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The New Jersey-based Musician, Singer/Songwriter, and Actor Greg Amici returns to BuzzMusic with a soulful single and video for "Girl Next Door." Following up on his recent single "Spin That Ball" for a documentary, Greg Amici has been busy writing songs that channel deep emotion while also finding the right lyrics to win listeners over to fully experience his warm sound. His recent hit "Girl Next Door" captures brilliant lyricism and an Alternative-Folk approach within the instrumentals. Greg Amici mentioned that the single was written for an unproduced TV pilot, and although he wasn't too sure about the show itself, Greg Amici was confident that the tune would rock worlds. Doing precisely that with the intro to "Girl Next Door," Greg Amici opens the song with sole and upbeat acoustic guitar strumming, accompanied by his twangy and warm vocals. While singing lyrics of a girl he's incredibly grateful for, Greg Amici does an amazing job of portraying the correct lyricism that matches the uplifting emotion of new love. Not to mention releasing a deftly-edited lyric video for the single, we love the video's imagery that goes hand in hand with Greg Amici's lyricism concerning someone he has his eyes on. Reaching the song's hook, Amici takes the track by storm and channels playful lyricism while getting listeners out of their seats with heartfelt and exhilarating instrumentation. From the bright and picturesque lyric video to Greg Amici's overall performance on "Girl Next Door," we're locked right into his sound and hopeful for more passionate and exciting tunes to follow. We adore the heart and passion you've infused into your single "Girl Next Door." We presume that you found inspiration for the song from the girl next door. Was the song inspired by true events? Thank you for saying that. At the turn of the century, I wrote a TV pilot about a bitter has been/never was singer/songwriter who is reinvigorated when a young record label assistant sees him perform at a dingy club, loves his music, and sets out to garner him some recognition and respect in the business. The “Lucy” character was an invention, but as I began to write the script I was looking for someone to serve as the model. I used to hang out with Matt Pinfield at CBS and would often come across his lovely, sweet-as-pie, hard-working, ambitious assistant. I realized I had my model. That girl was Allison Hagendorf. LOL. Seeing as you're a musician and a Singer/Songwriter, did you record the instrumentals yourself? What did your creative/recording process look like for "Girl Next Door?" I’m a barely competent guitar player. I was going to record the acoustic guitar myself, but due to my fear of the click track, I called upon my old friend and Big Honey bandmate Joe August Gentile to play it instead. Ray Ketchem, our engineer, played drums, and Jim Mastro, who is an incredibly versatile musician as well as a great producer, played all the other instruments. I performed the lead vocals and Joe and I did the backups. Regarding the lyric video for your single "Girl Next Door," did you have any help with the video's editing? What sort of vibe and atmosphere were you going for within the video? I don’t like to be too literal, so I checked around for vintage images of girls and cars — not a Neo-colonial with a Bobby Soxer sitting on the porch steps. I came across this incredible series of photos taken by Rick McCloskey in 1972 from a series called “Van Nuys Boulevard." Rick was nice enough to let us use one of the shots for the single cover, but we didn’t want to push it, so we looked for similar themes available to us. When I say “we” I mean our graphic designer, Lise Bjork-Posson, and manager/pr man Geordie Gillespie, of unleashed music. Lise pretty much took it from there. We can't help but notice various genre elements within your sound, ranging from Country, Alternative, Folk, and Rock. How would you describe your sound to a new listener? I just don’t know anymore. I ask other people but no one can seem to tell me if I’m alternative or classic rock or whatever. My stuff is between a lot of genres, as you pointed out. I certainly wear some of my influences on my sleeve: The Who and XTC. Others are less discernible. The first records I got were by Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, so there are snippets of doo-wop in some of my choruses. Jim also brings his sensibilities — Bowie, et. al to the table. The Bongos were considered alternative/New Wave, and now he plays with Ian Hunter, a classic rock icon. What has been keeping you inspired in 2020? I guess that I’m fortunate enough to still be alive and able to write and record music with phenomenal musicians in a great environment at Ray’s studio (Magic Door Recording). Some things are tough — my father passed fairly recently and my mother’s health isn’t so good, which makes the COVID risk very palpable — but I’ve got a lovely girlfriend and a lot of wonderful friends.  I try to do the Tony Robbins "walk around the block and talk about what you’re grateful for” each morning, but I usually oversleep. Sometimes I do, and it helps. Good advice. Instagram Facebook #BUZZMUSIC

