound creating life like atmosphere in a world where studio recordings are the new norm. The charisma seized in the vocalizing of John Moore’s performance transmits a pure essence as he sings the heartfelt verses and mind-altering chorus, “Was It Worth It All?” The discordant guitar solo at the bridge carries an ominous dystopian outcome before Moore’s vocals merge back into the tempo of decelerated drums and a rich bassline. “Was It Worth It All?” ends with the primal feedback from the guitar amps surrounding the recording area and the silence of room space that leave our minds buzzing off the high that John Moore and Missing Star display. “Was It Worth It All?” leaves us nostalgic with our love for the grunge era exuding a modern twist. We can’t wait to dive deeper into, 'The Moon and the Stars and the World.' Listen to "Was It Worth It All?" here. missingstarband.com #BUZZMUSIC

Hip Hop artist D. Edge brings forth his songwriting skills to the realm of rap music, uplifting the spirits of his listeners while giving them a good beat to get behind. From politics to motivational records, D. Edge’s versatile lyrics have something for everyone. D. Edge’s latest release “inVINCIble” combines a dark, sultry melody with positive and motivational lyrics that will keep this song stuck on repeat. “inVINCIble” features artist Beyond, who brings his own flair and thunder to the song. “inVINCIble” revolves around breaking through barriers and staying unstoppable even when people try to shoot you down. With the uncertain times across the globe right now, everyone can use a pick me up such as “inVINCIble”. With his catchy hooks and repetitive chorus, this song stays in your head. D. Edge fuses old school Hip Hop with modern sounds to craft his own style and artistry. His influences such as Curtis Mayfield, Big Daddy Kane, and Jay-Z weave their way through D. Edge’s discography, but D. Edge’s own twists make his music a whole new experience. With lines like “Even when I die, I will live forever”, D. Edge manifests a powerful outlook on life, leaving anyone who listens feeling better than they were before. “InVINCIble” is full of motivational lines about overcoming life’s struggles. What was an example of something that made you feel not-so-invincible, and how did you overcome that? Being black in America is a struggle. I love the skin that I am in, my culture, our innovativeness, and such. The fact is that I’m hurting because my people have been oppressed worldwide. Systematic oppression is something I’ve mentioned in my music since dropping SBM (Struggles of a Black Man) in 2015 featuring SMTH. When you see Breonna Taylor get killed in her own home by the police and they get off with a BS charge, it’s heartbreaking. Jacob Blake was nearly killed in front of his kids because he was reaching in his car. Dylan Roof on the other hand can kill 9 people in a church and even get treated to Burger King before reaching the police station. I have personally had my own issues with the police and I’ve never done anything illegal, which has caused me mental trauma and PTSD. It goes deeper than police brutality, I’m talking slavery, Jim Crow, redlining, Cointelpro, institutionalization from white supremacy, crack put in our neighborhoods and etc. I’m so sick and tired of people who look like me are told to follow the police orders and we still get killed anyway. Why are black and brown people held to higher standards than the police and government officials? I’m tired of my people getting killed and the media still portrays us as thugs and criminals (deserving to die). I just want ALL black and brown people to have equality everywhere. I’m never going to stop fighting for liberation and when I die, my story will live on. How have your listeners responded to “inVINCIble” so far? Does “inVINCIble have the effect you thought it would? The feedback that I’ve received for 'inVINCIble" has been very positive and a greater effect than I’ve imagined. It’s a song that the world needed to have during these times. When one of my fans reached out and said "inVINCIble" helps them during the day. Hearing someone say that hearing your song impacted their life is one of the greatest feelings that you could have. What was the recording process like for “inVINCIble”? What was it like collaborating with Beyond? I recorded my verses with theycallmeParker in LA at the Brewery Studio in February. However, I initially recorded a hook that I was singing in autotune with and I knew I wasn’t meant to be on the hook. Parker literally told me that I should consider getting a soulful male singer on the hook but I didn’t see it at the time. My guy RAH the Gift (Starvation Freestyle producer) posted a video of Beyond’s Chasin’ song on Instagram. I thought to myself this is the sound that I think would fit well on "inVINCIble," so I hit RAH up and asked him about Beyond. He