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LA-based artist Cale Holland has been working hard to release his new EP, which was recently released on August 7th. Cale has been experimenting with music since he was in high school, and he wanted to switch up his sound this time around completely. "Want U Bad" is the first track off of Cale Holland's new EP titled 'Here I Was.' The song is fun and upbeat, with heavy percussion keeping the tempo up. This song is one for everyone. Its light and energetic atmosphere bound to boost your mood. He uses influence from many genres, including pop and rap, molding his songs into a new style different than anything he has released previously. The contrasting vocal effects give the song a fresh electronic feel and compliment the background nicely. "Want U Bad" is very catchy and repetitive, focusing on musicality rather than lyrics. It embodies a romantic longing for someone, no matter the circumstances. With influence from artists such as The Gorillaz, The Weeknd, and Kid Cudi, the rest of Cale Holland's EP is said to be just as diverse. He aims to expand his audience and provide every listener with something to enjoy. What was the creative process like for making “Want U Bad”? How did you come up with the idea? Want U Bad was sort of an accident. My producer Ryan “Riverside Love” was messing around and recorded the “I want you bad ...” hook, but it was at a slower pace. Once he sped it up, we were all just like “yea that’s it” and then I laid down my 3 verses within about 20 minutes. I guess we were both going through the same desires, yet we executed them differently. How has this style evolved from the release of your three previous songs? How do you see your music evolving in the future? This style is definitely more progressive and a bit more edgy than my past releases, there’s more hard-hitting delivery and wordplay. More energy. My new music is sounding amazing and has progressed even since Here I Was. It’s more alternative, but all together, my new music will be all over the place. The writing is getting better, and the production is also stepping up. What is it like moving from Florida to LA to focus on your career? Do you find it easier to be creative living in a place where the music industry so heavily dominates? Yes definitely. LA is a lot more accepting of artists than Florida. I was able to garner a bigger support system here, which is great to have and helps me keep pushing. How did you know so young that this was the right career for you? Did you ever have any doubts? I’ve had my doubts. I’ve jumped around from a couple of other arts forms, but I knew that music was what I was made to do when I looked back and realized how heavily I had always studied music and my favorite artists. It was pretty much an obsession, I couldn’t listen to people talk if a song I liked was playing. Also, hearing a song back for the first time is one of the most satisfying feelings to me. What has been keeping you inspired throughout 2020? Working on new ideas and concepts. I draw my inspiration either progressive/fresh music or just from myself. Sometimes I don’t feel as inspired, but as soon as we make a new beat or start something new, it starts up. instagram.com/thecaleholland #BUZZMUSIC

Twenty-year-old Hip/Hop, Rap and RnB artist SlimeTimeRich is here to show listeners his true level of creativity and versatility. SlimeTimeRich will be an artist that will come to surprise you. Recently releasing his debut album, 'Before I Elevate, Vol. 1,' SlimeTimeRich set out to properly showcase his divine artistry in the most flavourful way possible. Staying true to his level of passion and never giving up on releasing his truth, SlimeTimeRich has embedded various perspectives and energies into 'Before I Elevate, Vol. 1,' which are meant to be deconstructed by all listeners alike. SlimeTimeRich begins off his album with "Ascending" and really sets the vibe right with the track's production. SlimeTimeRich has always been great at knowing how to manifest a highly energetic performance that can still feel very underground. This goes for the majority of the tracks presented on this album. "Cool It" is the second track with a quicker tempo than "Ascending," which further sets the scene for a confident and hyped ambiance. The wordplay brings humor and a certain level of irony, which helped create a lighter atmosphere. The album's third track, "Off Strength," brought the energy down a bit, as SlimeTimeRich honed in on more of a low-key performance. The verses in "Off Strength" are amplified and have more of potency to them, and this primarily comes from the emphasis SlimeTimeRich gives each word. This is what also leads to the track feeling more intense compared to other tracks within the album. "Airbnb" brings us to the album's fourth track, and SlimeTimeRich integrates a faint sense of electronic elements in order to create that robotic-sounding effect. He's staying creative in "Airbnb," bringing listeners a taste of something disparate from his typical sound. Following along the track's storyline, listeners can expect to receive that smooth adlib integration on SlimeTimeRich's part, which seemed to amplify the quality of "Airbnb." "BreakYouDown" sourced similar energy from "Airbnb" and ended up having even more chilled out laidback energy. You can tell that SlimeTimeRich used various components from the old-school Hip/Hop and Rap music scene, as his album focused on these reminiscent beats we were once heavily exposed to. SlimeTimeRich switches things up with "Time Don't Stop," the albums sixth track. There's more buoyancy to this track, and the environment feels almost bubbly in a sense. SlimeTimeRich plays with the vocal outflow, creating a fun and light performance. "Head 2 Toe" has this similar lightness, keeping the theme simple and to the point. "Head 2 Toe" hones in on the truth of attraction, especially SlimeTimeRich's understanding of attraction. Listeners get to dive into the mind of SlimeTimeRich and venture through the storyline of lust. "On Camera" contrasted heavily from "Head 2 Toe", mainly due to the track bringing listeners back to that deeply distinguishable sound. "On Camera" is definitely a track that was inspired by artists such as Travis Scott, and the exploitation of autotune serves SlimeTimeRich well. Once listeners get to the following track, "In the Moment," they'll realize that the Travis Scott-inspired tone is kept consistent, and this remains semi-true for the rest of the tracks on 'Before I Elevate, Vol. 1.' "In the Moment" focuses on concepts directly related to the title of the