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NYC based singer/songwriter Devon releases a contemplative and moving track titled, "Never Mind." Being inspired by artists/acts across the alternative genre like Sara Bareilles, The 1975, and HAIM, Devon found herself desiring to create music that emphasizes self-love and self-discovery. Writing and producing music by herself, Devon's recent single "Never Mind" highlights the theme of self-discovery after enduring a troubled relationship. She's also released a clever lyric video where Devon scribbles away in her notebook and ends up tearing out the page, indicating that she'd like to start a new. With beautiful vocals and soft alternative instrumentals, Devon has truly outdone herself with this inspiring single. "Never Mind" begins with mellow and calming instrumentals, while Devon's breathy vocals make an appearance in the distance. While she starts powerfully singing about a past relationship, the themes she portrays about love and life allow the listener to examine what's not serving them anymore. A mid-tempo inspirational tune that channels nothing but power, Devon creates a warm atmosphere with each breath while motivating others to keep their light shining even through the toughest of times. The instrumentation pushes the song towards this driving urge to start fresh while getting lost in the heartfelt melodies. Discover "Never Mind" here. There seems to be a lengthy background between you and this person you sing about on "Never Mind." How did your dynamic with each other lead you to creating this inspiring single? For sure - interactions with significant people in my life influence all of my songs, and “Never Mind” is no exception. “Never Mind” is really about communication though. It’s about talking vs being heard, and it’s about how communication can’t really happen until everyone involved is ready for it to happen. But done honestly, it has the power to change everything :) We love the unique and organic lyric video for "Never Mind." How did you come up with the concept for the single's lyric video? Thank you! I’m a big fan of simple, captivating, one-take videos - HAIM’s music video for “Want You Back” and LANY’s video for “Super Far” are two of my favorites. And then of course there are all of OK Go’s legendary videos. The lyric video for “Never Mind” was my first experience filming and editing on my own, so I embraced the DIY nature of it and just had fun doodling, attempting to give new life to each lyric. I’m so glad you guys are enjoying it! We've heard that you tend to create music about self-love and self-discovery. How does "Never Mind" reflect this statement? My songs are the results of my thinking through my thoughts, feelings, actions, and reactions. After a lot of thinking, I’ve realized that there are a ton of different things about myself and about how I go through life that I appreciate. My hope is that my music might inspire people to dig a little deeper into their own thoughts and feelings and realize that there’s some pretty awesome stuff there for themselves too. Through “Never Mind” in particular, I hope that people realize that they can love themselves for how much effort they put into a relationship. No matter how the situation plays out, I love people who try, and I hope that those people love that aspect of themselves too. We've noticed that you've been releasing music for quite some time now. How have you seen your music change or evolve since your first few releases? From the beginning, I’ve always been a singer-songwriter. I write on either guitar or piano, find the words that I need to say, and then build from there. A few lyricists who particularly inspire me are Adam Duritz (Counting Crows), Sara Bareilles, Sam Melo (Rainbow Kitten Surprise), and Joni Mitchell. But I self-produce everything, and from a production perspective, I feel like my sound has evolved from project to project. Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of The 1975 and HAIM, so I’ve been experimenting with more synth sounds on new songs like “Never Mind.” What can fans anticipate to hear next from you? New music! My next single “Want to Know” is coming out on August 21st with another fun, simple, *hopefully captivating* one-take music video (link to pre-save the song here). Both "Never Mind" and "Want to Know" are a part of a larger EP called Sitting Up Straight, which will be coming this fall. This project has been an awesome experience for me in learning to be a more experimental lyricist/producer, to be less precious with song structure, to be more trusting of what feels good (and what doesn't), to sit up straight, and to take up space. It was also my first exploration into soundscaping and creating my own little sonic world where nothing that anyone said could reach me. It is my pleasure to welcome everyone into that world now, as well as rejoin reality myself with a slightly new perspective! instagram.com/devonsounds devonsounds.com #BUZZMUSIC

Hip/Hop artist Xuavage Love is here today to highlight his outspoken lyricism and intentions. Cementing his sound in playful and rhythmically transcending soundscapes, Xuavage Love's music finds itself to be quite elusive. Xuavage Love music ends up being predominantly unique and full of his own style. With inspirations such as Prince, Jimi Hendrix, and Robert Plant, Xuavage Love morphs his sound as best as possible to come out buoyant and packed with thought. Xuavage Love releases his contemporary Hip/Hop single, "walxman." Produced by TheRiskTaker, "walxman" maintains a low-key type of energy throughout, making it the ideal track to listen to on a lax night. Xuavage Love keeps it short and simple with "walxman," with the track recording at 1 minute and 28 seconds, Xuavage Love keeps it direct with what he's trying to get across. Apart from the catchy underlying beat, Xuavage Love embeds psychedelic components to create a hallucinogenic effect. We find Xuavage Love's music easy to vibe to, and "walxman" wasn't any different. Connecting with Xuavage Love isn't difficult, mainly because he doesn't make it complicated. He's straightforward with his craft and doesn't leave any room for misinterpretation. All in all, "walxman" showcased harmonic Hip/Hop collections, deeming it to be an impressive release from Xuavage Love. Listen to Xuavage Love's latest single, "walxman" here. With the release of "walxman", how did you feel you grew artistically compared to your last track release? Artistically the growth is Crazy next level from the last track I dropped due to the fact of having the energy and experience of the risktaker to push my energy level passed the limits of human and enter full XuavageLove experience mode What type of message were you hoping your listeners received from "walxman"? Are there any expectations you had of the response you'd receive from this track release? The message with this song is really just letting the Universe know That Xuavage Love has left his planet and now