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Returning to BuzzMuisc from Germany, producer Malexes releases one of the most textured albums we've heard to date, titled 'IV.' We've seen various albums and singles from Malexes, yet 'IV' has struck our attention from beginning to end. He touches on different genres and musical approaches through songs that range from deep house and pop, all the way to R&B and orchestral acoustic. Doing us both a favor, let's dive right into this passionate project. Starting with the intro track "Hope Within Your Eyes" (a previously trending single), Malexes wastes no time and jumps right into this project and provides these soulful and melodic vocals. Even though the introduction is incredibly soft and slow with the underlying piano, he switches into this hi-fi hip-hop beat while a different male vocal begins rapping. Riding the beat so smoothly and going back and forth from these two vocalists, they both genuinely offer something special with this song. Singing/rapping about seeing hope in someone's eyes and knowing that you're right for each other, Malexes has already touched our hearts with the first song on the project. Changing up the style with the second song "Can't Find the Words," we're instantly met with female vocals singing the woeful tale of being trapped in your mind. While the beat begins growing more vibrant and energetic, we can feel the electronic influences that Malexes had when creating this song. Adding a variety of claps and snaps, we can sense where the song might lead us. As the beat drops with a mesmerizing deep house vibe, we're dancing right along with the deep and lively synths. The female vocal serenades us with a vulnerable story, and we can't help but feel the song's passion exude through our speakers. Onto the third track "Let Me Go," we can feel more of an R&B approach through the toe-tapping kicks and snares. This downtempo masterpiece features another captivating male vocalist, where he sings a beautiful love song towards someone he plans on staying with for eternity. Malexes does an exceptional job of portraying these different atmospheres within his album, especially with this heartfelt R&B banger that reaches deep into our hearts. The vocal editing is so pure and precise, a haunting echo follows each vocal and creates such a serene space. Truly a song that can resonate with anyone, Malexes has undoubtedly wowed us at this point. Opening the next track with a plucky pop synth, "Not the Same," gives off this radiant energy right from the jump. A different male vocalist graces this song with another saddened story, melodically singing about wishing someone the best after they've parted ways. Malexes' production grows into this immaculate blend of soulful R&B and transcendent pop. With strong major piano chords and that catchy melodic synth, it's evident that Malexes has crafted this song to stick around in our minds. The vocalist moves us into a different headspace, as he sings that he's righting his wrongs and moving forward from past turmoil. Moving into the 5th track "Don't Go," a vibrant male vocal begins vocalizing his love for someone who has the key to his heart. A captivating love song about trusting someone and allowing yourself to be vulnerable around them, the introduction to this song really pulls on our heartstrings. Around the midway point, Malexes drops a textured beat and shows off his production skills by brilliantly chopping these vocals and filtering them to perfection. Serving us a mellow deep house atmosphere but with pop and R&B touches, this why his album 'IV' is one of the most unique pieces we've heard yet. Bringing the tempo back down with the next track "My World Slows Down (feat. Elaysa)", Elaysa begins displaying her rich and impressive vocal range, while serenading us overtop Malexes' piano chords and a soft pop beat. With simple yet deeply loving lyrics like "every single day you are my anchor on the sea," Elaysa adds such deep running emotions to the project while perfectly complementing Malexes' production. Once the down-tempo beat drops, Malexes provides these celestial string sections while giving it that modern flair with spacious pads. Elaysa's powerful vocals end off the song with such poise and strength, while Malexes does an impeccable job of pushing a secure atmosphere. Ending off the album with the outro track "Thinking It Over (Acoustic Version)," noting that the original song falls within more of a pop/electronic genre. Malexes has transferred all the emotion into this version while balancing it with beautiful piano melodies, a haunting string section, and a deep running percussion beat. The male vocalist brings another introspective and vulnerable story of reminiscing the times you've spent with someone who still roams your mind. The instrumentals and vocals are so perfect for each other, and end off the project with a relatable message that we can all understand. We hope you have a better understanding as to why Malexes' album 'IV' is one of the most textured projects we've heard. Taking many dips and turns, we're genuinely in awe of every piece to the puzzle. Discover Malexes' album 'IV' here. instagram.com/malexesmusic facebook.com/malexes #BUZZMUSIC

