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Back in April of 2019, singer/songwriter Jesse Vega released his single "Let Me" to precede his pop/R&B album 'Who I Am.' The song is meant to be carefree and spunky, an anthem to all those crazy summer memories of falling in love. Jesse Vega's unique vocals give the upbeat pop song a gritty feel, very different from what you typically hear on pop radio. He loosely moves through the melody, getting lost in his lyrics. His vocal effects give another jubilant layer to the song. He is accompanied by a simple, catchy beat that matches the fun and fearless atmosphere of the lyrics. Jesse switches it up for the bridge and gives us a rap verse that feels more natural and suited to his voice. He flows through the words with emotion, but still keeping his cheerful summer vibe. Jesse's lyrics encompass summer love at its finest, full of passion and longing for something so new and exciting. He put a lot of energy into the track and made sure the production fits his high-spirited personality. The music video for "Let Me" has just recently celebrated one year on YouTube, featuring eccentric dancing and beach fun, so be sure to go show it some love. Hello Jesse, and a warm welcome to BuzzMusic. What Was your creative process like for “Let Me”? When did the idea spark in your head? Let me originally was titled “Exotic” back in 2008. The song initially had an open verse. Due to massive changes in my life, the song got put on hold. It was not until when I went Back into the studio in early 2018 when I was In the early stages of working on my sophomore album “Who I Am” I decided To pick up where I left Off 10 years ago. While coming up with ideas, melodies, and new material for my new sophomore project. The idea sparked up my creative process while walking by Bedford Park Boulevard in the Bronx. I was Leaving Lehman College and I was waiting for the 4 train. Within 20 minutes I went from picking up a 10-year-old song named “Exotic” and re-changing my melodies and style into an Island/pop song now changed to what it called “Let Me.” Do you ever see yourself experiencing with different genres? As an artist when recording music or coming up with ideas is very important to try new things and stretch your creative brain muscle. For me, my main basis when Taking on new sounds I’m like does this compliment my personality. Will, I ever See myself performing this and how can the element of dance add on to this new style when I expose Myself to an audience or the internet.  There always has to be a connection between me as the artist and the music I'm conveying to the world.  How Long have you been making music & who are your inspirations? As of September 2020, it will make 4 Years I been Doing music professionally on putting out my own original work. I always Was intrigued and inquisitive with the idea of recording and doing music since I was 17 years old. It took me years and years of believing in myself till I turn 25. A big part of my huge inspiration that pushed me to do it was my Father. God rest his soul he died in 2014 due to Prostate Cancer. My father, Always knew his son was talented at a young age from doing Acting, Dancing, and when he saw I was doing Cover Music Videos and singing other artist’s songs. He himself as well as my Mom always wanted me to do my own original material. At that time of my life, I was too stubborn to believe I can expose myself freely without being in another artist's shadow. It was the fear of not being accepted and not good enough to have people still be comfortable with a new “Jesse Vega”. Your last album was released back in the summer of 2019, do you have any new music releases planned for the near future? To be honest I am....not at the moment I don’t Have anything to release or put out. I’m creating ideas and themes and what sounds I would Like to tap into for a future project or possibly a record of some sort. I’m just enjoying the process of being content and proud that I can Say I have Finally had more than 1 album on my belt. To not only be proud of achieving the unthinkable of just doing that. At this time I’m at a good place to give myself more credit then what I tend To do. There many people and artists who don’t even have 1 récord out let alone multiple albums. So I think that says that enough for one person to do. instagram.com/jessev3ga #BUZZMUSIC

Los Angeles based vaporwave band The Antennae keeps passion flowing with their latest hit, "Lavender." Known as a band from another planet, this spacey group creates a unique mix of retro-future and vaporwave alongside a hefty alternative-rock groove. With vast influences across space and time, the group never shies away from the unknown. Their recent hit "Lavender" blasts the listener above this planet and into the celestials with tightly-wound electronic production elements, heavy and intriguing male vocals, and a gripping alternative-rock sensation. We can't help but get lost in the deep and profound atmosphere The Antennae has captured with this massive track. "Lavender" opens with a tight kick drum, a pulsing bassline, and haunting yet irresistible synth progressions. Once the deep and clear male vocals set in, the complimenting melodies give the track such vibrance and depth. With added electric guitar overtop the mid-tempo pace, the instrumentals swell into this transcendent mix of past and present electronic production techniques. With a heartfelt lyrical message of loving someone with your whole heart and wanting to fight for the connection, we honestly can't get enough of The Antennae's passion and power infused into this track. Blending musical elements from across the board to create "Lavender," The Antennae is here to stay with their powerhouse sound. Why did you choose "Lavender" to be the intro track for your recent album "Two-Headed Dragon?" This song was one of the first songs we recorded. It seems to resonate with people right now. It’s a strong love song with a dark edge. The music video for it has had a good response so far. Where did the group find inspiration for "Lavender?" Was it more