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Nice to have you today! Tell us about your road to success Thanks for having me! I moved to Nashville 7 years ago from Knoxville, TN, and signed my first publishing deal in 2015. After graduating college, I started my professional career working on the business side of the music industry, and just this February, I signed an artist development and publishing deal with Busy at Play Publishing, which Johnny Garcia (guitar for Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood) owns. Besides writing for some other independent artists, I have put out 2 EPs and a collaborative album, and most recently, my new single, "Put a Rock on This Rolling Stone" in June. You can expect to hear another new single from me on October 9th called, "Get Lost in Some Rock 'N Roll".  If you could be in two places at one time, every day...where would those places be? Nashville & Australia!  How do you get pumped up before a big event? I always have up-beat, energizing music playing while I get ready, and then I usually do a shot of whiskey or apple cider vinegar to clear up the vocal cords and loosen up! What is your mantra? The only thing standing in your way of achievement is yourself. facebook.com/sarahharralsonmusic Interview by: bsquaredmgmt.com

What does the term "making it" mean to you? Not giving up and putting one step in front of the other even if in slow motion and baby steps ...we are all a work in progress! To me never settling and pursuing your dreams that in itself  is " Making It!" If you had a superpower what would it be and why? If I could zap Autism I would but even more so I would love to have the power to be the voice between a mother and a nonverbal child with Autism. To share all they are thinking. I know how it feels after years of waiting and praying to hear "I love you" from my son. No parent should have to miss out on that How do you feel the future is bright? All things happen for a reason! Believe it and see it! The future is always Bright because GOD can be trusted. He always keeps his promises!  If you could meet one inspirational person, living or deceased, who would it be and why? Charlie Daniels! I briefly had the honor of meeting him before a show but would have loved the opportunity to spend the day with him! He was so wise, talented, had such a strong faith and love of God and this country! I did not go a day without reading his daily devotionals and words of advice! My goodness, can you imagine how much one could learn from a single conversation with such an icon? Wow! dawnrix.com Interview by: bsquaredmgmt.com

The flourishing Singer/Songwriter John Lensing opens communication lines on his recent single, "Talk To Me." A song of resilience and moving forward, John Lensing reminds listeners of patience with a message preaching good things take time. Writing lyrics of quiet confidence, John Lensing creates music with topics surrounding mental health while allowing the listener to experience this reserved yet assured approach. Within his latest single "Talk To Me," Lensing brings soft and sweet instrumentals through a blend of folk and acoustic pop. He pours his heart out within this beautiful and vulnerable piece, while his naturally warm vocals describe an unfortunate distance that leaves behind a feeling of emptiness. "Talk To Me" begins with John Lensing's sweet vocals begging for communication and clarity within a relationship. Accompanied by mellow acoustic guitar, the surrounding instrumentals gradually build to be this heartfelt and heavily passionate aspect. Not to mention John Lensing's playful delivery, he adds this irresistible groove bringing vast authenticity to his sound. Providing listeners with a heartfelt storyline through his deep and reflective lyrics, Lensing does an impeccable job of portraying those longing emotions we all feel. The outro brings this vast sensation of bliss, closing the piece off with desire and hope. While continuing to spill vulnerable lyricism, Lensing delivers this safe space on "Talk To Me" and allows listeners to remember that patience is a must needed virtue. Hello John, thank you for joining us at BuzzMusic. We love the passion and desire you've delivered within your relatable single, "Talk To Me." How did you write your lyrics to be so compelling, heartfelt, and also relatable? I think a lot of my lyrics come from confronting myself. There’s a lot we’re scared to say, to others, and even ourselves. I really want to push through that discomfort. Whether you're talking with a friend or writing a song, there's a lot of truth you can find in the moments you manage to do that. Did you produce "Talk To Me" yourself? How did you arrange the instrumentals to reflect the same theme as your lyrics, and give off this serene and celestial atmosphere? I worked with producers William Smith IV and Phillip Yancey to create this one. They helped bring so many creative ideas to the song. We wanted it to feel intimate but still take you somewhere that an acoustic