The Toronto-based New Wave/Alternative Singer/Songwriter, Drummer, and Session Musician Rediisin bask in a competitive spirit with his latest Synth-Pop single, "Sucks @ Sports." The Vietnamese-Canadian drummer and performer began his career performing in the Vietnamese community and later ventured into sound mixing, promoting drum teaching, and managing/playing in his former group Low Kites. With his latest single "Sucks @ Sports," we can see Rediisin's drag culture and New Wave influence shine through the track's upbeat and retro production. All while Rediisin sings lyrics of questioning why accepting defeat irks him, the song makes for an exhilarating experience through each groovy element. "Sucks @ Sports" begins with retro-inspired synths exuding a high energy Synth-Pop/New Wave appeal. As Rediisin begins vocalizing in an incredibly playful and animated fashion, his lyrics become vivid and extremely clear while depicting inner thoughts of feeling trapped in his mind and wondering why defeat takes such a toll on him. The gripping instrumentation and production is truly a transcendent experience, completely submerged in the sonic depths of New Wave and Synth-Pop through various synth melodies and basslines that keep our feet tapping. We must note the dynamic contrast between Rediisin's lyricism and his vocal delivery/supporting production makes for quite a unique and authentic piece. "Sucks @ Sports" offers an anthem for the artistic kings and queens everywhere who channel that competitive spirit and dread of defeat into their music for an exhilarating experience, and we're highly impressed with Redsiin's rhythmic vocal portrayal and overall performance on this lively single. Stream "Sucks @ Sports" here. We love the energy and playful delivery you bring on "Sucks @ Sports." What inspired such a unique single like this? The way I like to write my songs is a reflection of a feeling, the song's lyrics and feel represent how I felt playing sports growing up and now. Sports are fun but for someone who isn't competitive, it becomes overwhelming. "Sucks @ Sports" takes the feeling of being overwhelmed and applies it into something playful, just like overthinking a game. We noticed that you're a sound mixer as well as an artist. Did you produce the sonics for your single "Sucks @ Sports?" How did you build your sonics to be so lively and animated? I did produce the sounds of this song and will continue on the next songs. I started as a drummer and slowly picked up more instruments, favoring synth and guitar, only now exploring my voice. My style is electroacoustic, where I combine acoustic/electronic instruments with different kinds of analog/digital recording techniques. For example, in this song, I used an analog drum machine for the kick, a live snare, and live overheads for my hi-hat and cymbals. Added, I'm using digital samples, analog synth bass, and live guitar. Could you explain why you chose to provide such a contrast between your lyricism and your upbeat vocal portrayal of "Sucks @ Sports?" Why did you make the song as energetic as it is? Sports are fast-paced and I've always liked fast-paced music, but this song needed some kind of melancholic feel because the song is about wishing the game would end. All I did was try to find a middle ground between the upbeat feel of playing sports and the grogginess of being tired of sports. You've mentioned that at times you feel torn between two sides as a biracial bisexual. How do you inspire others with your music who might be going through a similar situation? With my music, I want to show that you can have fun no matter who you are or if you've figured it out yet. I still feel torn between two sides musically and personally but it doesn't stop me from continuing to look where I fit. I feel torn in two, which gives me hope to think that there are more people who also feel torn in two, making us fit in with each other! Our only job is to find each other and grow this community of normalizing spectrums. This year has been extremely difficult for the music industry. What has been your biggest source of inspiration while creating new music? I have always wanted to come out as a songwriter. Before covid, I was in school, working 2 jobs, and playing in a band, so my ideas for my own sound never came to flourish; before that, I wasn't confident enough to make these ideas tangible. Being in isolation is what brought me to begin my journey as an artist. I've never felt like any one thing in music (a songwriter, a producer, etc...) and the creative field is becoming a spectrum where artists are expected to have more diverse skills in order to compete. I used this time in isolation to figure out what I can do and use my skills any way I can. I know I want to spend my life doing music and I have to be able to take any/all opportunities I can. Instagram Facebook #BUZZMUSIC

Coming in hot from Detroit, the Singer/Songwriter, Musician, and Dancer Ellison brightens our future with his latest music video for his Motown single, "2021." Mixing old school R&B with modern Pop elements has led Ellison to his uniquely contemporary yet classic sound. Having worked with Chuck Alkazian, jammed with Kelly Price and Hillsong, and opening for Chaka Khan has allowed Ellison's career to take off with the utmost industry knowledge. With his lively music video for his single "2021," we see scenes of Ellison grooving away in front of Detroit's skyline while two intriguing female dancers accompany him. Singing an optimistic tune for the future and hoping 2021 brings the abundance we deserve, Ellison serves vast hope for the future while encouraging us to live in the moment. The music video for "2021" opens with a drone and drive-by shots of Detroit's nightlife and the city's vibrance, all while Ellison and his two background dancers start grooving with the song's Motown approach. We can't help but get this Michael Jackson vibe from Ellison through his black and white themed outfit and low-cut dance shoes. As the song takes off with energy and Ellison begins singing of the future while asking questions, we're all thinking, he makes it incredibly easy for listeners to get down with his grooves and the video's naturally exhilarating sensation. While continuing to show off his rhythm and dance away to the song's intoxicating instrumentals, Ellison offers a lighthearted and playful vibe