landed on earth for complete Global take over- make sure you hide ya girls because I will show them what LOVE really feels like in all frequencies. How would you describe the collaboration with artist The Risk Taker? How do you go about ensuring your vision for a track is upheld when bringing in another producer, instead of producing yourself? The Risk Taker Aka as the oracle is not just another producer he is my main producer and brother we are family and if I had never got to create with the oracle himself I wouldn’t have known that I can travel through dimensions inside these frequencies sound waves to come back into the present time with magic sounds for the world to resonate with. Drawing your sense of inspiration from all about, ranging from other artists to your personal narrative, how would you describe your process of compacting all of the said inspiration into your music? How would you describe your own sound? I'm in love with music and making it so I just operate from optimum heart coherency when creating music through the power of love. Cutting through the illusion of separation with immersive, unfiltered storytelling from the energetically sovereign frequency of love.” What is your biggest goal with your music, Xuavage Love? I want to change my family's life forever and explore the world with my team, spreading pure sounds of love throughout this planet. I want to be able to give people the energy they deserve and know they are loved and can truly do anything they put their hearts into. Who knows?, I might be the first artist to perform in space. instagram.com/xuavage_love unitedmasters.com #BUZZMUSIC

After surviving a grueling battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Jaclyn made a promise that once she was released from the hospital, the world will see her in a whole different and musical light. Her new EP 'Jaclyn' being the result of this, Jaclyn powered through this project with her powerful and soaring vocals, as well as live instrumentation that perfectly backs up the project's bold and empowering theme. Bringing something vastly different with all five tracks on the project, we truly love the dynamic instrumentals that seep into your soul. Starting the EP with the intro track "Alive," the instrumentals have us feeling that way from the first beat. With this bluesy and grunge approach to modern-day pop through soulful electric guitars, groovy drum patterns, and Jaclyn's fiery vocals fulfilling her musical promise. Jaclyn's vocals are incredibly unique, showing off her broad range while adding her authentic flare with each lyric. Jaclyn sings about her stare-off with death, and how she came out stronger than ever while continuing to live her life; however, she desires. A chilling song that belts out an anthem of strength, we're hooked after the EP's first track. Moving on to the second track "Sold My Soul," the song opens on a more peaceful note with Jaclyn's calming vocals, faint percussion elements, and the subtle strum of an electric guitar. Building in energy quickly, the song drops into this throbbing alt-rock instrumental that haunts our minds with the help of Jaclyn's melodic background vocals. Jaclyn sings lyrics of the notable bartender who she's sold her soul to, and who fed her the beverages that led her to a lively night. A gritty song that reminds you of the picturesque evenings out, Jaclyn does an impeccable job of serving these precise and dense atmospheres. Slowing it down with the third track "PTSD," the intro consists of Jaclyn's sultry vocals and haunting instrumentals that shift into these heavy minor melodies and get our feet-stomping with the song's sweltering weight. This might be our favorite track on the EP, as we see Jaclyn perform in many different approaches and styles that are incredibly dynamic and unique. She sings a powerful song towards someone who has "PTSD" after losing Jaclyn and reminiscing the times they've spent together. We can't help but get down with Jaclyn on this track, as she sings with blistering confidence that intrigues us to get to know her better. We spoke too soon when noting that "PTSD" was our favorite track off the EP, as "Lonely Boy" takes the stage and wows us through this three-minute masterpiece. Opening on a softer note with Jaclyn's airy and calm vocals overtop soothing electric guitar melodies, she sings a story of knowing this man inside and out, almost exposing him for who he really is. Around the one minute mark, the song drops into this exhilarating grunge-rock sound through whaling guitars and striking drum patterns. Jaclyn clearly had her heartbroken by this "Lonely Boy," as she sings a highly relatable tune of recognizing how you're being treated and what you truly deserve from a relationship. Reaching the outro track "Energy," Jaclyn ties in more of an uplifting alt-rock sound through this song. She sings a modern-day tale of how the youth today is so distracted by screens, that we've lost the human touch of deep and connective conversations. That being said, Jaclyn also shares the bright side of the millennials and gen z's; she sings about how we're here to change, revolutionize, and bring justice to our system. The instrumentals are so refreshing, and truly bring a sense of togetherness and the motivation to stand up for what you believe in. Genuinely a stunning EP from top to bottom, Jaclyn has done a sublime job of fulfilling her musical promise and has exceeded our expectations through each song off her self-titled EP 'Jaclyn.' Discover 'Jaclyn' here. We're blown away by your dynamic EP, 'Jaclyn.' Noting that Jaclyn has seen many ups and downs in life, what message did you want your audience to take away from the EP? Hey! Thank you so much. It has been a wild ride and continues to be a wild ride. The overall message of the EP is Love. Even though there aren't any "love" songs on the EP. At the core of all of us is love. We all want to be loved and accepted and will give ourselves to people or things in order to find it. I want people to feel strong and empowered when they listen to this ep. Whatever hell you are facing it gets better; your first love should be yourself. We've heard you're a survivor of Hodgkin's Lymphoma, which was the fuel that fired your EP "Jaclyn." How did you go about fulfilling your promise of creating music that speaks your own story? I was battling for two years; there was a moment I was laying in the hospital bed and I had to keep remembering to breathe. As if my body forgot how to do it on its own. That was the moment I thought I was going to die. I felt a sense of regret at the pit of my stomach and all the things I didn't do. Music was at the forefront. As much as I sang and did open mics. I never really pushed myself to go any further. I made a promise to myself that night that if I get out of here alive; I will put everything I have into making music. As soon as the doc said I was okay to transition back to normal life I knew this was my chance to make the music I always