track. SlimeTimeRich glides through the lighthearted energy to live and keeps it real with his intentions. There's more of a direct and personal feel to "Your Interlude", the album's ninth track. We get more of an intimate performance from SlimeTimeRich, and the ambiance feels influenced by artists such as Frank Ocean. We absolutely appreciate the versatility offered by SlimeTimeRich, and "Your Interlude" just goes to show his true resilience as an artist. "Your Interlude" had to be our favorite track from the record, and ultimately because we got to see a more enriching side of SlimeTimeRich. "In the City" has a similar vibe to "Your Interlude," but brings in more of contemporary production and intensified tone. "In the City" goes along the thought pattern of SlimeTimeRich, including realizations, and certain levels of growth. We're completely intrigued to know more about SlimeTimeRich just through "Your Interlude" and "In the City" alone. We're nearing the end of SlimeTimeRich's latest record, and we find ourselves at "Another Night." This track is definitely influenced by artists such as Drake but bringing in a more personable style from SlimeTimeRich. Artistically, SlimeTimeRich knows what he's doing with the manipulation in "Another Night," and he brings up various flairs, both through the tracks meaning, as well as the spirited beat blended into it. "Before I Elevate Outro" brings us to the records final track, and listeners are given an extremely smooth lo-fi vibe, combined with the natural and relaxed energy of SlimeTimeRich. We feel won over by SlimeTimeRich with this track, and looking back at the album, "Before I Elevate Outro" is the perfect kind of track to end off all that was brought up and felt throughout this album. We're absolutely interested in the mind of SlimeTimeRich and all of the creatives he has to offer, and he's definitely the type of artist we'll have to keep tabs on. What kind of motivation do you feel going into 'Before I Elevate, Vol. 1'? Would you say that you felt inspired and motivated across each track on the record? Honestly, I think it's God-given, with Corona forcing everyone to settle down and really focus on themselves and their closest people around them. After my parents, it's just me because I'm an only child so it's always been me and my creativity that races through my mind when I'm alone in my room. In addition to extra free time to think and focus due to the pandemic, I was more motivated to continue to reach my full potential, when I believe something is going to work It BUGS ME till I make it happen. I dream about it, wake up and think about it. It was set in my mind that after my first EP GoodVibesOnly I could elevate artistically into something amazing. So with God, my own self-drive, and belief in myself I decided to get inside the studio and make these records. GoodVibesOnly (my first ep) was a real slow weekend mixed with a deeper Travis Scott sound. It was very unpolished but if you listened you can tell the potential that was screaming waiting to be let out. The moment I knew I had something special was when I made the intro to my album “ Ascending “ it was amazing and sonically sounded like everything I ever wanted to make. Travis Scott is my IDOL so to pay homage I had a beat change in the intro just like he did with stargazing. I sent it to my A1 people and they couldn't believe how much better I became...I couldn't believe it either. It seems like after that session every single song I made kept getting better and better, for example, Cool it, Time didn't stop with the amazing rapper FF, and many other hits I would knock out in just a few hours. Your album definitely saw an array of influence from various well-known artists. Can you touch on some of the artists that have inspired you to create music such as that presented in 'Before I Elevate, Vol. 1'? I love this question every time I get asked this because I love my favorite artist. Travis Scott to me is a genius, with the way he purposely works harder and harder to elevate and push the boundaries of music. He introduced me so much more in music that I didn't even think was possible. He layers his music and blends it so well it makes you feel like you're in another world just off his music. It's SO MUCH you can do in the studio with different sounds and effects only if you tap into that next level of creativity, I challenged myself to go further than what I made at that moment at all times. I see in Columbus and locally, artists are going off of waves and not off creativity. I confidently stood out and made it my goal to set the new standard of underground music. I tested the boundaries of local music, I wanted this album to sound so professional if it came on randomly people would believe I already made it to stardom. My question is Why can't you sound out of this world and still be underground? Why can't you drop a studio album and you're still underground? Trav made masterpieces with his albums like a rodeo, and astroworld so that inspired me to make a great body of work. NOW DRAKE that's my guy forever, I studied him so much just to understand how he ran the game for Ten years. Versatility is something that was VERY difficult to do but ultimately what I accomplished in this album. Drake can hop on ANY beat and damn near destroy it like he been rapping like that for years, I mean he even pushes himself to do different accents which are crazy. I pushed myself so I went from a very high temp song called “Time Don't Stop” then a full 180 with “ in the city “ which sounds like something that can be on drake's “Nothing was the same”. I strive to be very different but able to tap into the waves of music in my own way...just like drake does. Drake inspired me lyrically, flow wise, and even vocally. I challenged myself to make every song different on this album and even made the whole second half of the album my own version of R&B so the album can be balanced out perfectly. Making music that I want to make and not making it based on what I think people want to hear. Across the album, which track would you say felt most private and personal to you? Contrastingly, which track do you feel the most lively and driven? The song that felt so private and personal was my interlude titled “ Your Interlude”. Every interlude on any of my projects will be very personal and transparent, interludes are a break in the album that transitions you into the rest of the body of work but if you think about it when there is an amazing interlude 9/10 the album is amazing. It was personal on this album because I was through that situation of a woman calling me telling