of a collective realization, or an individual one? The song started out on an acoustic. Very intimate. I wrote it for someone not knowing if I’d ever share it. I went into the studio thinking it would just be me and guitar but when I played the notes on bass the entirely new approach appeared. The pulse of it demanded the synths and the eventual full production. We made sure that the track was driving, dark and anthemic. How did your creative process begin with regards to "Lavender?" How does The Antennae split up and divide your process? The process starts with a song concept that I write on the guitar. The main parts fleshed out. Murv and I work on the main beat and build the song from there. Murv and I work out the arrangement. A lot of times additional lyrics and melodies are written while recording when I know where the song is going. There’s usually a moment when the song becomes alive when the vibe is apparent. That’s when the moment and inspiration hit to add what needs to be added. Murv and I perform on guitar, bass, synths, and drums. We go with the best ideas. I usually go wild with harmonies or additional melodies at that point. Speaking on your album "Two-Headed Dragon," did you tie in a particular story or concept within the project's entirety? Yes! Great question. The album is a journey and almost has a story arch. It begins with innocence (Lavender) and ends with perseverance against all odds (Empress Of Taurus). The last song shows that the characters are from another world. There’s darkness and light as the tracks progress. What has been keeping you inspired in 2020? Another great question. The music is what kept me inspired. During these strange and challenging times, writing and recording this album was done out of a deep need. It made the world make sense to me. The songs were a message to anyone including myself before the chaos drowned it out. Music can be used that way. It’s not bound by time or events. Songs can transcend the moment. Good or bad ones. instagram.com/theantennae theantennae.com #BUZZMUSIC

Poe the Passenger is the budding musical assemblage dead-set on injecting some integral vitality in the hollow carcass of today's Alternative-rock scene. I t's a mission and ethos they've fostered since their artistic conception in the City of Angels, and it continues to fuel their relentless release of records powered by their unabating sense of gregariousness, organic affectivity, and Contemporary Rock sonic substance. Their last creative endeavor from 2020 rendered up the jovial upbeat "My Own,"—a pop-tinged indie-rock reminiscent experience. But this year, their creative intuitions land somewhere in the bordering lines between Nothing But Thieves' daring, Muse's thematics, and Panic at the Disco!'s bubbly carbonation—especially on their newest single, "Sweet Talk." "Sweet Track" is a track that dissolves into existence the same way wind swipes the hats off our heads—from out of nowhere. The band's turbulent energy builds over an exaggerated saturated distortion of the guitar as it steers with a melodic riff mirroring the topline in the chorus: "Stuck in between my teeth, forever tongue 'n' cheek, whose even buyin' in?" It's a song retrospective about the modern age's artificiality, and how you're better off presenting authentic and minimizing the obsession over your social status. With a hard hammering industrial Rock-beat supporting behind them and the sensuously playful vocals steering at the wheel of this acoustically adorned mix, Poe the Passenger aim steadily and with full focus over the "revive" button on our modern alternative rock headspaces. Hello Poe The Passenger, it's great to sit down and chat with you about your latest release "Sweet Talk." Can you walk us through some of the growing experiences you've undergone as a band during the writing and recording process for "Sweet Talk?" The band has grown a lot tighter since the conception of "Sweet Talk".  We’ve all been friends for some time now, but a little over a year ago, we all moved in together.  Living together has given us a much better understanding of each other from both a personal and musical level.  As a result, we feel like our songs have gotten tighter as well. What's been something you've confided in for the alt-rock aesthetics and energetic character that you've been able to render so vividly over this new single? Musically, "Sweet Talk" is definitely a result of our hard rock upbringing.  We’ve all at one time or another had a fascination with heavier music. During the writing process, we pulled from some of those nostalgic feelings while putting a slightly more mature filter on it.  Lyrically it’s a vibe check for anyone who believes clout is more important than authenticity. It’s really a satirical commentary on the culture of Hollywood. How do you excite your imaginations when writing a song during periods where your artistic impulses are just not guiding you in the direction? Did you find yourself channeling into these fuels for Sweet Talk? Around the time "Sweet Talk" was written, we all started taking the writing process a lot more seriously.  Even if we’re not feeling inspired, we try to write every day.  The day "Sweet Talk" was written was one of those days we didn’t feel so inspired.  Whenever this happens, we try to listen to other songs and pull out certain elements that we like.  Believe it or not, we came up with the main riff for "Sweet Talk" while jamming out to the song ‘Sucker’ by the Jonas Brothers.  Now we have no idea how that happened, haha, but it definitely serves as a reminder that inspiration can be manifested in many different ways. How have you been giving back to your community as a band during these unsettling times? At times artists can really get stuck in their own little universe, and we’re no different.  However, this pandemic has really put things into perspective and has served as a reminder that there’s a lot of people that can use some sort of assistance.  