dreamed about. Most producers I worked with in the past always connected my sound with synth-pop. That never felt right. I always thought of myself as a songwriter first. My lyrics are what differentiates me, my story, and my experience. I needed this to all come through with not only the lyrics but the music. The artists I look up to are all dead. I romanticize the old real sound. When I met Mike Mazzotta (producer/co-writer) it just clicked. He only heard my voice memos and automatically knew the direction I wanted to go. Without changing me but guiding me. What fueled me was that fear of regret. Fear that I don't have time. Mike and I not only talked about music but spirituality; mind, body, and soul. This record comes from the pit of who I am. And I got a lot more to give. Speaking on the instrumentals within your EP 'Jaclyn,' Jaclyn ties in these vastly different approaches through grunge, alt-rock, and pop. What pulled you to create songs with natural and live instrumentation? It was important for me to have real live instruments on this EP. I wanted the songs to sound human. Having real people play I believe gave the songs more life. When we wrote the song “Energy” the idea for the chorus came to me in the shower. This was when the LGBTQ community was under attack with the shooting at the Orlando nightclub. It was a big deal for a week and then people kind of forgot about it. I saw social media pages go back to normal, and people moved on to the next thing. I wanted to write a song about unity. A song to show we are all each other, just different versions..."you kill one of us, you kill us all". As Mike and I continued to write we knew this song was bigger than us. We had the crazy idea of having kids on the record, we just had to find some kids. A couple of days later Mike got a phone call that a camp wanting to come and explore a studio for a trip. It was so bizarre..it was fate. We were like “yeah you can come but can you sing these lyrics”. It was an amazing experience and hit the core when I heard the kids sing the lyrics. This song is for them, for a better future. During your time in the hospital fighting for your life, you must have had some realizations and wake-up calls regarding your music career. Did you make any changes to your brand, sound, and what you stand for? I was not the same girl I was after dancing with death. I couldn’t let what happened to me be for nothing. I always used songwriting as a way to communicate what I was too scared to say. But after experiencing what I did, I knew there was something bigger I needed to say. I wasn't writing for myself anymore; I was writing for people. I took a good look at my surroundings and saw what was wrong, I saw what actually mattered and it wasn't boys, booze, or money but it was compassion, connection, and humanity. I just let myself be who I always felt inside. I didn't try to filter the way I dressed or care what people thought. I just did me; and in that process, I found my brand. I'm the girl who goes to stop and shop in a leather jumpsuit and has no regrets. What can fans anticipate to hear next from you, Jaclyn? I’ve been anticipating getting back into the studio, I have so many songs that need to get out into the world. So many messages I’d like to share. This EP is just the beginning. Even though I’m no longer battling cancer; now I’m battling the more common struggle which is life. Trying to navigate my way in this new world. Since 2020 was kind of a bust for the live shows, I am hoping in 2021 there are live shows in my future. I would love to do festivals and vibe with large crowds. After releasing the video for my single “Alive” and seeing how well it is being received; I am definitely looking forward to creating more music videos for my songs. Being an artist you constantly doubt yourself, and as strongly as we feel inside that this is the right thing we have outside sources telling us it’s not. But that feeling of regret I felt in the hospital, I never want to feel again. So I’m going to go for it until my days run out. instagram.com/hellojaclyn #BUZZMUSIC

The Baja based singer, songwriter, and producer, Labán has been honing in the musical craft since he was young. Drawing in inspiration from his emotions and channeling that energy into the song, allowing for Labán to create a personable experience that fits into any listeners' mood. Recently, Labán released his emotional album 'Todos Somos Dueños de Aquí,' and we are going to be diving into our favorite release off of the album "Hell Is Not My Nightmare," the feel-good vibes of this one are irresistible. "Hell Is Not My Nightmare" has an incredibly honest feeling to the songwriting; it has a delicate balance of being uplifting and also tense. Telling us about how Labán's worst nightmares are far scarier than what most people expect, and when paired with a feel-good exciting instrumental, makes for a truly unique experience that we will remember for a long time. "Hell Is Not My Nightmare" features a patient electronic drum groove, excellent saxophone solo's that makes us want to get up and dance silly, funky muted guitar lines full of good energy then Labán's perfectly upfront vocals that we are addicted to listening to. After listening to "Hell Is Not My Nightmare," we definitely will be listening to "Todos Somos Dueños de Aquí," and we think that everyone should too. Your latest release “Hell Is Not My Nightmare” feels like a personal story about your greatest fears, how do you find yourself relating to the lyrics? Thank you BuzzMusic! Yes, it is a very personal song, it is meant to portrait different states of mind. This is the very last song I wrote for my first album and it sums up my experience during the last 6 years, the emotional ups and downs. I wrote the album during this period of time, I actually dropped and resumed the album composition a few times, that's why it took so long, so it also serves as a conclusion to both the album and this period of my life. I think that my artistry comes from a very emotional self, I sometimes deal with rapid mood swings mostly towards depression and music is what has kept me going. That's what is being represented in the lyrics.  We’re loving the upbeat vibes in the instrumentation, how did you come up with the idea of heavily using the saxophone for this one? What was the recording process like for this one? The song is different from the rest of the album. It actually represents what I want to do next, which is exploring the synth side. I'm actually a big fan of French house and the 80's synth-pop, and that was my main inspiration for the musical aspects of this song. Regarding the saxophone, Denver-based musician Jeff Miguel plays the sax on this song, I previously worked with him on my song Acércate and I'm just a big fan of his work and talent. The recording process began with a provisional beat, I made the structure of the song with all the tempo changes and I built the melody, the main keyboard, the synths, the different basses, the vocals, and the lyrics around that initial structure. Then I proceeded to work with two different guitarists on different sections of the song, I then made the final selection of the guitar parts and I went on to work on the sax and the strings. For the final step, I revisited the sound of the initial beat and worked on the last details.  