me once again I broke her heart. So to capture her pain mixed with my apology is what my goal was. I let my vulnerability come out in the booth, let the beat loop then saw where my emotions would take me. The track that had the most energy was “ Time Don't Stop” with the artist FF, that is one of my best friends so we were in the studio just dancing to the beat and then we alternated going in the booth and we matched each other's energy. We love each other's success, so it's actually fun to make music with him because we want to see each other win. Now that your debut album has finally released, do you have any future plans to perform 'Before I Elevate, Vol. 1' on a virtual live show? I attend Central State University and HBCU in Xenia Ohio and I have plenty of connections there so I think a virtual Art performance show could be in the works honestly on IG live or anything. Central is an amazing school for showcasing your talent because as a whole we are a family and very supportive. So a show will be in the works so stay tuned!!! What are your plans with your music for the rest of the year? So 2020 has been a wild year for everyone, I'm just trying to make sweet lemonade out of bitter lemons. This album is doing very well so I will continue to promote it and make it reach the success that I know it can reach. Music never stops and my potential isn't all the way tapped into yet, so building my creativity and sound is something I will forever focus on. It's motivating to know people actually love your music, it makes you feel like you have to keep going for them. I have recently started a music group called Slime FFriends ( two FFs on purpose ) that features the soulful singer Jaynatalie, Rapper FF, and of course myself. We will be releasing an album this year with a single dropping soon. To stay updated on everything follow @slimeffriends & @slimetimerich on Instagram. I'm honestly excited about the future and everything it holds. I will be in the big leagues by next year. Thank you so much for this interview! instagram.com/SlimeTimeRich #BUZZMUSIC

Angel T. debuted early last year with "Let Em Know," an offering of his English and Latin infused flare, and a captivated taster for the exotic producer's positive outlook on life, and resolute enthusiasm. The budding crooner finds sustenance in the limelight his extrinsic tropically induced Hip-hop and Latin syntheses produce. Following 2019s breakthrough, Angel seems more hyperfocused on dishing out heated bangers from Darryl Riley's cookhouse, New Nu Entertainment Studios, in the midst of the planet's temporary time-out. Rather than provoking melancholy in his freshest sonics expression, Angel settles on sweat-inducing vibes on "Caliente," his newest track that manifests the most salacious aspects of Latin-infused music. "I swear to god I've hit the lottery, yes!" It's a deep-felt sentiment in how it mirrors the feeling this track induces after the first moments of the Latin-Wave track's playback; excited, curious, and entirely uplifted. The mix's expanses are well engorged with a contemporary low-end sub that you'd have no trouble finding in some of the most massive docking Trap cuts from 2020. But still, Angel T. draws our attention away from the encompassing power of the rhythms behind his exotic presenting twinkling samples and layers his fired-up Spanish verbatims over the meaty segments of "Caliente." His hooks flow from the core of his drippy cantor and grant us a relaxing tilt, like someone has been sneaking Patron in our Horchatas without our noticing, slowly getting more dripped-out and tenaciously sensual as each flowing chorus gets imprinted into our subconscious. It's the type of track you'd expect coming from worlds away, over the sea, and on the edge of a beach club bar in Belize, and unsurprisingly, Angel T. renders a precise rendering of that lavish sentiment through the exotic Latin-flare found on "Caliente." What was the most memorable part about working on this track with your friend and co-producer Darryl Riley? For me, the most memorable part about creating this record was when we were working on the hook. I had written the initial 4 lines of the hook prior to my session. Once I was in the studio we started experimenting. Riley suggested I sing Caliente as a backup vocal for the hook. We played around with my voice and some effects until we found something we really liked and cemented the pre-mix vocals.  Did you ever find yourself experiencing a writer's block amid this pandemic, and how do you overcome it? This pandemic has been one interesting experience to the say the least. I think from time to time, the realness of life and its distractions can get in the way of the creative process. Sometimes it can be difficult to find enough energy and time to focus on creating the way all artists would like to. For me, the best way to get over my writer's block is to stay consistent and make sure I schedule a time to focus solely on my artistry. Once I get into a creative flow I don't stop till I've exhausted that state of mind. What are some of the core values and messages you try and incorporate into your music for your audience to take away? When people listen to my music, I want them to feel the energy I'm bringing into the universe. My message from record to record can change, however, my core values will remain the same. Stay true to yourself, find ways to achieve growth on a personal/group level, and have some fun on the way. I believe everyone has their own unique set of experiences and skills. Once a person understands this and is able to tap into that mind frame, their potential is limitless. I achieve that in a variety of ways every day; my music allows me to showcase that energy. What can we expect from you artistically as you continue to produce exotic and heavy-hitting bangers from New Nu Ent. Studios? My fans can expect that I'm going to be coming with more and more quality content in the near future. I am currently working on my first EP which the team hopes should be ready by the end of 2020 or early 2021. I will also be releasing more reggaeton style records in addition to my hip hop records. Between singles, song features, Ep's, and plans to shoot music videos there is a lot of new exciting content to look forward too! What has been keeping you inspired throughout 2020? As crazy as this year has been so far, I do my best to remind myself of how blessed I truly am. I am grateful for my family, my close friends, and associates and the fact we have all be able to stay in good health. I've really tried to focus on staying positive and being appreciative of the good things I have in life. I've also treated this year as a bit of a reset to make sure I have my head on straight before things get back to full speed. instagram.com/realangelt facebook.com/therealangelt #BUZZMUSIC