that lets listeners take a step back and relax. With an uplifting music video and an equally stimulating song, Ellison's "2021" allows listeners to sing along with his anthemic lyricism while getting down with the music video's energy and optimism towards a brighter future. We love the optimism and enthusiasm you've delivered with your music video for "2021." What inspired the video's scenes of you accompanied by background dancers grooving away with the track itself? It was something that spoke to me. The idea of showing people enjoying themselves, moving and dancing, and having a good time. That is somewhat antithetical to much of what we're facing now but it's in line with them of the song. We've noticed that within your music video for "2021," you deliver incredible rhythm through your refreshing dance moves. Did you have any choreography planned prior to the shoot, or did you come up with your moves on the spot? Thank you. I'm quite the thinker so I did have some specific choreography in mind that I created and worked on ahead of time that we fleshed out when the dancers and I met. We had a very short production window so other parts of it were created right on the spot. As far as myself, I'm very much into moving and dancing in my shows and performances and when I'm not playing guitar or piano it just kind of comes out. Within your music video for "2021," there are minor yet vibrant visual effects that add to the video's energy. Did you have any help regarding the video's editing and visual effects? Yes, I worked with Tonnines Elliott of Melting Pot Media to shoot and edit it. He and his team did a great job of taking the ideas I had in my head and make them a reality. The year is the subject of the song and the listener and watchers see that image over and over. We can't help but notice this naturally optimistic flair that you deliver within your music. Would you say this is a common theme for you? Do you usually make music that uplifts the listener? Yes! I feel like that's part of the reason we are artists. I believe music is a conversation with the listeners. So then I think about what I want the listeners to hear from me when we're done "talking". There are some songs I right that are heavier but generally speaking I want people to feel more hopeful after listening to me. What can we expect to see next from you? I'm doing a lot of work, interviews, etc in the UK, Australia, and other places around the world. I'm seeing this as an investment in those audiences as I'm going to travel there when things calm down. I'm also always writing so we'll see what else other material may come out. There's also been some talk about the fact that I should already be signed to a label to help me promote my music. So we'll see what happens there. Instagram Facebook #BUZZMUSIC

Hailing from Ottawa, Ontario, the sweet-sounding Hip-Hop and R&B Artist Mischa releases a rhythmic and sultry single titled, "Signs (feat. Fae)." While basking in the glory of Hip-Hop and R&B music, Mischa has found an intriguing Pop flavor within her sound that continues to garner attention. With various notable collaborations and many live performances, Mischa's music career is well underway without an end in sight. With her latest single "Signs (feat. Fae)," Mischa channels her inner spirituality and takes in all the signs around her, pointing her in the right direction towards true love. This sensual R&B banger takes a sweet place in our hearts with Mischa and Fae's heavenly vocals that exude heightened love and passion. Not to mention the song's modern and intriguing production, we can't help but hum Mischa's enchanting melodies long after listening. "Signs (feat. Fae)" begins with sultry R&B keys and incredibly groovy production, delivering a passionate and heated atmosphere right from the jump. Once Mischa begins vocalizing her longing emotions for someone and wanting to be in their presence, her tender vocals enchant the listener and offer them an inevitable warm embrace. Reaching Fae's verse, she powers through with a highly dominant tone through contrasting ethereal vocals that offer life to the track. We love Mischa's astrology references with lyrics like, "compatible sun, moon, and rising, you got me looking at signs," spicing the track up with a profoundly authentic approach while delivering calming R&B that anyone can easily get down with. We love each stunning moment Mischa provides with her passionate single "Signs (feat. Fae)," and we're left looking for signs of a next release from the talented artist herself. mischaofficialmusic.com

Pablo Ojeda's 'Treat Yo Self' is the latest Funk instrumental to reach listeners since Rubberneck, a band the Chilean songster and his brother started in the 90s. Rubberneck toured incessantly sharing the stage with bands like WAR, Maceo Parker, and The Greyboy Allstars until disbanding in 2006. Since then Pablo has performed with Latin influenced bands Toque Libre and Sabroso as well as a brief stint with singer Geoff Byrd. Now, creating music from home and residing in Portland, Oregon, Pablo gathers the touchstones of his influences and unifies them over a four-minute funkadelic instrumental. Highlighting the skills behind the bass maestro's fingers, alongside tight-fitting drums, crooning electric guitars, oscillating organ keys, and melodic horn shots that festoon the expanses of the mix with a saucy vibrance. Pablo's bass guitar steals the show here. Although the horn sections flash and rise with beautiful motifs as the silver-tongued cadence develops, the walloping sonics emitting from Pablo's strings seizes your attention and clamps on to it like adhesive. 