stated that they were lifelong friends and that we would get along great. Once Beyond and I started talking, I felt like we knew each other for years because we were on the same wavelength for a lot of things. We share a lot of the same passions for black empowerment, anime, music, and such. I sent Beyond the record and he said that it inspired him, so he wrote a hook that was better suited for the record and his voice. We’ve been working on other collabs ever since- so stay tuned! Where do song ideas usually strike you? Do you ever get bursts of creativity when going about your everyday life? Song ideas usually strike when I work my 9-5 in media, taking a shower, cook or riding on a bus/train. I’ve been doing a better job of writing every line or concept down the past two years or so that I have my next few projects lined up. Also, when I hear beats that I like- I form ideas of direction on how I could best utilize the beat. Sometimes I hear melodies and rhymes in my head, which causes me to start rapping or singing out loud (to the ire of my girlfriend) haha. What has been keeping you inspired in 2020? 2020 has been a tough year in fact because of COVID-19 (and the people that have died from it), Kobe, Chadwick Boseman, social unrest etc. This year also made people really focus on what’s really important to them and figure what who you are as a person. Merely waking up and seeing another day no matter how hard keeps me inspired because I know that it provides me another chance to help change the world and reach my goals. instagram.com/therealdedge instagram.com/be_yon #BUZZMUSIC

Emerging Rock band My Dark Reality has recently been founded within the past year, and they're hitting the ground at absolute full speed. Consisting of leader, guitarist and songwriter Oz, bassist and songwriter Death, vocalist and songwriter Grrunge, The Rugged drummer and guitarist Aaron Blackman, My Dark Reality proves to source its inspiration from various group members. The sound that My Dark Reality creates can be quite in-line with their name, but also diverging into more powerful and vibrant musical expressions. The band itself can be understood as dynamic, offering a vivid exploration of many favorite rock n' roll components. There's an authentic intensified energy that instantly captures the attention of listeners within My Dark Reality's latest release, "Soulless". The band doesn't compromise when it comes to any aspect of their fierce performance, and this is shown through the persistent high-energy execution within "Soulless". The rock n' roll energy is incredibly raw, and we get a serious shake of reality with the level of depth arising within My Dark Reality's track. The band proves that their main focus is on quality, and their force of determination is all too present within "Soulless". If you're in need of that classic rock n' roll performance, "Soulless" is most definitely the track for you, and My Dark Reality is definitively the band that will meet your needs. How do you feel "Soulless" compares to your first track release? Would you say that there were any prominent learning lessons from the band's perspective once writing and recording "Soulless"? Death: I would say that compared to our first single, “Soulless,” is a lot darker and edgier even though our first track was a prayer for death. This song discusses the present. This was also the first song that we truly went out of our comfort zone and even had outside input with writing. Usually, it is just me and Oz writing but this time we had Grunge to help with the melody. The funny part is that “Soulless” originally was very melodramatic and then our band joked about being a polka mariachi band. Oz started playing the chording in a polka/punk rock manner and we were like yo that’s sick keep playing that! Hahahaha. The lesson from writing “Soulless” was to always keep an open mind no matter what. We always write with influence from any genre or in our case joke hahaha. Only being recently founded, can you describe the band's progression within the past year, and what were the most pivotal moments of the band's emergence? Death: The band has become progressively tight. Our progression from day one is like night and day. I cannot wait to perform again. It was fantastic to have a mosh pit and to join our fans in that kind of fun…I kind of got too hyped and jumped off the stage into the mosh pit at our last show hahaha. That was pivotal for us. Everything has been pivotal for us. It is such an honor to have a growing fan base who cares about what we do. Our fans are amazing and without them, we could not succeed. I feel blessed right now. We are now working with Bentley Records who have been nothing but amazing. They are a great record company and super nice. What kind of ambiance was hoped to be set with the release of "Soulless"? Was there a certain mood you attempted