Xodu$ has an aesthetic concept that traverses the distinguishing lines between your average artist and a Hip-Hop thespian. His witticisms and swaggering flow supercharge the Urban style he operates under with a magnetic influence and a captivating draw. With his freakishly addictive cantor and his laid-back, relaxed vibe, he effortlessly concocts an experience for his listeners that doesn't go unforgotten. Besides producing music, his creative intuitions manifest in the laid-back but fervently profound vibes he fulfills through his exceptional Music Video productions, both sonically and visually. This year, his artistic creations have been successful in transporting us to his scenic locations through his enamoring Emcee work, and the comforting presence he displays in front of the camera for "Crazy Times." With the already successful launch of his previous well-accepted music video, "Airplane Mode," the savant lyrical prophet performing under the Nom de Plume Xodu$ comes in gliding over his distinguished and hooking single with a new video supported head-turner for "Crazy Times." It's a picturesque experience that takes us on a journey amidst scenic routes through the rocky deserts of (what looks like) Southern California. At the same time, the relentlessly hip producer himself expectorates his effortless Hip-hop verbiage amid glossy river beds, striking ridgelines, and an open blue, cloudless sky. The song itself is settled in over a grooving Hip-hop beat that is minimalistic enough to present like something evocative of the Golden Age of the '90s but with a bolstered contemporary low-end oomph and an elusive selection of string-like samples. It's a cut from Xodu$ intrinsic musical catalog that produces a nostalgic moment of introspection, as we ponder over the halcyon moments we're missing from before the quarantine of this year. There's no surprise that this elegist disguised as a Rapper has the tools to produce heavy sentiments through his words. With the sonic and visuals found on "Crazy Times," we're left kicking-back, musing over his destiny with a new infatuated mindset. instagram.com/xodusvmw #BUZZMUSIC

Nashville, Tenessee, artist L8veh8te is here to highlight some of his ultimate obstacles this year, and how exactly he overcame them. We're intrigued by the story of L8veh8te, especially how he communicates it to his listeners. His music effortless relaxes you, and his story allows you to feel compassion. L8veh8te is all about creating and crafting a wavy environment, bringing in a variety of psychedelic-like melodies in order to accentuate his Hip/Hop collections. His latest release, "Early Summer," can accurately prove the type of artist L8veh8te sets out to be. Stimulating lo-fi beats unravel L8veh8te's track, "Early Summer." We're immediately introduced to a wavy atmosphere, and L8veh8te takes listeners on a very expressive journey. The storyline becomes all too clear almost right away, and the narrative explores a variety of hardships that L8veh8te experiences on the daily. Through this narrative, we're also exposed to the various strategies L8veh8te has to surpass such obstacles, especially the mental state that comes along with it. The rhythm of "Early Summer" is held very consistent, and we find ourselves getting comfortable very quickly. L8veh8te has that type of artistic persona that invites listeners and ultimately makes them feel impassioned in one way or another. L8veh8te dedication is all too present, and "Early Summer" really went on to show that well, and knowing his intense drive and motivation, we're only anticipating what L8veh8te will release next. "Early Summer" had a very low-key vibe that still felt very stimulating in a variety of ways. What was the vision you had for this track earlier on, and how do you feel you went about executing it? Early Summer was a very inspired song. It was actually inspired by the girlfriend I had at the time. At this time in my life I was struggling to pay rent, really couldn’t feed myself well and all the time my ma would tell me that I’m moving into adulthood way too fast. Ultimately the only person there was her, which became a type of healing for me. As for the execution, I wanted to come with some soft vibes to kind of get the audience to move in and listen, so when I bring in the verse, they are ready to hear what I have to say. What kind of response have you received thus far from your listening base with "Early Summer"? Do you typically receive the response you're looking for when it comes to releasing new music? The response I’m getting from Early Summer is going really well actually. I feel like this single was definitely more prepared for than a lot of the other music I’ve created over the years. Some of my other releases have gotten amazing responses as well, and I want to try and make that a consistent thing. As an artist who's passionate about communicating personal warfare, do you have any advice to extend out to other artists suffering through unfavorable circumstances? The best advice I ever gave myself, keep moving forward. The moment you stop or go backward, it will feel like the worst thing in the world because you just feel like you accomplished everything for nothing and it’s never a good feeling. So those hardships or pain that you are feeling now, understand it gets better and the pain fades. What's the next move for you and your music? Do you plan on releasing more tracks in the near future? My plans on the future are definitely set in motion, there is definitely a music video for Early Summer that you will be seeing very soon. There is also more music releasing that I can’t talk about yet, but it will be something you don’t want to miss. What has been keeping you inspired through the challenging year of 2020? Honestly, I’ve been deep in the music during the quarantine. It keeps me focused so I can try not to worry about everything that’s happening. I hope everyone is staying safe and wearing a mask to protect themselves and everyone around them. instagram.com/l8veh8te #BUZZMUSIC