We’re lucky to have such loyal followers which have helped us give generous donations to the Innocence Project, Inner-City Arts, Children of Armenia, and Hope for the Day. We believe firmly in community and togetherness. During this time we’ve been able to re-center ourselves and show listeners around the world that we’re all in this together. What has been keeping you inspired in 2020? A few things have been keeping us inspired these days.  For starters, we’re inspired by anyone that has reached out to us and told us how our music has helped them through these dark times. Furthermore, we’re inspired by all the artists that have continued to make great music and have pushed the boundaries of their sound.  We’re also really inspired by one another. This time has really allowed us to grow closer as friends and bandmates, which in turn gives us an opportunity to learn new things about each other. Continuing to get to know your closest friends is truly a gift that we’re thankful for. instagram.com/poethepassenger facebook.com/poethepassenger #BUZZMUSIC

The California sun-kissed group, The Joy Reunion, breaks down barriers and makes a name for themselves as a budding Country music-making collective to keep an eye on this year. The group's spectacularly astounding layered harmonies and the eloquent affecting nature of their songwriting skills are showcased throughout their creative musical amalgamations. Their latest single, "Suntan Lotion" is drenched with the kinds of vibed-out Contemporary flare that we all crave. "Suntan Lotion" grooves with a confident-forward propelling pace, and into the husky frames of music where waves of luscious Southern signifying sonics congregate from the cornerstones of Blues, Alternative, and Contemporary Country. Over a glossy and modern brushed-up production of sizzling gliding guitars, a bumping rhythm section the three-part harmonies that the Cali-based have earned renown for captivating with a magnetizing pull. The aesthetic of this track shines dazzling and vibrant with an upswing tempo and an enamoring top-line hook that glazes over the three intoners' synergistic nature as they all sing together at once—weaving and mingling their soprano, tenor, and bass like veteran professionals. The journey through "Suntan Lotion" —and frankly any of The Joy Reunion's Country Catalog—provokes an urge to sing along as the crooners versify about turning back the clock on Summer, slapping on the UV protection and soaking in the Sun rays. How do you manage to synergies and blend your vocal performances together so effortlessly? Are you naturally musically connected in this way, or is this the product of years of practice? We’re blessed in that our vocal synergies happened naturally! We definitely have to work at being tight, learning parts, syncopating, and aligning our phrasing and when to end particular melodies, but wonderfully we naturally hear all the harmonies and most often just know where to go. The blend and the sound came pretty effortlessly. We always say that when the three of us sing together it creates one unique sound instead of three individual sounds. We really listen to one another and really try hard to make sure that one of us isn’t overbearing. We’ve been singing so long together now that we automatically blend and adjust to make sure we hit that sweet spot. What's been your most impactful moment of growth and development as a band, and how do you all work towards continuing that progression? I don’t know that there was just one moment, but early in our friendship, we realized we could just really be ourselves. All parts of ourselves, be it our dorky inner child, broken-hearted messes, serious or playful, etc.. That was really freeing to be able to write and create because there were really no inhibitors. I think that can only grow as we continue to process our life together through music and friendship and I think that’s probably our greatest strength in working together, which will keep us progressing. But also, learning each other’s strengths, we have gotten much more “efficient” I guess you could say in our process. When did you realize your identity as 'The Joy Reunion," and what were some of the initial challenges of identifying what makes you unique and individualistic as a Country music band? I think we could write a whole book on this question alone – lol. Ultimately, the three of us just know that we have to be making music together and singing together, in any capacity. We’ve played together collectively for over 12 years, but it wasn’t until we realized that “any capacity” meant that we didn’t care about “Making It” anymore or playing the game to move ahead in the music industry, we simply just said, “Let’s enjoy making music together, let’s write whatever we want to write, let’s create something that gives us pure joy and let’s be authentic.” It wasn’t until we let all the other stuff go that comes along with being artists whose dreams are making a living in the music industry, that things started to flow. Authenticity and humility are what we keep telling ourselves, it fuels us to stay true, it’s our compass. As musicians, it’s really easy to say “Oh there’s already a band like us” or “There’s already a 1 Girl / 2 Guy country act out there killing it,” you can easily discourage yourself in thinking that there is no room for you (both personally in life, or musically in the world). It’s simply not true. Everyone has a story to tell, and for the three of us, we really overcame that way of thinking and we dove into our songwriting, our stories, and the authenticity of our music. When you have three extremely close friends who trust each other personally and musically going through all stages of life (long-term marriage, divorce, singledom, break-ups, raising children, parents dying, rekindled love, etc.), the things to write about are endless – and you blend that content with harmonies, and country, folk, blues, Americana, pop and rock backgrounds – we use all of this to fuel our uniqueness as artists and creators. Can you dive in and tell us a bit about the animated music video for "Suntan Lotion"? For this video, we collaborated with Brick Corner; who are legendary stop motion Lego animators. It was amazing to see them bring Lego characters to life and tell a story alongside our music. The video reminds us not to waste time chasing things in life that aren’t meant for you. Brick Corner told this story in such a unique and fun way and we couldn’t be happier with the result! When can we expect some more music from you? We are currently in the studio working on a new project that we are really excited about. We will be announcing it in the coming months and are really looking forward to this next chapter of music. We can’t wait to share what we have up or sleeves... Stay tuned y’all. instagram.com/thejoyreunion thejoyreunion.com #BUZZMUSIC