We are definitely going to give a listen to the whole "Todos Somos Dueños de Aquí” after listening to this one, how does the story from each song evolve and relate to each other? Overall, this is a very personal album, each one of the songs is related to an organ of the human body with a special meaning. The songs about heartbreak experiences, La Verdad Me Va and Acércate, the kidney and the liver respectively, both organs have detoxifying functions. Condena, which is about the critical issues of internal security in Mexico, is associated with the thymus, a specialized organ of the immune system. The heart is for Dueños de Aquí because it was the first single, as a symbol of its relevance. Hell is Not My Nightmare has the brain because it is a song about mental health. Feel the Distance is about migrants and their tough journey across the Mexican territory, they usually face very harsh conditions of poverty and vulnerability, they are often captured and forced to work for the criminal mafias or they end up dead. So, the bone structure is a very representative organ for this song. Quién da más, the lungs, is about the existential battle between our inner selves and the idea of what's expected from us, a suffocating situation from the perspective of the lyrics. And finally Para Ti, the skin, in this particular version of the song titled Diálogos de Seguridad Nacional, is about being happy about everyone around me and telling them about how making music makes me happy. How has living in Baja influenced the music that you are creating? What are some ways you try to find your own unique voice in the city? Well, I was born in Baja California, specifically in the border city of Tijuana. Then I moved with my parents to another city in the northeast region of Mexico when I was very little and I then moved to Mexico City when I was 16, lived there for several years, I studied industrial engineering and business administration and I wrote the album during those years. Now, being back in Baja California, I love the city of Ensenada and I think that Valle de Guadalupe is a stunning place, very inspiring. It opens a new chapter for me physically and emotionally. I've already started writing the second album, which is going to go in a more upbeat direction, it will pick up right where we left off at the end of Todos Somos Dueños de Aquí and it will take inspiration from English synth-pop, French house, as well as Swedish and Italian disco.  What has been keeping you inspired throughout 2020? It has been tough and hard to stay inspired and focused due to everything that's going on out there. Musicians face some particular challenges along with the whole music industry. But if every crisis is in fact an opportunity, we don't have any other choice but to make the most out of it. Promoting this album and working on the next one has kept me inspired. instagram.com/elbuenlaban facebook.com/elbuenlaban #BUZZMUSIC

Cluttered Clarity are no strangers to weaving dance-based groove into their jazz-fusion inspired singles. They list influences from the likes of Snarky Puppy and The Roots reflecting albums like 2017s 'Follow Your Dreams,' with 'Pull Me Down,' a four-minute-long joyride of plum packed jazz-fusion stanza. This year, amongst the defining yellow tape lines and face masks of the ongoing pandemic, "To The Top," was made during quarantine, and it's flipping the coin to reveal a fresh Cluttered Clarity in all their attention-grabbing silhouettes. This song stars layered synth pads, a chunky warbling bass line, trumpet shots, and a small choir of flutes until the song's groove presents itself. "To The Top" also serve well as an educated divide into a more contemporary-jazz leaning selections the Boston based band produce so expertly and effortlessly. Those who feel that the best songs should aim directly at a single catchy hook and a dull, straightforward rhythm would be practicing self-enlightenment by diving into the offerings of Cluttered Clarity. Through our in-common isolation, strung together with lines like "I have a groove, it keeps me going, I have a mood, It keeps me going," resonate and provide a well-needed rush of dopamine. With its steadfast beat on two and four, charismatic lead vocals, and a chorus that disarms, "To The Top" is intrinsically formulated to squeeze through the restraints of contemporary songwriting and prescribe it a musically intelligent edge. With its brisk less than three minutes run time, this track's undying groove lives on in your heart even as the final bars cut away. How does it feel knowing that with all things considered, after you downtime starting after the release of Follow Your Dreams, things are finally starting to come together with the collaboration of Rémy and all the new associated musicians you've been featuring on the new tracks? It's a great feeling. What I prefer doing most is playing shows. However the first few years after I moved back to Luxembourg, it was hard to find the musicians who play the same style of music as in the US. Now since I found the right musicians, the next step is to release more music, increase our visibility and give bookers a reason to book as for a show. Furthermore, the work with Rémy makes things so much easier. We have the same ideas about where our music should go and what the perfect act looks like. Also, all the business-related stuff is easier as we divide everything between Rémy and me. How did you manage to produce such an uplifting single in times that inspire much of the opposite? Have you found support in your collaborators, or is there another source for your upliftment? Rémy and I lived together for 3 years in Boston. In College, we had some classes on building your career and staying motivated and at home, we took great interest in books that relate to the same topic. So the whole spirit of the song about staying focused on your work is something that we talk about already for years.  