"Video Games" is a new single by Gwapo Mystizo and Giiifted, a catchy and fierce rap track with R&B influences tied throughout. Gwapo Mystizo uses his talents for songwriting and rapping to create meaningful songs that people can rock out to. Giiifted is a rapper and producer who wants to make people think with his music, and the two have collaborated in creating "Video Games," a perfect blend of the two artists. The heavy bass and a bold backing track provide a good beat to the song and will keep you grooving along. "Video Games" contains a message to the world about how we go through life. They are asking people to be more real because life is going to pass you by, and too many people move day-to-day hiding who they are. The title of the song refers to the idea of people "living their life like a video game," separated from reality. "Video Games" is very passionate both sonically and lyrically, and these two artists beautifully brought their ideas together for a poetic but lively rap song. If you are in need of a burst of motivation or something to pump up your energy, this is a song for you. Thank you both for sitting down with us at BuzzMusic to discuss your collab on "Video Games." Can you elaborate on your concept of “Video Games”? What were you hoping would be the message your listeners take from this track? Giiifted: The message is to make people realize they make constructs in their mind to seem more interesting in order to be more accepted in society but these are just video games, illusions that are not "real". Authenticity is always best. Gwapo: To add to what Giiifted mentioned, through witty video game wordplay and references almost every line, we highlight how artists can also get trapped in their own "video game". Some sell their video game so well, people fall for the illusion. How is working on collaborations amid the ongoing pandemic? Is it more difficult to work together and share creative ideas? Giiifted: We made it work since we live in the same city. We recorded this pre-pandemic but regardless the internet works wonders to collaborate and we have a group chat going with fellow rapper friends. Gwapo: What Giiifted said. What aspects of the song are inspired by your typical music? How did you blend your music so effortlessly alongside Giiifted? Giiifted: Music has always been a collaborative effort since the start of times. Our mutual friend Profound Artist made the beat and reached out to both of us because he found it mesh both of me and Gwapo's sound. From there we made the hook together, tweaked it, and then recorded our verses later. Gwapo: What Giiifted said. Do you have any other musical projects coming up you’d like to share? What does the rest of 2020 like for you? Giiifted: I have an EP coming out on August 25th called 3Moods. I hope it provides perspective to the people during this pandemic and these times. Gwapo: I have some projects coming up but no official release dates yet. Keep an ear out! What has been keeping you inspired this year? Giiifted: This year's worldwide pandemic creates a void that musicians can fill because people's lives aren't as busy as before. People have their ears open more than ever before. I'm inspired to keep making music to fill that void. Gwapo: Giiifted definitely has the right idea. I agree. As for myself, what has been keeping me inspired this year is this...Aside from the pandemic, I've been going through a lot of ups and downs lately and I feel like I have so much to say... so yeah, keep an ear out! instagram.com/thegiiiftedone instagram.com/grewupgwapo #BUZZMUSIC

Alternative-pop and electronic group Fifth Lucky Dragon releases their soulful electro hit "Timeline." With constant hopes of creating music that resonates beyond themselves, Fifth Lucky Dragon blends the bright atmospheres of pop music with intoxicating and soulful rhythm, alongside celestial electronic instrumentals. With their recent single "Timeline," we're taken on a 3-minute ride of bliss. Through powerful lead vocals and a thumping kick, we can't help but feel lifted after taking a listen. Genuinely one of the more dynamic pieces of music we've heard this year, Fifth Lucky Dragon hits the vibes on the nose with this track. "Timeline" opens as bright as day with vibrant synths that shift into a gripping uptempo beat. Once the vocals kick in, we hear incredibly poetic lyricism regarding a troubled relationship. Yet instead of moping around, Fifth Lucky Dragon turns these emotions into a groovy hi-fi electro-pop tune with boundless energy. Around the hook, lively and natural instrumentals grace the listener's ears and soar with power. The production and mixing aspects of this single were done with such talent that isn't easy to imitate. This dynamic piece has to be one of the most authentic, unique, and exhilarating tracks we've heard to date. Fifth Lucky Dragon took the vibes out of this world with "Timeline." It would be an understatement to say that we're excited about their next release. Could you speak more about the message and concept behind "Timeline"? What did you want your audience to grasp from the single? To sum up what “Timeline” is about I would say that it is something of a reminder to myself, or a discussion about slowing down, feeling like I am in control of myself and my outlook, and just generally being in touch with what I think to be important. The intro was actually the last part to be added to the song but I think it gives some important context from where I was writing. The first line is about a tendency I have to take my perspective to a place where I feel like I’m watching myself in a movie, as opposed to operating my own mind and body. Like a birds-eye view of myself. As I zoom further out/away the details on the ground become lost. So the next line, “vanishing what he can relate to” is about losing touch with the details that make you feel like you are you. If that makes sense. And then the last line of that part is, “it all becomes a bird of prey.” So now that I'm in this place that feels very unnatural, watching myself like a movie, verse one is somewhat self-critical which is one of the symptoms of the big picture perspective that the intro talked about. My favorite line in this verse is, “as I turn my room into a maze.” Your room is supposed to be a place that you feel comfortable in/familiar with. But it can easily become a place where your stresses are highlighted which can result in different things for different people, but for me, it’s usually restlessness or insomnia. So in the function of the metaphor, I have turned my room into a place I can no longer find my way around or exist comfortably. To the chorus: “Can you feel the world spinning? Can you feel the earth shaking?” I guess questions like these are what I use as the antidote for whenever I get stuck in the bird's eye perspective. Maybe this only works for me but I can usually close my eyes, take a few deep breaths, and convince myself that I feel the world spinning very slowly. Obviously