David Stone's music has been compared to Canadian Icons from the likes of The Tragically Hip to The Barenaked Ladies and even Gordon Lightfoot. This is not to say his music sits stagnant under the umbrella of Folk or Contemporary music, but instead, it's a comparison that verifies the diverse borrowed after-glow he bestows onto his listeners through his warm textured cantor. This year, the central-Ontario based songster finds comfort over a gracious measure and a warm, earthy supporting instrumentation on his latest single, "Evelyn"—a love song that penetrates through to even the coldest, most embittered hearts. Here, on the latest offerings of David's reputably enamoring songwriting, an acoustic guitar sets the stage and rhythm before the Canadian's voice lays into us with all its gripping tonality. It's a type of intimate rendering that makes us feel like we're sitting in the same low-lit room as David with our eyes closed and listening intently as he enchants us with his gripping choruses. Then the band swoops in just before the downbeat, expanding the size of this seemingly candle-lit acoustic set by tenfold. The drums here punch with a gritty earthiness and drive mid-tempo, propelling forward with a succulent bass in tow. There's percussion in the form of a tambourine here—that adds to the whole acoustic aesthetic—but the more focusing part that gives our ears a pull is the atmospheric pads that swell in the backdrops of this record, giving David Stone's love ballad a divine and mystifying spark. Listen to "Evelyn" here. Hello David and a warm welcome to BuzzMusic. What sorts of bands moved you most when music first poked its influential head in on your life? Bands like The Tragically Hip have stuck with me for as far back as I can remember as if their music was always there. I was always really excited about the music my dad listened to when I was young, the 90's alt-rock and grunge, 80's and early 90's Metallica, bands like The Clash and Stiff Little Fingers, Rush and Queen, and out-liers like Bjork. I got really into metal and punk for a while, and still listen to everything Propagandhi and Protest the Hero release. It wasn't until my mid-teens, to early '20s that folk music (my Mom's taste in music), and alt-country started to make sense for me. Neil Young, Corb Lund, Noah Gundersen, Bruce Cockburn, Bob Seger, Blue Rodeo, and Barenaked Ladies come to mind as influences that came about later on. I try to listen to everything and pay attention to great songwriters and lyricists especially. How has your own life experiences helped you develop as an artist, and what have been some milestone lessons you've learned along the way? I played hockey for 12 years, as a goalie and it taught me really early on, what I put into something determines what I get back. I grew up in a small touristy town in Ontario, Canada, and spent a lot of my childhood outdoors. The people, places, and everyday happenings I can recall from my life have made for great lyrical inspiration for me. The most important lesson I've learned as an artist is to do things myself whenever possible. Recording and producing my own music, playing everything on my recordings, booking my own gigs, and designing my own album art, etc. Especially when I was starting out, this philosophy got me gigging, and selling albums without any outside support. Where do you find the fuel for your creative intuitions, and have you ever experienced a severe writer's block? I love to write. That was all the fuel I needed, even before I had a guitar in my hand, and it's still enough today. A few years back I was lamenting to my wife about being stuck while writing a song, and she suggested something to the effect of "maybe you're just working on the wrong song". Looking at writer's block as just writing the wrong song, is sometimes a practical way around getting stuck in a rut. When can we expect to see another album from you, and do you have any plans on extending your musical prowess into other genres? The plan is to have a new album out in late 2020 or early 2021. I have a handful of songs already recorded, as well as some demos to work with, along with whatever I can come up with between now and then. I've always tried to be a bit fluid when it comes to genre, and focus more on what feels like a good song, rather than what feels like a "David Stone" song. I try to challenge myself both in the writing and recording process to keep evolving and improving on the last thing I did. What has been keeping you inspired in 2020 My daughter, Evelyn was born in March, about two weeks before everything started to shut down. My wife and I ended up isolated at home with her for weeks before we had anyone over for backyard visits, and months before we visited anyone, or opened our small circle up to close family and friends. Evelyn has been a source of constant inspiration throughout the past six months. I wrote her song not long after we brought her home, and kept writing and recording with her on my lap, in her carrier or napping nearby during all hours of the day and night as we adjusted to having a newborn at home. The conversations with Grandparents and other simple everyday things usually make for good inspiration too. instagram.com/davidstonemusic facebook.com/DavidStoneMusic #BUZZMUSIC