song couldn’t on its own. So many parts of the song came from just playing around with samples and seeing what pulls you closer towards the lyrics. "Talk To Me" is an incredibly vulnerable piece, especially regarding your lyricism. Is it easy for you to open up within your lyrics? What does vulnerability mean to you? Some days it’s a lot easier than others. It takes a lot of words, and a lot of songs to actually get yourself to open up. I wish it came easier, but it's absolutely worth all the time it takes to sing something I mean. I always like to give songs some time to breathe and see if they still have weight when I come back to them. For me, vulnerability means sharing yourself with others. Ugly parts, beautiful parts, all of it. It doesn’t even always have to be heavy; there’s plenty of comedians who are incredibly vulnerable. We've heard that you write lyrics of 'quiet confidence.' Could you explain what you mean by this? I think the idea comes from finding my own confidence. Confidence that has room for being thoughtful and gentle. I was always a bit quiet growing up, and I spent a chunk of my life hoping to change that. I think a lot of people are pressured into being one dimensional in different ways. Real confidence didn’t really come until I finally started to accept all the parts of myself. What has been your biggest inspiration while creating new this year? My biggest inspirations this year have been social activists. It’s incredibly hard to change the world, let alone still remain optimistic, and make enough money to pay the bills. It’s amazing to find people (online and offline) who have been doing this work for years. It helps remind me of all the ways you can build a life and help others along the way. Instagram Website #BUZZMUSIC

Raul Lopez is the North Pacific-native producing music that pushes contemporary music boundaries under the moniker, Suga Brown. Willing to tackle any music endeavor sponsoring any genre's auditory vestiges, Brown finds himself drawn to his curiosity for electronic-based Music. Now L.A.-based, the innovative sonic amalgamator has been fascinated with traversing through Music's most significant touchstones for his own Artistic development, rather than for the sake of Radio success. With this year's sonic escapades, Brown indulges in his fondness and admiration for culturally rich Music from the Caribbean isles and Latin Landmasses, extending to us an Electronica-infused gift of his own design: "BDRM," featuring VKZ. On "BDRM," the come-up before each hook is seamless, while the magnetic conductivity from oscillating pads and filtering influences float over our mind-frames with a pain-less drawl. There's a punchy backbeat that supports the entire endeavor with a minimal but steadfast dynamic beat operating as the engine in this well-lubricated electronic apparatus. As the transitional moments pass along, infatuating upswells of VKZ's spliced incantations evaporate into existence, and it's almost impossible not to feel a sense of dance and euphoria. It's like being transported to our own private island, with our best friends in tow behind us, buzzing over the blithe sun-lit shores as "BDRM" plays from beyond the heavens like our own personal soundtrack. It's a minimalistic rendition, but that's precisely how Lopez meant to design it; to keep us focused on the sensation his condensed sonics provide. As we venture through one filtered transitional pause to the next, Lopez's low-end somehow manages to always creep up on us, reminding us to breathe before each new melodic up-swell plunges us back down into paradise. There's no denying that as Suga Brown, Raul Lopez is able to command over the dominion of sonics related to any genre and any aesthetic, but with "BDRM," his talents are blaring and almost blinding as he victoriously capers around the louring court of the Music Industry with another slam-dunk. Hello Raul and welcome to BuzzMusic, thank you for taking the time to chat with us about your latest release "BDRM." What was the inspiration behind "BDRM," and how do you manage to conduct the melodies over this genre's aesthetic with such effortless flow? BDRM was inspired by the lead vocals, which I loved right from the start. The story of BDRM is told from the perspective of a mistress who is jealous of the other relationship her lover is having. When I was constructing the song I really wanted to add something to enhance the soulfulness of the vocals, so I used marimbas to give the track a wavy and sensual sound. What has to be your favorite part about working with VKZ on this track, and what made it clear that he would be the ultimate collaborator for you on here? VKZ is such a talented producer and one of my good friends. He really pushes the boundaries of contemporary music, and I admire that. When I asked him to jump on the track I knew that his psychedelic electronic vibes would be the perfect fit! VKZ's rhythmic percussion paired with the wavy beat creates really sexy energy. When you think about a place on