I can’t actually feel that but it gets me to focus on something specific, even just for a moment, which is important especially with the current onslaught of stimulation. What was your creative process like when crafting "Timeline"? How did you go about merging practically three different genres of music to create your vibrant sound? “Timeline” was in the works for about three years and we have so many old versions of it. My friend Ben Woolgar (producer) and I started working on it in one of my college houses in 2017 and I think we knew it had potential (otherwise we would have given it up) but for a couple of years, the energy of the song didn’t feel right. Mostly from a vocal standpoint. I tried out a lot of melodies and singing styles that didn’t really work with the beat. Eventually, I landed on the style that’s in the final recording and I guess it just felt right. It felt like a song I would listen to. Playing it live helped a lot in figuring out how to get the energy of the song in the right place. Merging genres usually come from reworking sounds or parts that feel like they’ve already been exhausted in pop music. Certain sounds or progressions are so recognizable that they often no longer interest me, so I rework them until they interest me which often results in some genre crossover. We can't help but feel that your group is incredibly experimental when it comes to music production. Where would you say your sound lies within music genres? As everyone who makes music says now; it’s tough to pinpoint exactly what the genre is. And for me, this is a product of the technology available and what I enjoy listening to. So if one day I feel like making something that is just piano and vocals, I can try that. The next day, if I feel like making something that has synthesizers, drum samples, movie trailer sound effects, etc. I can try that too. I enjoy a wide range of music as well as the challenge of finding something sonically interesting even in the songs that I don’t particularly like (unless we are talking country music or the Chainsm*kers, both of which I refuse to poison myself with). I think most people who make music in a way that isn’t for the sole purpose of making money, want to make something that they themselves would enjoy. After all, you have to hear it a million times anyway so if you don’t like it, you’re in for a rough ride. So I try to make whatever music I want to listen to. Which is constantly evolving. Those are the main reasons for it coming off as somewhat experimental. It is usually some deviant of pop music. Some have said electro-pop, cinematic pop, alternative pop, and the classic “alternative” which everyone who can’t classify their music says. Could you tell us more about Fifth Lucky Dragon, how the group has evolved, and what you want your music to represent? Fifth Lucky Dragon started off as a solo project that I intended to expand once I had songs that I was satisfied with. I only wanted to involve others who I 1) were friends with and 2) respected their work creatively. So before the pandemic, we were playing a couple of live shows a month but now that is off the table. Luckily, (thanks to tech) I can work on tracks with my people remotely, but for now, I’m still doing most of the writing/recording. As far as what I want the music to represent; for me, it represents pockets of time that are something of a snow globe for certain points in my life. They also represent my own wrestling with certain ideas or thoughts enough to put them into a song that is at least somewhat coherent. It doesn’t feel right to say what I want them to represent for someone else. I guess the ultimate goal is for someone to bond with the music over something like a lyric, chord progression, or just a beat or sound, but I think that has to happen organically, and trying to force it into existence from the creative side feels disingenuous. But I still feel pretty new to this so maybe my thinking will change over time. What has been keeping you inspired throughout 2020? 2020 has had a mix of unique challenges for everyone. Obviously the pandemic has thrown most people off whatever course we thought we’d be running in 2020. Creating music has always been something that I use to lower the noise of everything else going on. Something I can focus on without the interference or hindrance of my own stresses or concerns. And it wasn’t until recently that I was able to pinpoint why it felt like it helped so much. But when you find something that you can totally immerse yourself, that atmosphere becomes a shield against our tendencies to constantly find something to worry or stress about. I would compare it to Patrick Star (Spongebob reference) drawing the circle in the sand to keep the sea bear away. All that to say, “inspired” doesn’t feel like quite the right word to describe what it is that has kept me going, or making music in 2020. I feel more dependent on it (creating music) than ever because there is no shortage of what we as individuals and as societies can stress/worry about in 2020. At the same time there is a part of me that feels irresponsible for spending time making music right now because there are many people who are fighting day in and day out for social justice, for climate justice, for public health in the face of the pandemic, and so many other causes that are much more important than music. I feel like I’m ducking out of the group project sometimes. In talking with friends though, I believe that as individuals we need to do whatever we can to keep ourselves mentally and emotionally equipped to engage with whatever causes we feel compelled to fight for; and for me, making music is part of this process. instagram.com/fifthluckydragon fifthluckydragon.com #BUZZMUSIC