Texas native and country singer/songwriter Misty Dawn keeps her head held high with her latest single, "Mountains." Creating music known as show-country, Misty Dawn blends musical theatre, soul country, outlaw country, and Americana into her music for a gripping experience. Her latest single "Mountains" serves listeners a slice of introspection with a side of hope. Misty noted that this single is a celebration of life, loss, and writing a personal narrative. Her soaring vocals rain down from the "Mountains," and her lyricism creates another deepened space for listeners to indulge easily. Not to mention the track being an ode to Misty Dawn's late father who passed his love of the mountains and singing over to Misty, she's truly created a beautiful song that grasps every aspect life delivers. "Mountains" begins with Misty Dawn's powerful vocals singing with such clarity and poise, while she's accompanied by sole acoustic guitar. Once the entire instrumental sets in, the track's up-tempo pace brings fiery energy for the listener to get lost. The intoxicating show-country sound she's created pushes through heavily on this track. We can hear the purity and unhindered passion exuding from Misty Dawn as she sings an incredibly positive message of moving forward. With instrumentals from the violin, fiddle, kicking drums, and banjo, Misty Dawn strikes back with a lively country tune that defies the genre's boundaries and pushes into her distinctive sound. "Mountains" effortlessly keeps our energy up, while Misty Dawn shines a light over the ups and downs of life, reminding us to take each day one hopeful step at a time. We love the message on your single "Mountains." What was your initial inspiration for the song, and how did you shape it to be an ode to your late father? I was living in Tucson, Arizona at the time and was surrounded by mountains! I happened to be out at a desert hippie sweat and when I came out the mountains just had this wonderful pink glow to them. At that moment, a melody started to float into my head. As the song to shape, it became clear how connected it was to my father, who LOVED the mountains and had started hiking with me strapped to his back when I was one year old. During his life, he faced many peaks and valleys. He was sick with Parkinson's for 15 years but through that whole time, he always held his head high and remained one of the most joyful men I know. So it just felt like a fitting way to honor him. How did you craft the song's instrumentals to give off such a passionate and energetic atmosphere? Did you work with any producers, engineers, or musicians to make your vision come to life? I worked with Dango Rose and Evan Reeves of the Elephant Collective. Dango is the founder of Elephant Revival so he already had that wild, mountain folk style in his bones. I knew he was the one to work with. I also knew it was a big song and needed the banjo, fiddle, etc. so it was a matter of finding all of the right players and once we did it all feel in place. I feel like the collaboration really captured the energy of the message in the song. Everyone came to the table with ideas that brought it to life! When writing the lyrics for your single "Mountains," how did you go about writing incredibly inspirational and positive lyrics during such an uncertain time? I've always returned to the belief that no matter how challenging something you might be facing is, it's only temporary. It's hard to zoom out when you are in the thick of the hard times but taking that bird's eye view can be useful and pushing forward. I suppose I have a bit of an eternal optimist in me! How did you initially come across your unique show-country sound? How do you go about blending different musical aspects to create this? I have a degree in theatre and have done a TON of musical theatre, so I kind of can't escape that sound and song structure. Funny, I actually rebelled against country music (growing up in Texas) but when I sat down to write that was apparently what was in my bones! What has been keeping you inspired throughout 2020? Honestly, putting this music out there. Initially, I thought about holding off because of the pandemic and then kind of realized that it was the perfect time to put it out there. It's inspiring me to make more music and lean into the feelings, thoughts, struggles, and joys that we are collectively experiencing through it all. instagram.com/mistydawnmusic facebook.com/mistythemuse #BUZZMUSIC

Born and raised in an impoverished neighborhood in Miami, Florida, Mi. Yayø found mental serenity through making Music. His passion was never one he ventured on profiting from; it was merely a form of meditation that brought the fleshy bits of this Rapper's experience-rich past to the surface. That was until those closest to Yayø realized how captivating his musicology was, and the kinds of melody he was making from the depth of his studio. With motivation at it's highest, and a clique behind him to support the path his creative intuitions leads him on, this budding artist is on the trajectory upwards, having already released six single just this year. And as if he received the go-ahead from the energies that rule from above, his last Single to drop, "Painful Nights," lands graciously after a longwinded business entertainment complication from the past. Life begins on the other side of despair. When Mi. Yayø writes his Music, he taps into the vulnerable parts of his core, manifests a Rapper aesthetic, and devises an in-depth story about the pain he's experienced living in the poverty-stricken streets if Miami—and finds healing by doing so. Here, the young budding artist distributes his verses like a 'from around the block' Emcee, before he renders a more elegist type flow for his captivating hook. He has a distinctive way of dancing over each syllable he produces, and as if to rectify his distraught emotions, he does it with a fervent cantor. It's a short, but sweet cut from the Miami-born wordsmith and singer, and most of the song's memoir lives for the hook. With a Contemporary tinge from an acoustic guitar sample spilling over minor chords, he croons, "look me in my eyes, you see the pain, you don't know from where I came," as the trip-hop production supporting behind him dissolves into the