'Treat Yo Self,' is an instrumental that lands somewhere in-between the funky orchestrations of 'Tower of Power' and the urban soul of 'The Family Stone,' unifying the two influences into an accessible jam-session between conversational soul-infused instruments and textures, layering and interweaving their melodies with each other like a meticulously designed score. This sort of audible accomplishment should seem tiring and complicated to produce, but it feels like second nature for Pablo Ojeda, the genius instrumentalist behind it all. How did you go about recording, 'Treat Yo Self?' Was it all done at home, and who played the other instruments if you were behind the bass? ‘Treat Yo Self’ was all recorded at home on my computer. I started with the bass lines and then added a drum program. I also played guitar and keyboards on the track which really helped it start to take shape. Once I had all of the rhythm tracks recorded and was happy with them I thought the track could use some funky saxophone. That’s when I reached out to my friend John Nastos, a fantastic local Portland saxophonist that has toured extensively with Grammy-winning vocalist Dianne Schuur.  I emailed him the rhythm track, he added his parts and sent it back to me. What were the emotions you were aiming to highlight throughout 'Treat Yo Self?' Are those the same emotions you've channeled into for your instrumental performances for this instrumental? Funk music is all about rhythm and joy. My goal is always that when you listen to my music you first smile, then start to move. That’s what it’s all about. Sometimes music is so funky that when you listen to it you can’t help but laugh! If people smile and bob their heads or even move their whole bodies to my music then I’ve accomplished what I set out to do. I try to channel this as I’m recording. I lay down and part and listen back to it, does it make me happy? Does it make me move? That’s what I think about it. What was the most challenging part of writing, recording, and delivering 'Treat Yo Self?' Were there any lessons you've learned from the experience that you could share? The most challenging part of recording ‘Treat Yo Self’ was really around my own perfectionism. I’m not a strong guitar player or keyboard player. That sometimes makes it difficult to perform what I hear in my head. Often times that leads to several takes until I get something I like. Another challenge I would say is around the technical part of the recording, mixing, mastering, and learning how the software works. I’m still very new at this and still learning how to do it on my own. I’m used to going into a full studio and paying someone else to do it! It takes a lot of tweaking and listening to the song over and over until I think it’s right, you can ask my wife! She’s probably heard this song over a hundred times. If you could give your audience a few words that would act as a prologue to the adventure behind 'Treat Yo Self,' what would you say and why? I would say that as we all know 2020 has been extremely challenging. You have to find things that keep you going and inspire you. It’s easy to fall into a negative space with everything that’s going on in the world. This time has given me the opportunity to work on my own music for the first time. This is the first time that I’ve completely written, performed, and recorded my own music and it is a great feeling. I try to make my music reflect that joy and happiness and I hope it brings other people joy when listening. What has been keeping you inspired in 2020? The creative and learning process has really been keeping me inspired. I love music and love expressing myself through music. Learning how to record and produce it has really inspired me and being able to share my music around the world has been such an inspiration and morale booster. It’s such an amazing feeling to have something that you created being enjoyed by people all over the world. Instagram Facebook #BUZZMUSIC

Birmingham artist, Khalil IIvrsn hits us with his latest single “Certified,” establishing his spot as an up and coming entertainer. Allowing his old school and new age Hip-hop influences to be heard in the music he creates, IIvrsn captures those elements in a memorable way, exuding a sound that is uniquely his own. His heavy-hitting flows over harmonious melodies can be heard in what he shares with the world. Through many hardships, this artist is coming out on top embodying those experiences and proving to his fans why he is an entertainer to be on the lookout for in the forthcoming years. “Certified,” begins with a futuristic styled beat creating an up-tempo iridescent essence. You can’t help but get pumped up with the lyricism and rhyme schemes that Khalil IIvrsn presents. A record of this caliber have you turning the volume up and rolling down the windows of your car while cruising. The liveliness of “Certified,” transports your mind to a club scene and suddenly you’re matching the buoyant energy exuded with the appetizing instrumentation and free-spirited lyrics. The cadence IIvrsn presents matches the tempo perfectly and keeps you hooked on what’s next to come. His vocals stay in the spotlight but combine with the music in such a graceful manner. The energy and artistic elements we hear throughout balance each other out making this song the next level. “Certified,” has us singing along and tapping out feet to the bassline long after the song has ended. We can’t wait to hear what Khalil IIvrsn has next in store for us. From his songwriting to his performance, this “Certified,” artist is showing us why he is next up. Listen to "Certified" here. We love the tone that you have set on “Certified.” What is the meaning behind this track that you created? Certified is a high energy club banger! One of those tracks you can vibe to a party or just cruising in drop-top. I feel like everyone wants that certification that they have made it in the rap game, so