earth you haven't visited yet, but would want to for the sole purpose of developing your Artistry, where would that be and why? I would love to visit an island in the Caribbean, like Barbados, to learn the culture and the music. When I went to school at Full Sail in Florida, I really fell in love with Caribbean music and it’s something I would love to immerse myself in. Also being near water really inspires my creativity! Can you tell us about how you're always fueling your creative intuitions from day-to-day, and how this ritual is helping you achieve your Musical goals for 2021? Honestly, a shot of espresso in the morning helps to get the creative juices flowing. Something about the smell of coffee gets me in the mood to produce. It could be an addiction I have, but I really enjoy a good cup of coffee. You've mentioned your interest in creating a Reggae album, so we're curious, what would that look like, and when could we anticipate seeing it? I’m a huge Reggae fan! I would listen to “2 am” by Slightly Stoopid constantly when I was growing up. In the back of my head, I've had the idea of creating an album like that, but in a SUGA BROWN way. Combining Reggae with other types of genres that may sound weird on paper but would be amazing from a creative standpoint. It’s looking like sometime in 2022, probably near the summertime. instagram.com/sugabrownmusic facebook.com/sugabrownmusic #BUZZMUSIC

Los Angeles native and R&B/Soul Singer/Songwriter Gregory Zamir takes listeners on an unforgettable journey with his sensual and atmospheric EP, 'Red Light Mood.' Gregory attained his musical talent from family while gospel singing in his father's church and being introduced to various artists/composers like Mozart, Rufus and Chaka Khan, The Hawkins, and not to mention timeless R&B/soul which he thrives in today. With his latest EP "Red Light Mood," Gregory Zamir brings a transcendent blend of nostalgic old school R&B while spicing it up with modern-day elements and his naturally unique vocal stylings. Taking the listener on a midnight ride through the city's lights, it's without a doubt that the EP sets a sweltering romantic atmosphere that's simply irresistible. The "Red Light Mood" EP opens with a spicy and sensual 90s-Esque R&B intro track titled, "In Your City." The tightly-wound electric guitar picking brings an old school 50 Cent flair meticulously met with soft keys and Gregory Zamir's warm and inviting vocal performance. While he begins setting a sensuous mood with a naturally charming vocal delivery and lyrics of flying a long way only to be in her city, Gregory makes the EP's storyline quite clear. Setting the tone with the intro track "In Your City," the song brings the listener deep into the first chapter of this endlessly romantic and heavily passionate tale. Moving onto the EP's second song, "Milk and Honey" takes the cake for the project's grooviest track. Opening the song with bright and rich synths delivering sweet-sounding melodies, while a variety of underlying synths give the track depth. Not to mention the mid-tempo drums giving off an organic and nostalgic R&B groove, the track's sonics are easily intoxicating. Now getting to the goods, Gregory Zamir's Frank Ocean-like melisma and overall vocal delivery stand as the track's strong point while he sings playful lyrics of being wooed by someone's ways. Effortlessly transported back to R&B's prime with "Milk and Honey," Gregory Zamir has yet again painted a vivid picture for the project's midway point. Entering the third and final song of the EP, "Ocean Deep" brings a sense of passion and devotion that naturally captivates any listener. The song begins with subtle synths, strings, and an overwhelming sensation of warmth through mesmerizing sparkle effects. As Gregory Zamir begins pouring his sweet vocals over the track with heavily passionate lyricism, he's perfectly crafted a sound for the entire emotion of love. The sonics and overall production bring an incredibly modern atmosphere through the array of synths that provide superb ambiance in a semi-psychedelic manner. Once again, Gregory Zamir's warm and captivating vocals stand out on the track and give "Ocean Deep" this incredible power boost. It's safe to say that Gregory Zamir's music brings an overwhelming sensation of passion, perfect to end the summer off. Doing so with the musical gem "Red Light Mood," the entire EP brings an excellent storyline that effortlessly sweeps listeners off their feet and into fantasy. Hello Gregory and a warm welcome to BuzzMusic, we are so excited to sit down and chat with you about "Red Light Mood." What a journey you've created with your EP, "Red Light Mood." When did you begin your creative process for the project? Which song did you create first? Thank you so much for recognizing the journey. I’m always writing, however, I woke up one morning and said to myself "I’m officially going to put out music." My vision for this project continually morphed for a year. So many ideas where swirling, I eventually