nothingness, decompression as it leaves Mi. Yayø's Musical world. What inspired you to start getting into Music in the first place? Was there an influential artist who sparked some creative flame in you early on? What inspired me to get into music? A depression actually. I've always been musically inclined growing up and being around countless musicians, but it was the depression that kept me isolated with music eventually mixing Marijuana and instrumentals and letting the creativity flow. Can you describe the most challenging part about releasing songs that you have such a deep connection with and the vulnerability you might feel as a result? The songs I have a deeper connection with are more sacred which comes with more planning due to the reach of the fans. Already with them loving what I release, I know they'll love my personal favorites. Because of this, I've stored some in the vault, but already released a few ( Painful Nights, Do Not Disturb, One of a kind) to the fans to give an insight on who I am as an artist and person. Basically, telling stories to let people know we all go through something. Where do you see yourself going creatively in the next year? Do you have any plans on collaborating with other Artists or working with a Producer? In the next year, I see myself as a representation of a label, business-minded! I have some ideas on who I do want to work with in the future, but that'll be for the energy to attract. On the other hand, I am very open to working with anyone, as long as it makes sense. And that's determined on a couple of things. When can we expect to see a full-length album from you? And if it was in the works already, could you hint about what the narrative might be for the Record? An Album? Well due to my rookie year in the music industry my focus was attacking different sounds to display my versatility. In doing so, the request for an album has been a consistent request from the fans. So for the fans, this is the OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT An album will be dropping in the final quarter of the year. The official date will be announced via Instagram @Iam_miyay What has been your biggest motivation and inspiration while creating new music this year? My biggest inspiration has been my CORE! Shoutout to my daughter, daughter's mom, Kool, Vonnie, B. Jones, Proph, my family locking in, and my supporters/fans. Each individual has motivated in some way they may not even know. Bt THANK YALL! Instagram.com/Iam_Miyay #BUZZMUSIC

The digital age is facilitating a shift in not only the way we consume music but the way we use it too. With music now easily produced, shared, and explored online, it is understandable that the traditional way of promoting music is quickly becoming one of several options. In the past, artists used to put music out and hit the road, gigging, courting the music press, and cajoling radio stations to give them airplay. Whilst that is still a route to success, it is perhaps one taken by fewer artists than ever before. Myspace was the first site to really promote the music industry as we see it today, sharing tunes for free and self-promoting, but as the world has become more reliant on the internet, opportunities have opened up. That is certainly the case in gaming, where soundtracks have become more in-depth for games, much like they used to be for films. Film soundtracks have often helped artists become synonymous with pop cultures, such as Celine Dion with Titanic, but as gaming grows as an industry, that link is becoming stronger and more diverse. Music and pop culture are drawing ever-closer together, with the Brother single ‘Without Us’ citing superhero The Flash as inspiration. Indeed, the two genres, gaming, and music, have come together in several ways in recent years, with one example being online slot machines. Leading gaming platform Foxy Games has numerous titles that are both directly adapted or loosely based on popular superhero characters and themes, such as Wonder Woman, Amazon Queen, and Justice League, all boasting vibrant soundtracks. Making gaming music is becoming an industry, with artists just as likely to make a living through producing music for games, pop culture, or otherwise, as they are hitting stages around the world. The growing world of eSports is another avenue for aspiring artists to get their music heard and facilitate some level of commercial success. As early as 2014, the world of eSports was helping to deliver exposure to bands via non-traditional means. League of Legends, the biggest eSports game in the world at the time, announced the 2014 tournament via a video featuring a clip from the new Imagine Dragons single, ‘Warriors’. It was an official video viewed 80 million times on YouTube, the band then performed live in a stadium in Seoul for the final, with 40,000 fans in front of them. Heading into 2021, it is predicted that eSports viewers will reach 450 million, as well as generating 1 Billion in revenue. That captive audience needs music to accompany their games, and for an aspiring artist, it is reaching people in their own homes like never before. Bands have been made by having their music feature on the menus of games such as FIFA, ensuring their tracks are in gamer’s heads before they even know who the artist is. The crossover is working both ways too, with established acts such as Jennifer Lopez and Drake investing in eSports. Drake is a gamer as well as a recording artist, and when he was streamed live playing against eSports superstar Tyler Ninja Blevin last year, it broke several viewing records. These are just a handful of the ways in which the music industry and gaming industry are beginning to blur the traditional lines of distribution and music consumption. With technology changing all the time, it is likely to become more obvious as we stride further into the new decade. #BUZZMUSIC