I feel this was me stamping my name down letting everyone know I’m here to stay. Was there a specific moment or experience that shaped your inspiration for “Certified?" The creation of my music is different in the fact I don’t write. It’s more of a feeling to me when I’m in the studio. If the beat has that southern bounce, that bounce that makes you nod then I already know that’s the one to go with. This particular day we happen to be discussing how many years it would take to be certified in this industry and that’s where the thought came to me. With your influences ranging from old school to modern-day Hip-hop, who are some of your favorite artists that you look up to and why? OutKast - being from the south they had a major factor on the way they weren’t afraid to be different standout plus the music speaks for itself. Lil Wayne - the first thing to catch me was the punchlines. He can really say the same word 4 times with 4 different outcomes or meanings. I’ve never seen anything like it and he will always be the goat in my eyes. Jay Z - the way he broke into the game investing and betting on himself. In this world, nothing comes easy and if you want it bad enough you’ll bet it all on yourself. Seeing he do that and come out winning big can’t do anything but respect that. How would you define your sound to people who haven’t yet heard you? Is this the sound you are staying within future projects? Melodic Trap, but I also feel I mix up going into different pockets from time to time. I feel like having many different flows will always keep you ahead of the game. As far as future projects go I don’t want to give too much away but I’ll start to break down different lanes I’m capable of diving into meaning you might get a whole RnB album or a whole rap album or a mix of both like the upcoming ep “More Than You Know” dropping October 23, 2020. What has been keeping you inspired during one of the most challenging years, 2020? Even though the year has been rough I feel this is a great time for artists. Being able to get more projects out for the fans to hear because everyone is mostly still at home right now. I feel like that’s the recipe right now just consistently drop good music for the people. Instagram Facebook #BUZZMUSIC

Kenna's latest single arrives festooned with the svelte finishes of modern Pop, vitreous guitars, indie-reflecting synths, and sweet, soft-sung vocals, including a wholesome narrative formed from an abundance of sonic corporealities that inspire listeners to unapologetically experience their genuine selves. In "Better Half," Kenna sheds the heavy-husk of vulnerability, revealing her authentic inner-self and embraces the influence of her deepest subterranean intuitions. She throttles the volume of the less-confident voices in her head, making room for the sanguine characters whispering from the depths of her mind: "there's a beating in my chest, a dreamer, believer, I feel her." With the support of long-time producer and compatriot, Jared Anderson, this soul-searchers anthem renders up an organic soundscape, inlaid with the buoyant thump of a four-to-the-floor rhythm, a kaleidoscopic array of oscillating synths, and magnetizing guitar performances that work in tandem with Kenna's voice to super-charge the expanses of this breezy, and serendipitous mix. Weaving between percussive constituents that crisscross between twangy glass bottles and supple claps in the verses, she explores the virtue of her inner-self analyzing the care-free nature of her alter-ego: "she does things I wish I could, she goes to the parties herself, she's not sorry." When Kenna melts into the gushing chorus, a sense of infatuation washes over you almost instantly, caressing you with the oscillating nature of droning synths, as Kenna buzzes over her ultimate realization, "I already have my better half, I don't have to look too far." It's a declaration to herself and to listeners. Urging and pointing deep down within herself exemplify the inner strength and confidence inside us all. It's these fleshy bits of Kenna's music, where her Baltimore-bred aesthetics take flight over Nashville-inspired chromatics and glistening melodies—that garnishes her super-fan following with an undying after-glow, that follows from one release to the next, like an elevated autumn breeze. On "Better Half," Kenna gathers the touchstones of her musical influences and modernizes the crunchier relationships between indie and pop with her hallmark sonics, deep-felt lyrics, and infatuating performances. Can you tell us about some of your own struggles related to the narrative and message in "Better Half?" Have you experienced some turbulence in life concerning discovering your inner self? I’ve repeated a lot of stories over and over again to myself for a lot of my life. Most of those stories involve me not feeling “enough” or “worthy” of something. It’s really hard to de-program myself from this way of thinking when society is built on this logic. Capitalism tells us to buy this product or spend money on this or that, and you will *finally* feel worthy. Our society and culture have conditioned us to believe that we are unworthy of rest, self-care, love, success. We’re supposed to hustle, grind, work until we’re in the grave, and then maybe finally we will have earned that vacation time. I’ve been feeling so frustrated by this rhetoric, which is really where this song came from. The lies that we are told are simply stories - ones that were fed to us from the beginning. Now it’s our turn to flip it on its head and build a better and more supportive society. I have been tuning in to the voice inside of me that’s always known I’m worthy of good things and beautiful things. She knows when I need to rest, she knows when I need support, and it’s up to me to listen. So