to impart onto listeners and is this typically the case for the singles you've released? Death: The ambiance that I hoped to be set was…kind of selfish maybe. I just wanted the ambiance to be the epitome of my very existence. I just wanted the song to be as empty and chaotic as I am. I wanted the song to just capture what I feel, so dark, dead inside, and chaotic…the struggle is between life and death. The desire to just feel alive again but every day feels like the last. So monotonous and just…bleak. I also hoped that for others who feel as empty and dead as I do that, they can find solace in that they are not alone but together we can all make it. For singles and any music that we release we want the music to tell the story of the song itself. What part of your hometown of Dayton, OH do you feel helps propel the essence of My Dark Reality? I feel like there is not a part of Dayton that captures or propels the essence of MDR. Dayton itself as a community has propelled the essence of MDR. Dayton has survived being at the height of the music scene and economic disparity. We once were major players in the music scene. The west coast rap scene got their sound from Dayton musicians. We dominated the funk scene and even has the second wave of emo rock, the Midwest emo scene. Dayton is strong and we do not give up. We have survived the rise and fall of our economy, we have survived natural disasters, and even shootings. We are a community that will never give up and we look out for our own. Dayton is love; Dayton is life. Dayton is back. facebook.com/mydarkrealityband instagram.com/mydarkrealitybandofficial twitter.com/MDRBandOfficial #BUZZMUSIC

NY-based Rapper and Producer Theory has been making waves on playlists with his Island-infused Hip-hop and Dancehall production style. Recently Theory has hypnotized listeners with the latest release, "Toni Braxton," this is a warm track with a steady cadence that floats effortlessly between Hip-hop, R&B, and Dancehall musical influences. This song will instantly boost your mood with its sonic scape of sun-shinning and good vibes. In a recent interview with BuzzMusic when talking about the inspirations behind this track Theory said they took influences from the app they frequently use “TikTok” and wanted to ensure that the energy on track would be able to stand out with the culture of the app. They put cautious emphasis on each line of the track because they wanted listeners to hear it and think “That’s my favorite part”. Like all of us Theory has been battling through the trenches of 2020. Although 2020 has brought many of their plans to halt, they were able to get a new perspective on the things that have been taken for granted. Theory says, “My humility reminded me to rise above it and focus on the normality of my life.” We can’t wait to see what creative project Theory will grace us with next. instagram.com/theoryiseverything

Emerging artist Obii has been building up his career for several years now, serving as backing vocals on tour for artists Brandt Brauer Frick and Beaver Sheppard. After releasing his first album “Black Boy Free, Vol. 1” in 2017, Obii is back for more with new single “Second Wind”. “Second Wind” by Obii shows what he is all about with whimsical melodies and thoughtful lyrics. The Ergy produced song eases you in with smooth transitions and a gentle melody, his lyrics embodying change and reliving old memories. The groovy beat adds backbone to “Second Wind” and carries you to the end without letting up. The addition of brass instruments gives “Second Wind” a jazz vibe, perfectly matching his tranquil voice. The echoes that follow his lyrics give an ethereal atmosphere, as he soars through his thoughts and fears. His acceptance of change, but fear of the unknown creeps in through the verses. Obii knows he is unstoppable, but “Second Wind” shows off the vulnerable side of finding the courage to jump over the obstacles you're faced with in life. The allusions to childhood give “Second Wind” nostalgic characteristics, that can be appreciated by all. Obii has an impressive vocal range, specifically showing off his falsetto eager to stay on your mind. To accompany “Second Wind”, a black and white music video shows Obii falling into a mundane everyday routine, looking for something more. Obii creates a reassuring and spiritual bond between him and the listener, leaving you feeling understood and peaceful. What jump-started your creativity when writing “Second Wind”? Did you have an idea of how you wanted the production to sound before you showed “Second Wind” to your producer Ergy? Ergy and I are two of a kind in terms of our musical taste. We may not be speaking the same language ( I speak English and he speaks French), but as far as music is concerned, we completely understand one another. I guess you could say that we speak the same musical language. As far as