The Reno songster Jonny Rolling started out playing when he was only five, and soon after began creating distinctive-enough eclectic Hip-hop and Indie blending music. With 'Idle Wild,' his third extended play release after two welcomed predecessor records, he forges a more vibrant and imaginative sound. His jovial, Indie-retro method borrows freely but discerningly from among a broad selection of Indie-Pop-Rock and the exciting explorations of blues past, and more modern subgenres. This record a collection of smooth vividly illuminated passion songs from a guitar enthusiast's brain and manufactured from a period of self-growth and a local record store's worth of magnetism. The lead-in Groove-lounge capriccios of 'Idle Wild' and the Electric guitar-leading "If I Can" represents a bouncy new frontier for the songster, and though he toys with distinct characteristics of blues, he avoids compressing music's history into his compositions for pure aesthetic. Songs like the relentlessly grooving "Get Down" sounds like a single from an exceptionally tight contemporary-funk-rock band, but "Warm In The Middle" has the ballad-energy, and anything-goes sense of wonder over rapturous guitar solos reminiscent of the early-2000s amalgamating musicology—think Citizen Cope or Donavon Frankenreiter. These mirthful top-line melodies and light, bubbly hooks could snap into position over the Spotify playlists of anyone who enjoys stylistic sonics ranging from Contemporary R&B to Modern Blues, yet remains totally and irreducibly his own, both in class and stylistic rendition of all his combined influences that from his enamoring Guitar shaped silhouette. With electric licks and a smooth flex of his guitar's strings, 'Idle Wild' is a cohesive-minded record. If the guitars aren't jovial, its sense of groove is. Nevada plank spanking crooner has congregated his blues, rock, and smooth jazz magnetism with a savant's taste and the modern era's equal approach: every vibration is meticulously selected to serve the necessities of the moment where ever it may be—in the ripping transitional solos or the tantalizingly addictive melodies in each verse. With a killer swinging-tempo verse and lightheaded twinklings over the guitar, the exceptionally affecting "Dopamine" sounds like a serenading song from the playbook of someone like Hendrix, by way of his synergistic croons over his melodizing guitar howls—a highlight on this record. "Trü" sets origins in Soul music and Blues-Alt-Rock, as it persuades in a Citizen Cope reminiscent way. This artist's foundation shows up all this Extended Play, especially on this closing track that features an Emcee-like breakdown where Jonny goes off on a fervent stanza. And though it anchors his music nicely in the end, 'Idle Wild' is more like the musical approbations from a songwriting prodigy who dips his creative toes in all things modern blues and guitar-heavy. There is no cliché here, just some enthralling blues-guitars, a distinctive vibey texture, and a cohesive display of musicianship from the Reno-based songster himself. Hello Jonny, it's great to have you at BuzzMusic. How did your experience of creating this record compare some of your past Extended Plays? This was easily the most capable I’ve been in making a record in almost every regard. A good part of that is due to the musicians I worked with while making it: my buddies Matt Badd and Mac Esposito played drums and bass respectively, and they’re two of the best musicians I know. Working with them brought me up to a level of musicality I’ve never hit before. I finally made that jump from having to play a part dozens of times to only needing a handful of takes because it was so well-practiced and ready. There are real energy and vibe to playing something like it’s the first time it’s ever existed even though you’ve spent hours practicing it over and over. I was also very fortunate to have my cousin Adam Topol do some percussion on the record, which really got it over the finish line arrangement wise. Overall its some of the best writing, playing, and recording I’ve ever done with some of the best people I’ve ever worked with. What did you feel was most essential for you to highlight differently on Idle Wild compared to say something like Sugar Human from 2018? 'Idle Wild' is kind of a step forward and backward for me at the same time in that I got to highlight raw musicianship and songwriting more than I ever have while also approaching the project with a more traditionalist production style than anything else I’ve released. Although I love the production style of Sugar Human and want to return to more modern “in the box” stuff like that in the future, I’ve always been drawn to old school band records and that kind of record making - the kind that’s just really good musicians playing actualized arrangements of well-written songs (to pat myself on the back a bit). As that kind of producer, you just wanna put mics at the right level in front of people who know what they’re doing and then get out of the way as much as possible. It’s a bit trickier when they’re your songs and you’re doing your thing over them, but I think I got what I needed to out. Idle Wild definitely narrates an era of my life and it’s cool to be able to listen to where I was when I was making it. What's been a source of constant and reliable creative inspiration for you during these uncertain transitional times? Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and my ex-girlfriend. I think the whole world got a big ego check and reality reset in the last few months, and I was definitely on both the top and bottom of that wave. But I’ve discovered the blues and guitar in a way a happy non-pandemic-life me probably never would have. It’s definitely been a blessing to be able to get lost in playing for hours every day. I’ve gotten to push myself and I’m excited to see where I head with my new chops. With August coming to an end and fall just around the corner, have you found yourself thinking more diligently about some of the directions and milestones you'll be aiming for in 2021? Definitely been making moves for the future - I’ve been working on a new album, got a new place to live, and am congealing with a day job and life routine that’s the most balanced and healthy I’ve ever had. I got to live out my manic Hollywood fever dream