often, people speak about their partners as their "better half" and I wanted to write a song that plays on that idea. When we're in a society that lifts up and gives grace to all, we all become whole within ourselves. The more I connect with my own better half, the better off I am. <3 What were the most resounding emotions that found their way into the vocal booth with you during the recording process for "Better Half?" I think this song was totally healing for me. It helped me reconnect with that inner self within me that always knows I’m where I’m meant to be. This song definitely feels like a fun pop song on the surface. When we went back into the studio to record it, I realized how meaningful it was to me to write a song of this nature. It became more to me than just a song I love to dance to. It’s a meaningful bop. So, what really came up for me when the recording was a connection with that side of me I am always trying to bring out in my everyday life - a side who is unapologetic, willing to take chances, unafraid of the uncertainty, who approaches everything with curiosity and intention. How do your musical arrangements usually come to fruition? Can you run us through how that process worked specifically for "Better Half?" Jared had found a sample and brought it to the session. It actually never ended up making it into the track in the end, but it inspired the whole write. It was a loop that sounded pretty Coldplay-esque. We built the track around that. Jared added some ideas here and I added some ideas and we ended up structuring the whole song around that beat. It really feels like an intuitive process for us, and it always is super organic and natural. For this one, it felt like it all came out at once. It really ends up being different for every song. Sometimes we will start with a chord progression or melody idea I bring, or Jared will start a track with a specific topic in mind. It’s a very collaborative effort! If you could give your listeners a few words that would act as your own personal prologue to the experience behind "Better Half," what would you say, and why? "Better Half" is about listening to the voice inside that’s always guiding me in the right direction. Within you and me, in a world below the surface, there is a fully realized and unapologetically authentic version of each one of us. If we let go and get quiet, we can listen in. I feel like I am always being guided by a little voice, nudging me where I am meant to go. My better half can take me to places I never thought I could go. I have everything I need right within. Can we expect a video visual to follow with your new release, "Better Half?" I’m hoping to pull something special together. Stay tuned! Instagram Website #BUZZMUSIC

As a promising up and comer in the music scene, this Los Angeles based recording artist gives purpose to the meaning double entendre as she blends Hip-hop and Neo-Soul showcasing defiant and vulnerable topics. Her sultry and uplifting sounds show you why she is here to stay as a powerful femme in the industry. “Negro,” starts off with a moving bass line that instantly gets you in the groove for the soulful vocals that are introduced. There is a certain emotion that Rashad carries in the fierce yet soothing delivery of her well-crafted lyrics and cadence. She puts her unique twist on the Hip-hop, Neo-Soul fusion, all while relaying an influential message throughout this nostalgic uplifting melody. When the beat drops out at the bridge and all that is left are her vocals, you truly see how they deserve a spotlight of their own. Her layers and harmonies fit together like graceful puzzle pieces, taking you on a deeper journey into the passion she exudes on this record. The abrupt stop of the song hits you like the message behind the carefully executed lyrics she puts on display for the audience to listen to attentively. “Negro,” leaves you wanting to go back and take in all that was left on the table in terms of openness, rhythm, groove, and soul. We can truly say that we are here for all that is Nisey Rashad and her heartfelt tunes. “Negro,” is a single that will be in our queue while we anticipate her next release. Congratulations on the release of your single, “Negro.” What is the story behind the meaning of this song? Thank you and I really appreciate your support. I'm still trying to put the meaning into words. It's like asking me what is the story behind being black. I can try to tell you, but, I would rather you know how it feels. Negro is my attempt at expressing some of the positivity that comes with those feelings. Do you find it difficult to showcase your vulnerability for the world to see and hear when creating your music? Why do you think it is important to do so? Music is my outlet so I enjoy being vulnerable when I'm creating. The difficult part is showcasing it to the world. As much as I want to relate to others I prefer to keep to myself. However, I understand sometimes it's not about you and more about how your story can be used to create something greater than you. How was the creative process different for, “Negro,” versus the other songs you have released? I'm more secure with who I am as an artist and as a person. I think Negro shows that growth. You're known for discussing vulnerable topics in your lyrics. Can you tell us about your writing process I'm not sure I have a real process. I try to imagine the perfect setting for a difficult conversation. What sounds would play in the background and will they amplify my emotions or subdue them. The words kind of come on their own. What has been keeping you inspired in 2020? Voting for Kamala Harris. Instagram Facebook #BUZZMUSIC