gravitated towards these three songs. I cannot recall which song I started first. I finished recording all the songs on the road - “In Your City” in D.C., “Milk & Honey” in Toronto, Canada, and “Ocean Deep” in Atlanta, just two days before the project was due. Seeing as you've set this beautifully romantic and sultry tone for your EP "Red Light Mood," what inspired you to take this route? How did you craft each song to deliver the story you wanted to tell? Authenticity is important in life and being sexy is definitely authentic to me! I love, love & sensuality (I’m a Leo) and I really enjoy my perspective on the subject. I go about writing songs freely, whatever words, melodies, intentions, or experiences come to mind I keep expounding on that until it takes on a musical quality. It doesn’t always work but when it does, it's euphoric. Each song is inspired by life experiences. I wanted to sing and share intimate moments that are relatable. Who can’t relate to sensuality, longing, and ecstasy. Regarding your sublime vocals within the “Red Light Mood” EP, the vocal arrangement is incredibly intricate and detailed. What was it like producing and arranging your vocal tracks? Vocalism is an important part of how I approach the music and I’m very particular. The recording process can be quite long for me. Conveying the story is paramount, I was raised to sing with conviction & intention, so if I don’t believe the words the listener won’t either. I also love using vocals like an instrument adding to the production. You described the project as “beautifully romantic and sultry” so I guess my vision was received. Seeing as you're known to blend the old and the new within R&B, how did you do this during the creation of your EP "Red Light Mood?" Did you have any specific artists or projects that might have influenced you during your creative process? I’m really am an old soul. I think Black music in general has an inherent nostalgia and that’s what I love to tap into. I grew up listening to oldies, jazz, gospel, soul, funk, etc., eventually, that turned into my own musical approach. For me a singular artist is not the source of my inspiration, I glean from a breadth of great artists when creating. What has been keeping you inspired in 2020? Honestly, 2020 hasn’t been the year I expected or planned for.  I have faith & I try to avoid things that trigger a negative response. God, my family, episodes of “Girlfriends” and working on my new project keeps me going. instagram.com/GregoryZamir twitter.com/GregoryZamir #BUZZMUSIC

Hi 2Four! Tell us about your road to success I would say that it’s been a long and hard road but it’s been a lot of fun. I started at the bottom with 0 fans and no style. And now, about 8 years later, I have grown into a beast of a creative and fully know my vibe and its uniqueness and can fully put that on display and it grows and defines itself the more I create. I still consider myself fairly new to the business so success is still a goal that I am aggressively chasing. If you could be in two places at one time, every day...where would those places be? Interesting question and not really sure how to answer it but let's go with the studio recording new music and the bank making a deposit. How do you get pumped up before a big event? I mostly try not to get pumped at all honestly. I try to calm down and relax as much as possible and control the nerves and anxiety and contain that energy until I hit the stage. What is your mantra? Basically, trust the process and stay patient. In this business, you have to do a lot of both and I try to apply it to my life and remind myself what the goal is. www.facebook.com/thereal2four Interview by: bsquaredmgmt.com

Thank you for being with us! Where are you based and where would you say your fan base is? I recently relocated from Fort Worth, TX to Lancing, Tennessee. My fan base is rock, pop-rock, electronic rock fans. What would you never apologize for? I've never apologized for my corky side haha  Who is your "hero" and what does a hero mean to you? Lacey Sturm is my Hero. She is an amazing person all the way around! KIND hearted, amazing rock artist, a Mother, and she is devoted to her beliefs. A Hero is someone who helps someone else in their time of need. We are all capable of being a hero.   What exotic location would you most like to visit or perform when COVID is finally over? Any location with a beach! I have always been mesmerized by the sea maybe because I'm a Pisces.    How do you juggle the day job and the dream career, or are they one and the same? I am a stay-at-home Mom with 4 children (Rock Mom). My day as a singer-songwriter doesn't start until the kids are tucked in their beds. Balancing my time has been a CHALLENGE but I wouldn't have it any other way! ♥️   instagram.com/katiesantiago_music Interview by: bsquaredmgmt.com