L.A. native and alt-pop artist ellie d. releases her atmospheric music video for her groovy single, "Bedtime." Creating music that notes her journey within her early 20s, ellie d. has always been one to find an infectious groove and deliver impeccable vibes through her authentic sound. With her latest music video for "Bedtime," we find ellie d. calmly performing amongst her living room, alongside a variety of other laidback and relaxed scenes. Her lyrical story is one we all know; she sings about walking alone to finally meet someone who will support her every endeavor. She's genuinely set the tone for young pop artists to follow. The music video for "Bedtime" opens with an introspective ellie d. contemplating her love life while her shadow casts upon the wall behind. While she continues to sing about looking for someone to spend her days with, the brilliant and vibrant outdoor scenes during the evening/night perfectly enhance the heaviness she feels. Around the groovy hook, ellie d.'s smile shines as bright as the sun while basking in the city lights. Directed by Nick Paskhover and produced by Sophie Lewis, the team behind ellie d.'s music video "Bedtime" genuinely crafted this video with immaculate vibes for any listener can get down with. Everything seems to flow and blend together well to create the vibe on "Bedtime," how did you manage to create such an appealing groove and texture with your performance? So awesome you think that, thanks! This song started out as a simple progression on my guitar and very mellow, almost like a lullaby. Then Justin, my amazing producer, came in and brought it to life. We added a bit more groovy guitar and bass to really move the track along and make it flow. I wanted to keep the integrity of my original demo with the dream-like feel but make it pop a bit more. It sort of blends a few emotions and vibes into one which is exactly how I was feeling when I wrote the song…down at times but also hopeful! If you could pick the best scenery and mindset for your music to be enjoyed in, where would that be, and could you describe the experience in a few words? Ooo I like this question! My music usually stems from times I’m alone and introspective. I would love my music to be enjoyed in places where thoughts run wild and you can let loose and enjoy yourself at the same time. I think the mindset and message in a lot of my music is that sometimes life is hard and shitty, but try to pull the positives out and stay hopeful. Whether it’s driving at sunset, with the windows down, the wind blowing, or late at night in your room reflecting on your experiences, I hope people can find something in each of my songs that relates to what they have been through. What fuels your talent and enthusiasm for infusing fresh approaches to every single that you release this year? I just love experiencing the process of creating a song from the very start, bare-bones, to where it ends up in the end. It really excites me! I think I’m constantly feeling different emotions or thoughts every day, so I always feel like there is something new to write about. Sometimes I am feeling sassy or positive and sometimes I am feeling down and that’s ok. It’s human nature. I also don’t really write with a specific sound or genre in mind, I just see how I am inspired that day. I want my music and sound to be versatile. I have actually been experimenting a lot during the quarantine. Are you planning any collaborations or live streams for the end of the summer? I will be doing an IG Live acoustic set next week! Still figuring out the exact time, but I will be posting about it on my Instagram! Other than that, no set plans because everything is constantly changing! I am working on a lot of new music, I will say that. Some for my artist project and some collabs with other writers and producers. I know the world is crazy right now, but music is keeping me somewhat grounded and giving me an outlet to channel my thoughts into. instagram.com/elliedubin facebook.com/ellied.music #BUZZMUSIC

From Memphis to Dallas, the artist/producer, Aquadice releases her sincere and thoughtful R&B hit titled, "Don't Tell Me." Combing 'aquatic' melodies with infectious lyrics, Aquadice has produced for a variety of artists including but not limited to Doja Cat and Ye Ali. Known for mixing and bending genres, Aquadice's latest single "Don't Tell Me" definitely lies within the heart of R&B/soul. With sweet-sounding melodies and natural vocals with a hint of autotune, she's created this incredibly modern yet sincere track that emphasizes love in all its ways. We're getting early Travis Scott/The Weeknd vibes from the sonics, while Aquadice evens the track out with genuine emotions and mesmerizing vocals. The opening "Don't Tell Me" with Aquadice's sweet vocals, she begins singing a passionate story of wanting to keep it real with someone by her side. She delivers this dominant and authoritative tone with her lyrics and ultimately makes the listener feel this sensation of comfort and ease. This mid-tempo love song gives these dark yet vibrant vibes that could light up the city with the song's natural charm. Aquadice has honestly swooned us with each lyric she spills towards the person she has her eyes on. She paints a surreal image where the listener can place themselves as the main character in her passionate situation. "Don't Tell Me" has us waiting for more sultry R&B bangers from Aquadice, be sure to give this single a listen as it's one you won't be able to forget. Hello Aquadice and welcome to BuzzMusic, it's great to have you with us. What drove you to create such a mesmerizing love song with "Don't Tell Me"? Did you have a specific moment that inspired you to create the song? This song was inspired by a particular time in my life where I was dealing with my first REAL heartbreak. I was in a long term relationship and my partner cheated on me after we moved into a new home together. It was a big transitional point for me in my life. I realized I was giving so much of myself to this person that I had nothing left for myself. It's then that I started to become aware of how much I needed to love myself even more and nurture who I was to become. So in a way, the situation really built my confidence and helped me grow. Seeing as you're also a producer, how did you go about producing and laying down the sonic fundamentals for "Don't Tell Me"? Was the track recorded, produced, mixed, and mastered solely by you? I actually didn't produce this record this time around but I did record my vocals. I had been watching a new and very talented artist named Clever for a while and I followed his producer JJ Stevens because I really fell in love with his sound.  