The New York City-based singer/songwriter Christian Dupree creates exciting pop music full of influences from multiple genres. Starting off as a world-class cellist, Christian has spent the last while perfecting his craft and honing in on sparking up his melodically driven sound. Christian recently released his brand new single "Back To Life," and we were blown away from his uses of the cello in pop music. "Back To Life" opens up with a country-esque harmonica riff alongside a chill acoustic guitar riff that takes us back to our older days. We couldn't help but feel the nostalgia of our own lives while listening to "Back To Life," it sounds almost as if it came from a movie soundtrack. "Back To Life" features an equally acoustic and electronic drum kit, high cello lines that remind us of a fiddle, an awe-inspiring guitar solo, bouncy pianos, vocoded vocals that bring the perfect amount of modern to the chorus, and of course Christian's feel-good vocal performance that warms ours hears up. We love every aspect of "Back To Life" and cannot wait to hear what else is coming inChristiansupcoming self-titled EP. Be sure to listen to “Back To Life” here. Hey there Christian Dupree, welcome to BuzzMusic! We’re loving the feel-good vibes in “Back To Life”! What personally inspired you to create this release? Thanks! I wrote Back To Life last March in response to the Covid-19 crises. As my girlfriend and I were forced to shelter in our New York Apartment, I wanted to create something that offered a bit of much-needed levity to the difficult circumstance. The song came from a place of embracing the simplicity of life and a return to the more important aspects of life - love, community, peace... We’re loving the organic flair to the production here, what was the whole recording and production process like for you? Did you perform everything yourself? This song was created specifically with simplicity in mind. In the spirit of social distancing, I co-produced this tune completely remotely with my production team! It was definitely a new experience to work by sending everything over the airwaves, but I think it made this special as it showed that creativity doesn’t need to stop, even during times like these.  With the cello being where your roots lie, how has knowing that instrument well inspired the art you create today? Do you ever write on the cello? With this song as an exception, I have been writing exclusively on the cello. Although I am a seasoned guitarist, I use the cello to develop chord structures that are A-typical to my default guitar writing style. There is something very wholesome about writing on it, and I think it brings a unique flair to the songs. All the other tunes on the EP feature the cello as the core of the tracks, from the high powered pop stuff to the ballads. Since listening to this, we are very excited about your upcoming EP, how does the music on the EP compare to “Back To Life”? The new project is definitely far more of a new-age pop-oriented project but the production style is virtually the same. I decided to release the songs as singles that will culminate in the final project. I think many of the songs explore a much wider range of both my writing and my musicianship.  What's next for you? I’m continuing to release these new songs and focus on building traction with new listeners. You can expect a ton of new material as I plan to write and produce a ton of material in the next year! Thanks for sharing! instagram.com/christiandupree #BUZZMUSIC

From Toronto to New York, the singer/songwriter with a heavy jazz influence, Giulia. releases her wishful single "Waiting." Continually developing her sound that is both relevant and beyond her years, Giulia. mentioned that her music does not conform with any genre, as her influences come from many legendary female artists throughout the decades. Showcasing her third single "Waiting," we can feel the longing and contemplating that Giulia. has experienced after separating from someone else. She sings a jazzy alternative mid-tempo tune with such catchy melodies and an overall bright atmosphere. Wanting to reconnect with this person, Giulia. vocalizes these emotions in a remarkably poetic way. "Waiting" starts with sharp electric guitar picking and smooth rhythmic percussion. As Giulia. begins singing, her vocals provide a warm embrace while she sings about wishing to be around someone who still has her heart. A variety of background vocals perfectly support Giulia. and give off that unifying feeling of connection. The jazzy instrumentals are so mellow and heartwarming, especially as they grow into a whole-sounding masterpiece through keys, bass, percussion, and electric guitar. We're more than impressed with this touching single, not to mention Giulia.'s vulnerability that allows her message to stand unhindered. "Waiting" has us waiting for Giulia.'s upcoming releases. Listen to "Waiting" here. Hey Giulia., welcome to BuzzMusic! We're in love with your warm and passionate single, "Waiting." Was the song inspired by living in New York, and being away from someone who still has an impact on you? Thank you! I’m so glad you like it. Actually no, funny enough the song has nothing to do with New York. I actually wrote it one summer while I was in Europe, visiting a few cities on my own. I was sitting in a park in the middle of nowhere - exploring a town that a week prior, I barely knew existed - and as much as I loved being there on my own, I wondered how much better it could be if I was sharing the experience with someone else. There’s a cheesy saying that goes something like, “it doesn’t matter where you are, it’s who you’re with” and I hate to admit