Los Angeles Singer/Songwriter David J strives to create music that has a natural level of captivation. David J allows his music to have a natural level of ardor, which means that his tracks often manifest a quality sense of balance. With mid-tempo productions, combined with nonchalant vocal stylings, the music of David J is able to reach a certain climate that stimulates a variety of sensations for all listeners alike. The glamorous synth collection in David J's latest single release, "PROM KING", paints a vivid and vibrant picture for listeners. Light-hearted sultry tones shape the essence of the single, which fits perfectly into the narrative that David J brings to light. "PROM KING" submerges listeners into an alluring atmosphere filled with a persistent elegant beat, and David J's vocals fit right into the ambiance he effortlessly projects. "PROM KING" is ultimately concerned about surface-level topics, and David J does his best at morphing the energy of the track to feel poised, never compromising on its structure. All in all, David J served charm and style in "PROM KING", and we're intrigued to see what this youthful artist will come to release next. Hello David, and welcome to BuzzMusic. What kind of vision went into mastering the production of "PROM KING"? Going into the production, I wanted to create something that has a dancing feeling, and something lighthearted. I think this particular project is a relief for me in terms of being carefree and just celebrating the youth that I so deeply remember and wish to hold onto as long as possible. I wanted this song to be something that sounds like what you would hear out of a speaker in a boutique store, so not being too serious, is the vision that I had for the project in general. With a clean and simplistic, "PROM KING" was able to feel incredibly transparent. Would you say that this was the intention of the track? I think I would say that this was the intention of the track. I always gravitate towards very emotional songs, and sometimes I feel like if I were to be drowning into those somber moments, I might not hold onto the happiness and a desire that I have. This song is really to give my teenage year of voice to express the feeling and the expectation that I always had. As this song releases on my birthday, it is also a reflection of previous years and how they meant a whole lot to me in terms of my growth. Your music has always had a clear purpose in mind: stimulating listeners to be their authentic selves. How do you feel that "PROM KING" helped contribute to this message? “PROM KING” is, as the title refers, written based on a quintessential experience of high school. I did not have the picture-perfect, ideal prom. I went with a bunch of friends of mine and I loved it, but it's different from what you see in the movies or TV shows, that people usually go with their date or somebody that they are in a relationship with. I feel like because I missed out on this particular occasion the way it was portrayed in my mind, I wanted to give people, who did not have necessarily the most fulfilled high school experience, something to hold onto. Through and through, what I want to express is that I have been in a similar situation with a lot of different people who might think that they're going through them by themselves. And to know that it is OK to experience things the way they are, but also have certain imaginations and expectations that one always has. As an emerging music artist, what kind of obstacles have you faced thus far that you felt aided in propelling your career forward? I appreciate the fact that I can do what I do right now with the resources that I've been blessed with. I think the sheer amount of Music that is being put out every single day motivates me to be better, and to do something authentic to me. The artist that I admire the most, Mariah Carey, wrote her songs from her personal experience that are true to her. The reason that I feel so connected to her lyrics and her songs is that she puts her past into them, and makes them into entities that are truly magical and personal. At the end of the day, all I want to do is to give people who may not have a voice to speak out about any past experiences, and an outlet to express themselves. And I think the authenticity and the genuine feeling behind it speak volumes. What has been your biggest source of inspiration while creating new music this year? Listening to different types of music gives me fresh perspectives each time. The songs that I produce and write are the songs that I feel like I would enjoy listening to. Not to say that I wouldn't write any heartthrob ballads or emo songs, at this particular moment I love making music that makes me feel some type of way. I also started working with my sound engineer Fabio, and he helps me with production, mixing, and mastering along the way. As I learn different things, I embody them into my music and projects that I am currently working on. instagram.com/iamdavid.j facebook.com/daaaaavidj #BUZZMUSIC