Based out of Sudbury, Ontario, Ashley Woodruff remains dominating in her Pop/Adult Contemporary genre with the release of her latest album, 'Distanced.' Ashley Woodruff developed her hunger for singing and songwriting from a very early age and began taking vocal lessons when she was 11. From there, she was able to develop her wide vocal range through classical training, making her the artist she is today. Her performance background is all thanks to recitals and school talent shows, along with hard-work and dedication. Ashley started writing and recording her self-titled debut album, which was released in 2018. Following the success of that project, she released three singles in 2019 and is back with her creative mind bringing her highly anticipated album, 'Distanced.' The initial song on this project, "Taking My Heart Back," is a heartfelt love ballad that showcases the performance of sparkling, upbeat keys and the rhythmic groove of drums to accompany a passionate and present vocal from Ashley Woodruff. She stays telling a story of how she'll be fine without the person who took away her heart. Her positive outlook on what would be a somber scenario adds a brighter tone, giving a glimmer of hope to what she can accomplish in this introduction record. "Forever and a Day" is the following track on this album. It begins with the strumming of soft and somber chords on an acoustic guitar that then introduces the deep harmonious components that Ashley Woodruff displays in her songwriting and performance. Her talents strike our ears with a memorable pre-chorus and chorus that we can all sing along to. This song showcases a wider vocal scale and fierce attendance for Ashley Woodruff. We are given an instrumental break at the bridge that prepares us for the final chorus and outro before we get drawn into the next song on, 'Distanced.' Dark and present instrumentation opens up the song, "Prove Me Wrong," where we are quickly pulled in with the sparse yet entrancing composition before us. The vocals that Ashley Woodruff showcases take us into the sincere storytelling of hurt and despair through the well-crafted scripted lyrics. Each element that is brought together continues to add a new essence before closing off this chapter and progressing to the next track where all of our emotions are being visited. The fourth song, "The Feeling," has us feeling nostalgic with the opening organ giving off 70's psychedelic energy. This track instigates dominant features once Ashley Woodruff comes in with her clear and present vocals that are speaking on affection through this bodacious love ballad. You can hear the ambient medley of sorrows that take us on a sonic voyage through this record, and they accompany harmonious sounds until the end of the song. "Looking Back" begins with the kind of cinematic electropop energy we expect from a Molly Ringwald film. We are then greeted with Ashley Woodruff showcasing her wide vocal range on her pulsing, upbeat verses. The chorus remains a spotlight for the instrumentation giving it the stage it deserves on this record. "In My Dreams" is the sixth song off of 'Distanced,' and it displays a haunting ambiance with the instrumentation and vocals being showcased. You can hear the atmospheric assortment of echoes and harmonies that star in this slowed down ballad that joins the vocal performance from Ashley Woodruff and the composition in a striking relationship. Picking up the pace, "The Same" opens up with the crisp, rhythmic essence of a product that contains powerful origins. This kicks our energy up a notch. You can hear the passion and drive in the presentation of Ashley Woodruff's vocals that create a melodic atmosphere that could accompany you through any feat in your life. The up-tempo vibes that we get make this record the standout track at the more than the halfway point in the album. "Summer Love" begins with the playing of a synth that hits our vivid and sophisticated palate on the instrumentation spectrum. This magnetism in this track caters to the innovative elements of a summery utopia. The works of the instrumentation bring in all of the beloved features of a summer jam that carries into all seasons with the fierce and powerful vocals of Ashley Woodruff. Next up, we deliberate the memento with a wholehearted and genuine ballad-like, "Clarity." This record that initiates the tugging of our heartstrings conveys us through the evolution of a gentle, nevertheless prevailing melody. Ashley Woodruff displays the capability of her vocal and songwriting performance in yet another manner, grasping away at our inner sentiments. "Tonight" commences with soft and uplifting sounds that remind us of a 1980s movie script. The nostalgia transfers us into the light, reverberated motions that Ashley Woodruff and the music exude. This specific song on 'Distanced' develops with the lyrics and wide vocal range that are hit with striking harmonies on the outro. The second last song on the album, and we find it has logically received its tracklist placement for a resilient polish. "Somewhere in There" is the final song on "Distanced," and it begins with the powerful strikes of Tom drums creating a triumphant finish to this story. The dreamy components of the added synth that pair with Ashley Woodruff's vocals introduce a wide range of musical components to close this division of her artistic journey in an iridescent method. The combined elements add a new quintessence before this layer completes and leaves us all wanting to hit replay. After listening to 'Distanced,' we appreciate the direct correlation between the work of art itself and the title it has earned. This album acts as a story that remains to grow and progress in its musical layers. The tracklist was strategically placed to give the listeners the ultimate sound voyage this project deserves. From the assortment of instruments used in the composition of the beats to the diverse vocal talents of Ashley Woodruff, you can hear the passion that went into this piece of work. Instagram Facebook #BUZZMUSIC