Long story short, JJ put a beat out over Instagram and asked people to send in their best demo's as a contest. I submitted my version of the song on his track and he loved it and we connected after that point. So, fast forward here we are with this masterpiece. The beat was originally produced for Juice World so I knew I had big shoes to fill, respectfully. RIP to the legend Juice World. The record was mixed by my good friend from back home Ari Morris. He does work for a lot of major artists in Memphis, I knew he was the best possible option to make the record come to life sonically. He's been behind me since I first started making music so to have him working on my records now is really dope. Have you noticed much change in your music since moving from Memphis to Dallas? How does the Dallas music scene push you to create more music? That's a great question. I would definitely have to say it changed my approach more than the actual sound itself. Since I've been in Dallas, I have learned so much and gained so many experiences with the people I've worked with and have gotten to know here. It has really added to my muse collection where I pull my inspiration from. I'm more experienced at this point in my career as well and that plays a huge part in the quality of my music now versus when I was back home in Memphis. Dallas has helped me expand my palate. Who are some major musical influences that might have inspired you to create music on your own? What made you so drawn to their music, and why does their music resonate with you so much? I'd have to say the biggest inspiration for me, the top 2 artists from my generation would be Kanye West and Drake. I found Drake from being a "Degrassi" fan and I remember hearing his first mixtapes "Room For Improvement" and "Comeback Season". The way those tapes made me feel about sonics and rap and melody it just opened my mind in a whole new way. I think Drake was one of the best things that happened to modern music. Kanye's influence inspired me to want to be in full control of my creative process. His artistry was proof that you can create and define the sonics while expressing yourself all in the same idea. I've been a musician since I was 5 years old and growing up and discovering these two fueled my fire to want to be a part of Hip Hop and R&B specifically. What has been keeping you inspired throughout 2020? My inspiration in 2020 has had to be myself honestly. I think right now in music you have to be self-motivated even if you don't receive the validation. I think that's how I look at things now being more mature in my artistry. I used to do it for attention and the fame I thought I wanted, but I genuinely love to create so much that I've built myself up to where I am now. I just want to share that with the world or whoever's listening. I invest a lot of money and time into my artistry and my main motivation for doing so is trusting my own vision and wanting to see it through to the end. 2020 is all about perseverance and execution for me. I've spent the bulk of my career believing in everyone else, producing for other artists, and now it's my time to focus on myself. instagram.com/theaquadice #BUZZMUSIC

Singer/songwriter Akazi from Portland, Oregon, has grown up with love for music and everything it has to offer. Years later, she has worked on music in the film industry and is still using her love for film score and music genres like pop and hip hop to intricately create her own sound that resonates with all who listen. Akazi’s latest release “Run” showcases her powerful and resilient vocals in an emotion-filled track. She has incredible control over her voice, with a tone that is composed yet uplifting. Accompanied by dreamy guitar, she sings about the pain of lost love, pouring your heart out to someone who has already stopped listening. The song features a back and forth between Akazi and Chris Hanebutt, who is featured on the song, with his vocals softer and less pronounced. It’s as if the two are already too far apart to find their way back with a sound like they are coming from a distance. This is a beautiful metaphor for Akazi’s lyrics, “you run ‘till I cannot find you,” showing that even in the music, the line of communication seems to be severed. Akazi has a gift for storytelling, and her stunning vocals will undoubtedly reel you in for more. We really enjoyed listening to “Run,” it was a beautifully constructed song! What do you hope listeners take away from listening to your latest release? Thank you so much! "Run" took us a while to really craft and make perfect so that means a lot! My hope for listeners is to take away a sense of realness. As an artist, my mission is to always be authentic with my story and lyrics. I know a ton of people have felt like giving up on a relationship that means a lot to them because of bad communication and maybe someone or both people not being ready for the relationship completely. I personally have had my fair share of experiences like this. So I think my biggest take away that I want listeners to have is a look into my thoughts and feelings about my experiences.  Did you know from the beginning you wanted it to be a featured track? How do you feel working with Chris enhanced the song? You know, Chris is magic. Honestly. Every record I do with Chris something magical is behind it and I really believe that. I think Chris brings a huge element of technicality and precision to what makes a record really be felt. He also has been through his own struggles in love and I think "Run", (along with a lot of our records) have been healing records and songs that we just wanted to listen to. The beauty in our creations is they are from an honest place, no ego, just genuine love for writing and creating. I think that's what makes "Run" magical. It was from a real and honest place for both of us.  What is your favorite film score to listen to? How do you take movies and incorporate them into everyday songwriting? Anything by Danny Elfman I have a huge admiration for. A lot of Tim Burton movies play in the background while I am in the studio creating with my team. I think film is so inspiring because it allows you to have a whole storyline and I think some of the best and most classic records have always had the ability to bring a story to life. I think my admiration for storytelling first allows me to make records that are heavily geared towards film. I also have a great team of movie buffs that I get to work with music on and I think the knowledge and expertise of my team of producers also help bring this big sound that's inside of me to life!  How have you been staying inspired during these troubling times? I think I've been through so much up to this point in my life that "Troubling times" don't leave me uninspired at all. I used to write songs in my car when I was homeless and had nothing. I think I weirdly find that troubling times can give you a motivation to become something new and more refined. Quarantining has definitely been interesting, to say the least, but I think after surviving what I have been stuck inside to only work on more music isn't that bad! What can we expect to see next from you? I have 3-4 more music videos lined up for the rest of this year, along with my next project in the pipeline! I think you can expect to see a lot of growth and stronger records in the near future! instagram.com/realakazi facebook.com/Realakazi #BUZZMUSIC