Chicago's acoustic Singer/Songwriter Isaiah Hubbird releases his deeply emotional and genuine single, "How I Feel." The mere thought of impacting others through his words keeps Hubbird inspired to let his emotions flow through each song. Recently rebranding his music through the use of his full name, Isaiah Hubbird is proudly embracing who he is to lead by example for any listener struggling with similar challenges. Giving listeners a track they can heavily relate with, "How I Feel" tells Hubbird's personal story of falling in love with somebody and capturing that picturesque moment in the song. The soft and heartfelt instrumentals bring incredibly pleasing melodies that help the listener drift into a serene space with Isaiah Hubbird's poetic lyricism. "How I Feel" begins with a sweet ukulele and distant piano, setting the track's emotional and passionate tone. Once Isaiah Hubbird's warm and tender vocals appear the song shifts into this mesmerizing ballad through vulnerable and endearing lyrics. Explaining how he struggles to find the courage to exclaim his love for someone, we can't help but feel this breathtaking cinematic sensation through the song's heavenly atmosphere. While Isaiah Hubbird continues to describe his aching passion for this person, the supporting strings, ukulele, and ghost vocals finish the piece on an incredibly serene and warm note. Isaiah Hubbird exudes such pure passion within his delicate lyricism on "How I Feel," and we love each captivating moment of this heartfelt and romantic storyline. Hello Isaiah, thank you for sitting down with us to discuss your latest release "How I feel." May we start by saying, what a beautiful and mesmerizing piece you've created with "How I Feel." Could you tell us what your songwriting process was like when forming such straightforward and romantic lyrics? I wrote this song back in 2016 when I was in college. It was originally performed on acoustic guitar and has definitely been one of my favorite pieces. I went through a usual time of growing feelings for someone, so to kept it simple by expressing every emotion I was feeling at that time. Transitioning the song to ukulele helped add a unique environment to the song. I do plan on releasing an acoustic version in the future to hear both emotions. Did you come up with the lyrics prior to the instrumentals for "How I Feel"? How did you expand the song's atmosphere to become so warm and compelling? I started with the lyrics first for this song. I wanted to ensure I had the right words to fit the story I portrayed. In the composition stage, I wanted to emphasize on a dreamy void of feelings. Thus, I used a choir/soloist and some soothing strings. To top it off, I created a cello that had a sharper response to really feel the intensity of the chorus. Does "How I Feel" stand out in any way from the rest of your discography? Do you usually create such vulnerable and reflective lyrics within your songs? “How I Feel” stands out from my other songs because the vibes are surreal. It takes you on a journey of fantasy, yet the words behind the story are true.  If you think this song is vulnerable, just wait until you hear the full album coming next year. We've heard that 2020 saw the rebranding of your music through the use of your full name. Why did you want to make this change, and do you feel that your music is more personal now that we know the man behind the mic? I began using my full name so that I can finally express myself truly. I don’t want to hide behind the curtain of a stage name anymore. This helps create an environment of sincerity to those who listen to my music. The next set of tunes I have planned are extremely personal, yet will share the reality that many others live through. I am excited to share my story for others to understand and relate to. What has been keeping you inspired this year? For someone who's struggling to be creative, what advice can you give them? My main inspiration is finding myself. The beginning of this year was pretty rough, but it is smooth now. I have the time and passion for music that I once had in the past. For those who are struggling to create, write about it. Art is a glorious gift given to all of us. It would be a shame to not use it at all. For the times that I struggle, I find answers and solutions through many channels available anywhere. Whether it be the universe, other artists, or just deeply listening to what I desire... you’ll overcome it and make something magical. instagram.com/isaiahangelhubbird facebook.com/IsaiahAngelHubbird #BUZZMUSIC