Late last year, Jason Navarrete and Jitta were introduced while collaborating for a commissioned musical project. The agreement was simple, the multi-instrumentalist and songwriter/animator duo was to create music and release it under the highering brand's moniker, "Yellow Trash Can." What happened next would arrive like a furtive stroke of luck. After the company ran off with their contract unfulfilled, the Portland duo managed to take the 'Yellow Trash Can (YTC)' title for themselves, regained the rights to the music they produced, and swan-dove into the music industry spotlight with "Populated." This year their musical expanses proceed, developing their craft and working with budding Artists as a production house: making ideas come to life through sound, animation, and anything multimedia. Their freshest single "Alone," flourishes in the same states as their previous release, appearing half-inebriated, thoroughly melancholic, and undoubtedly fleshy, like a combo of elegists communicating with their inner despairs: "Came in this world alone, I'd probably die with you, No place nowhere to go." Though YTC sound subdued and exposed in their lyrics, it's not unlikely that you'd suddenly have the urge to immerse yourself in the moody vibes the duo distribute, drawing semblance to the variety of drippy bonniness that Post Malone has maintained. The top-line here is sung with a soft-nurtured timbre that chaperones the heavy-hearted anecdotes about love and loss undeviatingly towards your heart, creating a saucy experience that urges you to suspend yourself within the YTC's buzzing sonics. It's a track that traverses between Hip-hop, R&B, and trap, utilizing punchy drums, scattering hi-hats, indie-winking guitars, and melodious vocal harmonies that work in tandem to super-charge the atmospheres surrounding you. Yellow Trash Can infuse "Alone" with an infectious new-age aesthetic, never shying away from moody instrumentals and exposed narratives that fester within doom-and-gloom. In lieu of kitsch or carbonated clichés, these Portland household names perpetually succeed in delivering music that sticks like adhesive, despite the emotional topic. Their latest single is a testament to the know-how and love this duo has for their craft, and it's exciting to see what they'll come up with next. What were some of the emotions you found yourselves channeling into for "Alone," and how do they compare to the ones you utilized for 'Populated'? Channeling the emotions for Alone was super easy, as it's just something Jitta and I always feel.  One of the reasons we get along is that we are very similar, we have a problem with viewing us in the rest of the world.  Definitely hyper-focused on depression, somber loneliness, feeling as if there really isn't anyone else out there that can relate to you, from the get-go until your current age. How did the inception of 'Alone' happen? Was this a song about a personal life experience that you felt others might relate to? The beat for alone started off with the guitar! Jason was noodling around and randomly started playing the riff, so we immediately recorded it. Finished the beat aside from the bass. Jitta laid the 808's down a few days later and we had the finished beat. I (Jason) honestly hated this beat, I felt the guitar and bass were too conflicting because of the minor/major discrepancy. We wrote most of it on the ride to the studio that day, and then the rest after a spliff in the parking lot. Can you run us through your songwriting process and how a melody or MIDI note translates into your final polished products? How do you go from melody and rhythm to a finished track like 'Alone?' Melody definitely came from the guitar, as well as the rhythm. It's what we started with, guitar. After guitar, we added drums and eventually the 808's. We rarely use any samples and all instruments/melodies/sounds come from us exclusively. It's definitely a challenge to turn the lyrics and feel of a song into something cohesive, but Alone for sure stood out and overcame that challenge. If you could give your audience a few words that would act as the prologue to the experience behind "Alone," and the upcoming music and video you have lined up for this year, what would you say? Alone was a song we wanted to get out of the way. It's by no means our best music. It's something we knew out of the original batch of songs we made, that people really liked, (except Jason lol) so we wanted to make sure we put it out. We just produced track #8 on Blocboy JB's new album "Fatboy". C heck out our song Carlton! Blocboy is shooting a video for it, which is exciting and should be on the upcoming radar. For the rest of the year, we have 2 more singles, one more video, and a few more production placements. Our goal is to finish out 2020 with finishing our introduction to the world as artists, a band, and producers, to launch 2021 with a lot more of our own music. What has been keeping you inspired in 2020? 2020 has been a rough one, for everyone, and inspiration has been HARD. Shuffling between the new "norm", health issues not related to covid, and being 1000 miles apart, it's quite hard to function as a band. Jitta is based in LA and Jason is out in Portland, having only seen each other twice this year, it's been quite the journey. But we've successfully finished 30+ songs, and who knows how many beats. A lot of inspiration has been fueled by the artists we are collaborating with, such as Chad Tepper, ILoveMakonnen, Myke Bogan, Keith Canva$, 808 Mafia's Purps, CraigyF, Blocboy JB, and many many more. facebook.com/yellowtrashcan twitter.com/yellowtrashcan_ instagram.com/yellowtrashcan_/ #BUZZMUSIC