how "Second Wind" came about, we didn't really have an idea of what we wanted precisely, but we've been working together long enough that we trust each other's judgment; we work in an insular way and we constantly bounce off each other's ideas. When I heard the instrumental, I instantly connected to the piece, so it didn't take me long to write the melody and the lyrics. I knew I wanted to write a song about longing for a second chance in life but, as it's typical with my writing style, the lyrics are still covered by a thin cloud of pessimistic jade. The specific emotions you embody in “Second Wind” are quite insightful and could resonate with many who are feeling lost. Who would you say your target audience was for “Second Wind” and what do you hope they take from it? To be quite frank, when I wrote this song I was going through a very dark patch, both physically and spiritually,  and I was self-medicating with a lot of drugs. One day I decided to just quit, flush my supply down the toilet, and change my own narrative. This song refers to that awakening. I was tired of my own narrative and I realized that changing is learning, to change is to be alive. I honestly don't know who my target audience could be because I don't make music to spread any special message. However, I know that hope is at the very core of our existence. Hope is the purpose, hope is meaning, so I suppose the message behind Second Wind is not to allow that hope to die, for that's when life becomes unbearable in my opinion. Your music is quite diverse and uses many influences across genres, how would you describe your musical style in a few words for someone who has not listened to Obii before? I would describe my musical style as eclectic, genre-bending, and, above all, emotional. My music comes from the guts, my main aim as a singer is to feel, and that's why I have an affinity to any musical style where the soul is at the core of the composition.  I grew up listening to a lot of music, and I was exposed to a lot of different styles from a very young age. My father is a big music connoisseur, and his knowledge of music is so vast, I suppose it rubbed off on me. I'm mainly attracted to soulful melodies, sophisticated jazz chords, and melodic beats. I also have an honest appreciation for blues, spirituals, guitar classic rock, and hip-hop. But ultimately, whatever I listen to needs to have a huge component of emotions since that's the only way I can truly connect with the piece. Where do you see your sound going in the future? Do you have any new projects coming up? My sound is ever-evolving, every song I compose is different from the one before. I enjoy the musical niche that I'm creating for myself and I'm looking forward to further deepen said niche, I want it to feel as comfortable and as homely as it can possibly get. I have another single that I'm planning to release before the end of the year, after that I shall be working on a bigger musical body of work (e.g. EP or LP) What has been keeping you inspired in 2020? My journey to recovery has been keeping me inspired this 2020. I previously made the mistake of thinking that sobriety meant, among other things, a lack of creativity and inspiration. But now that I'm sober, I'm able to look at life from a wider point of view; anything is worth writing a song about and I found myself pleasantly surprised by that on a daily basis. instagram.com/thisisobii facebook.com/thisisobii #BUZZMUSIC

Coming in from Northeast Pennsylvania, the bare bones Folk Artist Tedd Hazard releases a song for the groaning pessimist with his recent single, "...And the Flowers Are Still Standing." With a sound influenced by Punk, Blues, and Jazz styles, Tedd Hazard takes genre-blending and unique songwriting to new planes. Known for writing honest lyricism with an enraged vocal delivery, listeners are bound to feel exhilarated after experiencing a sound so rough around the edges. With his latest single "...And the Flowers Are Still Standing," Tedd Hazard places anger and realism into this scorching tune. With upbeat Folk-Rock acoustic guitar and faint yet gripping percussion patterns, Tedd Hazard brings this gritty edge that naturally captivates any listener to hear what he has to say. "...And the Flowers Are Still Standing" opens with Tedd Hazard's upbeat and fiery acoustic guitar melodies lending a sharpshooting edge to the song within seconds. What takes us by surprise is when Tedd Hazard's crisp vocals enter the track, ultimately exuding this primal and fierce energy towards the world's climate and America's political environment. While pushing through the track at full force with powerful acoustic guitar and supporting percussion patterns, what keeps us engaged is Tedd Hazard's relatable lyricism, depicting nothing but reality. We can't help but share a laugh with lyrics like, "You wrote one too many quarantine