John Sparling is the Orlando-based songster hailing from Boston, M.A., with a keen ear for nuanced decidence. Since his breakthrough in 2018—where he shared stage and spotlight with the likes of Von Smith and Robyn Adele Anderson—Sparling has been a sought after collaborator in the music scene, and with each new year that passes, a fresh chapter in his independent strive for success. Sparling's notoriety has already been well established for his vocal mastery. With the latest rendition of "Use Somebody," arriving off his festooned musical catalog, the Floridian-magnetic exudes a distinct vocalized tenderness over the String Orchestrations attached. Sparling has the exquisite gift of transporting his audience headfirst into warm and snug rhapsodies through the sheer captivating character in his voice. On his cover, the sentiments are much of the same. There's an opening piano that dims the light down-low, setting the mood for an infatuating sonic endeavor before a soft-swell of lush strings decorate the airy atmosphere's adjoining edges with a prismatic hue; giving enough space for the Florida-based intoner to fly freely. Sparling's incantations are so precise; it's as if the maestro vocal conduit is singing right before our eyes amongst a warm candle-lit chamber; stimulating us with effortless enthusiasm, and plunging us into his mystifying world of cherubic eruptions near the end. It's a far arms stretch from the Alt-rock character of the original, but it's a comforting reach. Sparling grabs at the fuzzy bits of air that engorge his mix's vast expanses and manufactures a vocal decidence that only comes around every couple of decades. Here, on his reimagining of "Use Somebody," John Sparling takes his next defining steps as Musical and Vocal notoriety—and we can't get enough of it. Hello John, welcome to BuzzMusic, it's wonderful to have you with us. What was your inspiration behind taking this Alt-Rock original and orchestrating it into your own beautiful Contemporary reimagining? When I’m selecting a piece to cover I tend to spend a lot of time scrolling through Spotify or browsing my old Itunes collection and I play along with them on the piano.  In this particular case, I had some fond memories of an old cruise ship gig I had at the time this song came out, so I was immediately drawn to try and work with it.  The melody of the “Ohs” in the chorus was something that stuck out to me as a nice piano line so I started messing around with it.  That arpeggiated vocal line when played on the piano turned into this beautiful mournful sonority with some additional chord changes and it really morphed in front of my eyes into what it is now. Can you tell us about some of the sentiments you needed to channel in order to achieve the captivating vocal performance you conducted here? I was a musical theater kid growing up and I have always wanted to tell a story when I sing. In this case, just reading the first line “I’ve been roaming around always looking down…” spoke as a person describing their search for something in almost a dreamlike state.  So, I took that and tried to relate it to something of my own.  The desperate desire for someone to hear me was what I pulled from.  Not just the words I am speaking, but to fully understand the scope of whatever I’m going through.  As a person that has dealt with a severe anxiety disorder (I’m sure anyone else that does can relate) the feeling of expressing themselves and not being taken completely seriously due to the elevated emotions involved in the disorder.  Being invalidated constantly is a challenge and this arrangement was a great way to put the emotional impact of that into the tone of the piece. What was it like working with Tanner Johnson on this track, and how did you two collaborate over the string instrumentation for this cover? This is my favorite question! Tanner is such an incredible musician and I’ve wanted to collaborate with him for a while now.  I asked if he had the ability to record himself and I’m a big supporter of individual inspiration, so I didn’t want to steer him in any way.  I sent him the track and he got to work.  Now at the time, I expected to get back a recording with a nice violin line over top but when I heard this fully fleshed out string arrangement I literally shouted at my computer!! And that was it, no re-submission with notes, I took it completely as it was and with the help of my good friend Dan Reynolds at Sound Seer Studios mixed it all down for release. Can you tell us about a crucial Milestone you've been working towards achieving this year? What are some of the steps you've been taking to accomplish this goal every day? I live in Orlando and have been a full-time musician for two years in town.  When the pandemic hit everything stopped and I found myself looking at another rebuilding period.  I have two major goals, one is building a student portal for online music lessons and the other is producing consistent musical content.  I want to have the content point to the services and the services point to the content to have both passions of mine help facilitate the other.  I’m working every day with my wife to be doing outreach to the music community and also ensuring that I keep up with providing the highest quality content I can provide. What has been keeping you inspired in 2020? My wife and stepdaughter.  I got married in April, and I am so motivated to continue doing what I love and being able to contribute to my family.  They are both my biggest fans and it’s easy to get up and get after it every day when you have a support system like that. instagram.com/john_sparling facebook.com/Sparlingmusic #BUZZMUSIC