finishing Idle Wild, and now I’m just focused on being content at the moment while also growing for the future. If you’re happy with your day to day life you don’t have to “make it” to be successful. At the same time I’m definitely gonna melt some people’s faces off when live shows are a thing again, so keep an eye for me in 2021. What are you doing to stay inspired throughout these difficult times? Really just listening as much as I can. I feel like there are some years you wanna say a lot and some years you just gotta absorb what the world and universe are trying to tell you, and 2020 has definitely been that kind of year for me. I’ve made a lot of adjustments in the fundamental ways I approach the world and I think it was absolutely necessary in order for me to reach the goals I ultimately wanna reach. Until then I’m just trying to be disciplined with my daily routines and how they correlate to the things that are the most important to me - family, friends, music, and taking care of myself. Inspiration finds you when it finds you, so I try to be ready for it when it does. Other than that it’s just about doing the work. instagram.com/jonny_rolling jonnyrolling.com #BUZZMUSIC

Hailing from New Jersey, singer and songwriter Jackie June has just released her heartfelt single called “Can’t Quit You.” After spending the majority of her life suppressing her true passion for music, truth is of the utmost importance to Jackie when it comes to her lyrics. Her experience of apprehension and insecurity has allowed her to grow into the confident and influential artist she is today. Through her songs, Jackie June now inspires others to be the most authentic versions of themselves. Her most recent release, “Can’t Quit You,” explores her life-long journey to self-actualization. Through her lyrics, Jackie shows fans what her relationship with music truly is – and why she cannot quit it. With delicate piano chords to introduce “Can’t Quit You,” Jackie June sets a graceful mood for her song. She joins in with her vocals and displays her powerful voice and impressive range early on. As her vocal passion begins to grow, so does the instrumental soundscape. The beat has flavors of jazz and consists mainly of soft taps of a high hat and cymbal. Soon, the piano melody becomes more vital as the background ‘oohs and ahs’ add depth to Jackie’s voice. After the first chorus of “Can’t Quit You,” the energy level leaps. Hand clapping is added to the percussion set, and the soundscape becomes more and more flavourful. Throughout “Can’t Quit You,” Jackie June does a great job keeping the energy level dynamic and effortlessly flowing through its ups and downs. On top of her musical, emotional rollercoaster, Jackie is sure to pull on some heartstrings with her songwriting. She is always sure to speak her truth through her music – the good and the bad – which allows fans to feel comfortable living their own truths. Jackie June is sure to touch your heart with “Can’t Quit You.” Hey Jackie, welcome to BuzzMusic. Could you speak more about the lyrics behind “Can’t Quit You?” Sure! The lyrics are about not being able to quit something you love, no matter how hard or difficult it gets. For me, the song is about music, but I like to think the lyrics are general enough that anyone can really find a way to relate! One of your main goals with your songwriting is to always speak your truth. Can you tell us a bit about how you incorporate this into your music? What is your inspiration behind your lyrics? I think it's important as a songwriter to write about what you know. At least, for me. All of my songs are about personal experiences or feelings that I hope others can connect with. Music is obviously fun and entertaining, but for me, it has also always been about connection and even healing. Many of your songs from your original EP “Wildflower” highlight messages of self-love and self-actualization. How has your music evolved since this release? My EP "Wildflower" was the first collection of music I ever put out. I had a lot to say that had never been articulated, especially in the form of music. I think it was also a way of introducing who I am as a person and artist, writing about my own journey to self-acceptance, and sharing that it's ok to be you. I still struggle with this, but writing and releasing those songs has been extremely cathartic. Since then, I've released 2 singles - "On the Move" and "Can't Quit You". I would say there is definitely an evolution stylistically, but I think my overall message is still pretty similar. I think I will always want to write about personal experience, growth, and triumphing against your own demons. You have had the chance to open for and collaborate with a variety of successful artists. How have these experiences inspired you as an artist? Thanks so much! It's always an incredible honor to have anyone want to collaborate with you and I've been lucky to collaborate with some amazingly talented musicians. I am still a relatively new songwriter, so I have found that collaboration is the best way for me to learn, grow, and develop myself as an artist. I try to work with people that know more than I do so I can be better. It's like that saying, you never want to be the smartest person in the room, ya know? As far as people I have opened for, ya, it's been pretty cool! Getting to experience being in front of a larger audience and truly seeing what life COULD be like for you down the road is overwhelming and inspiring. What has been keeping you inspired throughout 2020? Oh man, great question. This year has definitely had a plethora of highs and lows. I think that's really been the case for everyone. To be honest, it's been hard to stay inspired. There were weeks where I didn't go to my piano. I felt like, "what's the point?". But then I realized that music is something that will never go away, even if live shows do. I still want to create and grow as an artist. I've been working hard on my piano skills and have even been writing some new tunes. It's pretty exciting! instagram.com/jackiejunemusicnj facebook.com/jackiejunemusicnj #BUZZMUSIC