songs; you're at a loss for words..." Taking the track by storm through his brilliantly logical and realistic lyricism, Tedd Hazard's "...And the Flowers Are Still Standing" allows listeners to feel and accept their inner anger while grooving away with the song's lively instrumentation. We highly appreciate the raw and realistic tune you've released titled, "...And the Flowers Are Still Standing." Could you take us back to the grueling moment where you realized that you needed to create an honest and realistic track like this? I want to say it sometime in May. I released the album "Marshall Law" in April, and thought that was going to be my lockdown record. I thought this has enough songs about being locked away at home. I don't think I'll need to touch that subject again anytime soon. And at this point, it's been two months. I'm thinking things will go back to normal. But things never really did. And I was starting to lose my mind, practically. People who listen to my music know I'm a very busy guy. So having all this time on my hands gave me the chance to learn how to properly articulate the messages I was trying to send in my music. I thought I covered everything there was to cover about lockdown on that record, but after being home and doing pretty much nothing for a few months and dealing with changes in the world and everyone's different reactions, this song kind of just came together. It took a little over two weeks to write. And normally I'll pull from a few different topics when I'm writing material. I did the same thing with this but mostly pulled from everything that was going on in the world right now. It's a lot more cut and dry than most of my songs. Regarding your spirited and lively instrumentals within "...And the Flowers Are Still Standing," did you begin your creative process with your heavy acoustic guitar melodies or your lyricism? I always start with a lyric. It could be the chorus or the opening line. But it's always the lyrics. Usually some sort of play on words ("Every time I look up, I break my goddamn neck"). I never write anything down, but I think I may have written some of this down for a change. I never write the music first, for anything. I'll come up with a vocal melody, and then try to find something that works for it in the background. The actual chord progression of the song was going to be the verses and just that. But after going through the song A few times I had the opening guitar riff in my head constantly and just had to work it in there. I'm really happy with the finished product and this may be one of my favorite songs I've ever done. We've noticed that you also released a music video for "...And the Flowers Are Still Standing." What inspired the video's concept, particularly the one-shot where you're strumming away in front of a lonely rose? I've been wanting to do a video for flowers since we recorded it in June. I work as an animator myself, and I've done videos for tons of bands. So my original plan was to do it myself. But unfortunately, I've been busy with music a lot more than I usually am these days. Enter Eyal Phil Filkovsky. He saw I won the People's Choice Award for Best Folk Act in the Steamtown Music Awards this year and said something along the lines of "Now you need a bad a** music video!". At first, I told him I was planning on doing one myself, but a few weeks later he contacted me personally and said he really wanted to do a video for me. I let him pick the song, and the first song he gravitated towards was "...And the Flowers Are Still Standing". I always had the idea of doing it in an empty parking lot, and he came up with the idea for the rose. I was actually going to suggest the scene where I was strumming in the background of the rose, here, he already did. Great minds think alike, I guess. I had a real blast working with him and I think we really click well together, creatively. Your vocal delivery within "...And the Flowers Are Still Standing" is incredibly gripping and unique. What inspired this enraged and heated delivery, and is this a staple for you within the rest of your discography? My singing style is probably what brings me to the dance. Sure, I'm a really good guitarist and everything. But my vocals are what make me stand out. I always try to put my all in anything I do lyrically, whether it's with my solo stuff, with Condition Oakland, or even if I'm doing a guest spot with another band or artist. In the last few years, I considered myself a behind-the-scenes guy, but I've realized this year I'm definitely more of a performer. What has been keeping you inspired in 2020? I've had a lot more time to get to know myself lately. I think that helped me get a little more confidence in my abilities as a singer/songwriter. I'm really hoping I can keep this momentum rolling. If not, it was fun while it lasted. facebook.com/teddhazardmusic #BUZZMUSIC