Also, we didn't write the song during the lockdown. The song itself was written around September/October 2019, so there was no talk about COVID, closed borders, and lockdown. That being said, even now, we still work on what we see as important and don't let our motivation be stopped by the more difficult times we are living in right now. The musicality you feature throughout many of your songs hints to a more extensive musical education than most. Is this the case for past members and present alike who have been featured on some of your tracks? Correct, Rémy and I have both studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston. After this Rémy continued his studies at the Manhattan School of Music, whereas I continued my studies at Queens College (Both schools are located in New York). Most of the musicians we work with are friends that have studied with us in the US or people that have studied at great Schools around Europe. That being said, for us it's never a question of where someone has studied, but how musically someone sounds and if he fit the style of our music or not. What can we expect from the next three releases coming later this year? Any hot off the press collaborators you could hint towards to get our engines primed? Our next song SomeWays is a love song with a chill vibe, slower tempo, and less dancy bounce, The Timing Wasn't Right is yet another song about love that has a faster tempo, a danceable vibe and an Avicii like Interlude; "The drunken Kleptomaniac is about a person who steals, but only when he is drunk - This song has a heavier groove, dense electronics, Rap vocals and again an Avicii like an interlude. As collaborators, for the moment we focus more on working together with great producers, so the music is really tide, rather than well-known artists. What have you been focused on with your music in 2020? A big part of our music was songwriting and working on new music. However, we spent also quite some time getting better in music production and using Launchpads such as Ableton's Push as Instruments and light controllers to create more exciting shows, once we are allowed to get back in crowded venues where people are allowed to dance. instagram.com/clutteredclarityband facebook.com/clutteredclarity #BUZZMUSIC

Minneapolis, Hip-Hop artist Longshot, is here to play around with his musical inspirations and motivations in order to give listeners authentic collections of his thoughts. Longshot aims to lift those around him by sharing messages of hope and insight. He never fails short at putting together a track that feels quite meaningful, as Longshot has a sly way of words when it comes to delivering his verses. His most recent work, "I'm Saying," follows along the theme of introspection that Longshot has established for himself, and the beat of the track follows exactly the same suit. Longshot uses his platform to release anecdotes, along with striking messages that serve an important purpose within our communities today. "I'm Saying" doesn't fall short at being effective, as Longshot takes the time to go into depth about topics that hold significant meaning. Full disclosure, there may be moments within "I'm Saying" that allow your full emotionality to come out. Longshot does a stellar job at packing in all the necessary lyrics and soundscapes needed to express the pivotal points the song has to share. "I'm Saying" also outlines a sense of hopelessness, which Longshot doesn't dwell on too long, but embeds for a higher purpose. There's so much more to "I'm Saying" than a low-key and catchy production. If you dig deep, you'll find yourself becoming quite introspective and grasping onto Longshot's perspective. Once focusing on the track's melody, you'll hear that it's consistently changing and exploiting new beats that serve an immersive purpose within the song. All in all, "I'm Saying" was a track that held a ton of thought-provoking wordplay by Longshot, and it makes us beyond intrigued for what the artist will come out with next. Check out "I'm Saying" by Longshot here. "I'm Saying" clearly had a strong significance in terms of its projected message. Are you able to delve deeper into the meaning of the track, and how exactly you were hoping your listeners would interpret the meaning of it? 'I'm Saying' is the title track for the entire ep.  Originally I was going to name the project 'Burn It Down'(all of my albums and eps are named after a song on that respective project) but felt like 'I'm Saying' conveyed the idea of "let's have a conversation" about these things going on in our society.  In particular, the song 'I'm Saying' is simply trying to tell the story of Ahmaud Arbery(1st verse) & Breonna Taylor(2nd verse) from their perspective beyond the grave.  The chorus is making a plea to simply stop killing black people.   Were there any points within the writing and recording process of "I'm Saying" that you felt challenged artistically? I didn't feel challenged, just inspired.  The words just came out of me.  The ancestors and my Black foremothers and fathers speak and live through me.  Writing and recording music for me is cathartic and much needed in my personal healing process.  Everything I write comes from inside of me, so writing is never a challenge.   Would you say that you're an artist who typically uses their platform in order to get certain messages like those showcased in "I'm Saying?" What kind of response are you hoping to receive from this release? I would say that I am definitely an artist that talks about real life, my real life.  I want people who listen to my music to be inspired...inspired to do the most with their gifts and be the light they were put on this dark earth to be.  I'm no politician or preacher...I'm a human being with Black skin, who happens to live in America.   Now that "I'm Saying" has successfully been released, where are you planning on taking listeners next with your ultimate sound? Definitely a huge thank you to everyone that has listened to or purchased or watched the visual ep.  We have been able to raise money and give back to community organizations(Assata's Daughters in Chicago & WE WIN Institute in Minneapolis) doing important work with BIPOC, so thank you again!  My next album, 'Champion', will be out Friday, August 7th.  It is produced entirely by my longtime collaborator and musical soulmate from Chicago, TGIK.  We put out an album together for the first time in 2016 called 'Struggle Music'.  'Champion' is sort of a follow up to that album.  The feel of 'Champion' is that of hope, healing, and good vibes.  Again, I want my music to motivate the listener to search and dig deep for the champion inside of themselves.  The single mother, the nurses, and doctors on the frontline, Black Womxn, single dads, teachers, activists fighting for social equality and human rights....these are the champions my next album celebrates. What has been keeping you inspired throughout 2020? What can we expect to see next from you? Not much has been inspiring honestly...we still have yet to see the officers that killed Breonna Taylor arrested, we still need to see the officers that murdered George Floyd convicted and sent to prison...We still need to vote and get the present president out of office...we still need to keep outing and exposing rapists and predators within our music and world community...we need to protect and uplift Womxn, especially Black Womxn, at all costs...we need to keep pushing and working to reform our entire justice system here in America.  I'm inspired that we are working toward all of those things. instagram.com/mclongshot facebook.com/mclongshot mclongshot.com #BUZZMUSIC

Toronto Singer-Songwriter Omar Jaber's first new single "Scars," since last month's track "Distilled," is a folk-country and soft rock amalgamation, and it doesn't change much about the deep and mellow melancholy found throughout. However, it still feels like a discovery of something profound in Omar's writing. "Scars" blends folky reverberated guitar hooks, undulating riffs, and country backbone found in Omar's vocal timbre and rasp into an understated yet remarkable soft-rock folk-inspired song. The hooks elusively glide down the pallet of our suddenly disarmed minds as Omar Jaber's hymns chance on limited details relatable enough to feel real. His short rasp and the mid register lavish vocals quiver with quite enough passion for dismantling you internally. “These words are my disguise, I use this paper, so I can taper off of things that get me high,” Omar Jaber sings in the opening line of "Scars." Still, his frustrated introspection exudes a revelatory texture amongst his expression on this: The song's chorus admits vulnerability in that he realizes the mistakes of his past, "I know who is to blame for the scars on your face, you asked me to chase you, but I wasn’t up for that race.” He laments about the decisions he's made as the serenely plucked guitar hook elevates the scenery. As it tugs away seamlessly with a modest bass groove and a robust rhythm, it still holds as artfully natural as a great coffee blend; it savors the emotions being conveyed through its warming textures. When Omar confides, "My heart took a hit, one that I thought you could replace," it's a confiding moment so tame yet devastating that you may notice something in your own introspective though after this tune too. Thanks for joining us to that about " Scars," and welcome to BuzzMusic! Can you tell us more about some of the critical messages woven into this song for you? Thanks for such a lovely welcome! I can sure try; the overall theme of the song is having a relationship with someone, romantic or not, where their past (scars) and your own lead to problems. Addiction is also a dark little cloud hanging over the entire song. Everything comes from personal experience so the lyrics will probably fill in any blanks I may have missed here. Why do you feel this was a story you needed to express? Well, I’ve learned over time that it is much smarter for me to write down my thoughts about something/someone before picking up the phone and spitting out the first thing that comes to mind, ahah. When I wrote this song, I was dealing with a shitty relationship and this was how I was able to say my piece with a little more articulation. Also, I feel that codependent relationships and addiction issues are pretty commonplace in so many lives that maybe some people can relate to lyrics. Or not, but either way, it is special to me. What or who has been your number one influencer since you first started in music, and how has this inspiration helped you develop your own character in songwriting and lyrically? First off, my mom introduced me to Sam Cooke when I was in diapers and that changed my life. She always listened to cool music growing up so my little ears were pulling influence from everything from Ottis Redding to The Turtles. As I got older, one band that really is important to me musically and attitude-wise, Sublime. I think that band is badass and always loved musicians that kind of go genre-less (if that’s a word) With that being said, folk music as a whole really changed my life. Love it. Thanks for this Omar, it was a pleasure featuring you here! What are your next steps artistically? Can we expect another speedy release for next month? The pleasure is mine! You can absolutely expect a speedy release, I can’t tell you a date but I can tell you that the next song is called Wedding Season. Following that, everyone can expect an EP release in the fall. Do you have any advice for fellow artists and/or musicians to help stay inspired and passionate throughout these tough times the world is going through? My advice is to absolutely not let the current state of the world discourage you. It’s uncertain times for everyone and the world could use a little more music these days so use the downtime to create something good. Also, write what you mean – make music for you, everything else comes second. Don’t lose your voice in the crowd. instagram.com/omarjabermusic #BUZZMUSIC

Los Angeles based artist and multi-instrumentalist Sean O'Kelley releases a single we all needed with, "Just Give Love (feat. Olivia Kuper-Harris)." As his first original composed, produced and published single, Sean O'Kelley created this song during our time in quarantine with the main focus on unification and the power of love. "Just Give Love (feat. Olivia Kuper-Harris)" was inspired by Freddie Mercury's outro on Under Pressure, while capturing The Beatles' mantra of All You Need Is Love. Sean O'Kelley felt compelled to create this song after the world finally shined a light on systemic racism and unjust treatment. With help from Olivia Kuper-Harris and her vocals, the upbeat and powerful song reminds us that love is always the answer. "Just Give Love (feat. Olivia Kuper-Harris)" opens as bright as day with upbeat and profound brass instrumentation and an overall jazz/neo-soul sound. The track flames through at an upbeat pace, also adding the soulful flare of prime Gospel music. Once Olivia Kuper-Harris begins singing with such clarity and charisma, she adds the needed rush that gives the track it's fiery vibrance. The back and forth between the lively instrumentals and Olivia's vocals create an incredible dynamic that pulses through our veins. Sean O'Kelley has produced and composed this song with such power, and his vision was perfectly executed with the help of talented recording artists/musicians. Reminding us that love is the strongest force, Sean O'Kelley's "Just Give Love (feat. Olivia Kuper-Harris)" keeps our eye on the light at the end of the tunnel. We love the unifying message on your single "Just Give Love (feat. Olivia Kuper-Harris)." What does the song mean to you, seeing as it's your first composed, produced, and published single? This song has been my saving grace during some very trying moments this year. I have a 34-year old friend suffering in the hospital with COVID-19, another was dangerously close to being a casualty of racism, another took a rubber bullet to the chin while peacefully protesting. All of this runs through my mind each day while my wife and I look after our infant son, who was born just one month before the quarantine. It’s downright frightening sometimes. Then, I realized the fear and anxiety I was feeling was truly universal and it was time for a song about loving one another. I hope this song helps others as much as it helped me. We've heard that a few artists/musicians came together to record "Just Give Love (feat. Olivia Kuper-Harris)." What was your collaborative process like, especially during quarantine? I started calling my closest musician friends, asking them if they had professional recording setups at home - most did! I mocked up the project using Logic Pro X, then passed around the backing audio file to each musician, replacing the mock-up tracks with the real tracks, one by one. It was slow, but the musicians themselves were great to work with and made the process very smooth. Then, I reached out to my dear friend, Olivia, who was super delighted to sing on the track. I knew she would knock it out of the park and, wow, did she deliver! It was great being able to make such a professional track without ever stepping into a big studio and risking infection just using great talent, our recording setups, and the internet. The instrumentals within "Just Give Love (feat. Olivia Kuper-Harris)" are incredibly soulful and somewhat nostalgic. What pulled you into this vintage and upbeat sound? Will you continue this approach in the future? I grew up listening to giants like Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Chicago, Blood Sweat & Tears, and everything in between. There’s something deliberately connective about that classic soul/funk/R&B sound. Add in the raw power of black gospel music and it really takes off. It will literally bring a smile to my face without fail. As such, it's absolutely my intention to promote that sound, that energy, that feeling every way I can going forward; Live horns are here to stay! We've heard that "Just Give Love (feat. Olivia Kuper-Harris)" will be included on your upcoming debut album "The Secular Gospel." Could you give us a sneak peek as to what we might expect from your debut album? The idea behind the album is to promote love, positivity, trust, dignity, and other aspects of life that are so critically necessary to our survival, but aren't innately religious or spiritual and thus are universally inclusive. I enjoy the idea of collaborating with singers and decided to continue writing with different singers in mind for each song. I have about five more songs (maybe more!) in the works with buy-in already from really great singers. I've just started production on the next single in the series, "Brighter Days," a song about focusing on the better, simpler, more intimate moments in life as a way to combat negativity and struggle, featuring the ultra-talented Mark Kopitzke (IG: markopitzke) on lead. What has been keeping you inspired throughout 2020? What can we expect to see next from you? I get inspired knowing that while I'm writing songs in my home with my wife and son, doctors and nurses are saving lives, justice for black lives is being demanded, essential workers are risking their health and safety for the good of the nation, teachers are adapting to a whole new paradigm of learning, funds are being set up to benefit the needy and disenfranchised, and so many are doing their part to help. I asked my friends and family if they were willing to donate any photos or footage of peaceful protests and/or acts of kindness so I could make a music video for "Just Give Love" featuring their content. The response was fantastic! I received great content from all over the country. I'm planning to release the video in the first two to three weeks after "Just Give Love" is released and I can't wait to show it to you! instagram.com/okelleymusic facebook.com/okelleymusic #BUZZMUSIC

Hailing from Calgary, Alberta, the alternative 4-piece Homeless in Hawaii releases a contagious and incredibly unique single titled, "Darker Days." Homeless in Hawaii mentioned that "Darker Days" is the first single on their upcoming album 'The Fear of Missing Out.' Tanner Cyr, Devin Taylor, Leonard Menon, and Layne Murdoch have been tediously developing their forthcoming album and framing it with easily relatable concepts. Speaking on their recent single "Darker Days," Homeless in Hawaii decided to fill this track with the rollercoaster emotions that overcome us, while evening it out with the dynamic and unpredictable alternative beat. The track is truly unlike anything we've heard before, especially within the intricate and textured instrumentals. "Darker Days" opens with an upbeat and pulsing kick accompanied by a radiant bassline. Once the vocals kick in, we're met with lyrics that explain the downs of life while emphasizing the ups and the positive side. As the instrumentals grow with groovy percussion, subtle keys, and layered vocals in harmony, we're incredibly impressed with the detailed atmosphere Homeless in Hawaii has provided. There are multiple breakdowns where the beat falls into a deep kick alongside layered vocals, truly adding different levels and depths to the track. Not to mention the fiery addition of whaling electric guitar, Homeless in Hawaii perfectly displays ever-changing human emotions through intricate sonics. Homeless in Hawaii's single "Darker Days" reminds us of the value life holds, and that the "Darker Days" will soon be bright again. Discover "Darker Days" here. What pulled Homeless in Hawaii to create "Darker Days," a deep and meaningful song about the rollercoaster of life? Darker Days came towards the finishing stages of writing our coming album. So, in many ways, it’s a by-product of our collective experiences during that time as musicians and hopeful nobodies with lofty ambitions. We’ve sought to bring a healthy outlook on the world around us, as crazy as it’s been getting. It’s easy to get caught up in the darker side of life. We specifically want to emphasize that life is a unique and powerful experience. While dark days can come out of nowhere sometimes, it’s those days that often promote our gratitude for our brightest days. We believe that was an important message to bring forth and it ended up tying together some delicate and very important thematic threads within the grander story we’re aiming to tell with our full concept album of FOMO. The instrumentals within "Darker Days" are incredibly unique and very wide-ranging. What did you initially want to bring to the table in terms of the sonics/atmosphere within the single? Darker Days received its unique sonic palette through our intense desire to approach a rock, or pop-rock, track with a modern production heavily inspired by the recent amazing work of Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell. We fell in love with the idea of bringing those intimate layered vocals over top of a bass line and simple groove into genres that could use some new experimenting. The song gradually blossoms into its more natural rock roots by its end where it’s inspirations then pull from iconic groups like Queen and Muse. Our recording approach was very simple outside of the bass, guitar, and vocals. The percussion is all comprised of tracking us each playing a beat on our laps, the keyboard, shakers, a tiny bongo, etc. We've heard that "Darker Days" will be the intro track to your upcoming album "The Fear of Missing Out." What makes "Darker Days" the perfect intro track to start the album? Darker Days won’t be the intro for our coming album but we found coming back to it that it set the stage perfectly for the stories we’ve been preparing to tell. Darker Days helps us present Homeless in Hawaii to the public while showing the tone, vibe, and quality you can expect from the many more singles we have planned before FOMO. As Darker Days opens the flood gates for us, the following releases will be the start of a narrative where each single’s music video is a chapter in a larger story that they will all come together at the end adjacent to the complete story and experience of the coming full album. Our choices for our music and related content are deeply inspired creatively by film, movies, and unparalleled narratives like presented in franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Your upcoming album 'The Fear of Missing Out' is said to be two years in the making. Was most of the process creating new songs for the project, or tweaking the current songs to the band's liking? The 2-year process of creating FOMO and its adjacent content comes from our desire to continuously tweak, change, and perfect our material the way we’d like to have while also juggling life, work, and our university programs. We all are students of the Digital Audio Arts program at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta. Since embarking on this path for ourselves, we’ve cut a couple of songs in the process with a slight few additions being made, Darker Days being one of the additions. The music industry right now is against the idea of albums when it comes to independent artists. Our intention with pursuing a large concept record during a time like this is because we’ve spent the time and effort developing an album that’s meant to be an album and worth experiencing as an album. In many ways, FOMO plays a larger connected song between everything. A musical audio-based movie of sorts. We pride ourselves in having achieved that after 2 long years. In addition, we kept in mind that individual songs are to be appreciated on their own isolated from the grander context in which they will come from. You will find, with each release and time, that we have created these standalone little adventures and stories that will truly come together in an Avengers-like even album called The Fear of Missing Out. What are you doing to stay inspired and passionate throughout these tough times? We’re staying inspired and passionate through these tough times, but continuing to prepare content and material for all the releases we have planned, and continue to polish the final album. instagram.com/hihbandofficial facebook.com/hihbandofficial #BUZZMUSIC

The writer, creator, and artist/rapper Jerelle returns with a flaming hot single titled, "Fuego." The young artist has been writing since he can remember, from his conceptual bars to heartfelt poetry, Jerelle is continuously filling his work with the infinite passion that inspires him. With his latest single "Fuego," we can hear Jerelle's unhindered confidence shine over the track while looking back to note the exceptional growth we've seen from him. Through upbeat delivery and a bouncy hip-hop/R&B beat, we can't help but get down alongside Jerelle with each bar. With help from the playful beat, Jerelle provides a groovy summer bop that anyone can enjoy. "Fuego" begins with upbeat keys that perfectly set the vibe for this lively track. While Jerelle starts rapping in a very bright and energetic tone, he's added a fun-loving approach within seconds and raps with confidence about the blessings he's seen within his career. The beat slaps through with groovy drum patterns and sparkling hi-hats that perfectly complement the track's deep low-end. The production is very intricate and offers different depths that Jerelle naturally explores with his flawless delivery. Not only are his bars "Fuego," but his organic vocals are incredibly melodic and show us the natural talent that Jerelle effortlessly showcases. With an upbeat tune that portrays nothing but confidence, Jerelle's single "Fuego" has us wanting more from the talented young artist. Your single "Fuego" gives off a fun and spirited vibe. What was your main inspiration behind the track? Fuego was honestly one of my favorite songs that we finished up in 2019. The idea was a song that had more bounce to it but I could rap BARS, let people know where I came from, and the changes that I am adapting to. Opening the song up with “Opening of the movie, you all my groupies..” Was a little line inspired by Aminè. It was to show how the tables have turned. Back in high school, I used to beg strangers to play my music and everyone hated. I put the work in now and they are finally starting to watch the film. Did you produce "Fuego" yourself, or did you have a producer help create the vibe within the single? What was the creative process like? Fuego was one of the most organic creations I’ve done with someone else.. Felix is the producer and he had been working on a beat during the day. I walked into the late-night session a little beat up from the day. I wanted to make someone else happier with the music. Felix was playing the beat when we walked into the room. I instantly saw the vision. We tightened a few things up and structured everything together and added the breakdown at the end of the track for our live show aspect. In the end, the track was our favorite song to perform and that was the goal with it. Felix and the team went on to create an EP last year. We've noticed that you have many loyal fans constantly returning for more music. Why do you think so many listeners are naturally drawn to your sound and style? I feel like I have more returning listeners because I take pride in the growth. I’ve always grown with my family and it’s always been my thing to completely tie my life and music together. You hear what I am going through in the music. I think that grows with our listeners, we are building a whole family of growth together. What do you strive to represent as an artist, and what should listeners associate your brand with? People should notify us as the artists who create for life and change altogether. I put my pain, my love, my passion, my whole heart, my happiness, my anger, and my ego all into the music. You will only get the raw and uncut me. The brand is all for your own entertainment, growth, and motivation to do better within yourself and for the other around you. Take what you want from it. I’ll always be creating. It’s therapy for me. What has been keeping you inspired throughout 2020? What can we expect to see next from you? The fans and supporters have kept me driven. We have all been taking hits this year. And we are just midway through, I just want to keep the team and fans motivated and inspired through all of this. I have personal goals I need to make happen as well through these next few months and years. It all keeps me sharp between the ears. Lastly, I just love making music, art, and entertaining. It keeps me healthy. https://www.instagram.com/jerellefisher https://www.facebook.com/JerellexBeware #BUZZMUSIC