it but it kind of rings true for this song. Within your single "Waiting," Giulia. shares these bright and jazzy instrumentals that let your message stand loud and clear. What kind of atmosphere were you aiming for with the instrumentals, and what did you want your audience to feel? After I wrote the song, I took a voice recording (because I forget everything I write five minutes after writing it), and I remember looking around in awe, listening to what I just wrote, thinking, “this is exactly what I want people to feel when they hear this.” I wanted to emulate the moment I was sitting in; being so far away from the comfort but not wanting to be anywhere else, and being able to feel happy and lonely at the same time - two feelings that, prior to this experience, I didn’t think could co-exist. The sparse, jazzy instrumentals were my attempt at interpreting the images and environment I was surrounded by. The overall sound within Giulia.'s single "Waiting" is so whole and natural. What was the song's recording process like, and did you have a band behind you to help reach your goal? Thankfully, I was able to have a band behind me and we could record the track live in the studio, which definitely helped give it the super laid back, chill quality that it has. The recording process itself was really fun and easy, we recorded it a few times all the way through and then chose the performances we liked the best. The song is more or less one full take which I was really excited about because I wanted it to feel as natural as possible. We've heard that Giulia.'s sound is described as both relevant and beyond your years. Why do you think your music can resonate with many different people and of various ages? Like many young musicians, I’m always looking to artists of the past who’ve helped shape and build the sounds that we listen to on a daily basis. Jazz, rock, and R&B artists from the 70s, 80s, and 90s have, no doubt, had a huge impact, both lyrically and sonically, on my music. Actually a lot of my own sound would not be possible without the help of my father, who is a jazz guitarist and plays a huge role in the arrangement of some of my songs - this song especially. But of course, no matter what I write, there is always an undeniable element of me in it - my experience, the way I see the world, and the way I tell stories. I think the importance I put on myself to keep my music genuine to who I am and to write songs that sometimes feel so personal, is what allows my art to resonate with people regardless of age because there’s such a strong sense of connection. What's next for you? I’ve got so much more music coming, with an original EP scheduled to be released at the end of the summer! With songs ranging from jazz-folk to electronic pop, it’s safe to say I’m exploring all different kinds of sounds with this EP. I’m going into my last year of university in September, so after graduating (on zoom, most likely) I can really focus on putting out more music and developing my sound. I’ve written a lot of songs over the past few years and they’ve kind of just been lingering on my computer (or in my brain), so I’m excited to get them out into the world. instagram.com/juliadangelo facebook.com/giuliamusicofficial #BUZZMUSIC

Off his latest EP, Mugugu drops his first single "Vibe." Coming to us from Toronto, Canada, Mugugu is well known for his infectious beats and music production skills. His creations offer a fresh fusion of Hip-Hop, R&B, and Pop music. His latest single "Vibe" has a plethora of mood-inducing auras that cast a spell over the listener. Dreamy synths produced by an electrified guitar softly strumming welcomes you into "Vibe." As you sit in the calming aura's of sound, a snapping percussion begins as the beat lightly kicks in the background. Mugugu synthesized voice exerts spiritual energy as his lyrics cascade smoothly into the listener's ears. The percussion escalates as a tripped-up-beat is introduced into the atmosphere of the song. Mugugu's delivery of lyrics is hypnotizing and has us eating out of his hand. As we sink into the deep aura of the song, Mugugu takes us by surprise and spouts a quick verse rhymes with prowess and character. The way Mugugu weaves complex and exploratory elements of sound is a true testament to his music production skills. There is a dial tone Mugugu uses from a phone that he expertly layers into "Vibe," as the dial tones from the phone playfully bounce along with a melodic resonance. "Vibe" is a total "Vibe," we can't wait for you to experience it for yourself. Discover "Vibe" here. Hello Mugugu and welcome to BuzzMusic. Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself and how you started created music? About me- 29-year-old Toronto native with 2 years of experience in music as a producer and bilingual songwriter. Growing up in a multi-cultural city exposed me to hearing all types of different music and inspired me to explore other genres out of my musical comfort zone. Prior to creating music, I studied it. I’ve always had a soft spot for the piano and piano chords so in 2018 I decided to take several music theory courses so I can understand in detail and read sheet music. In addition, I was inspired by my brother Befree who’s also an artist. Vibe" is a perfect description of the song. It truly mellows the listener and has mood-inducing qualities. Can you tell us a bit about the project and what feelings you wanted to invigorate within the listener? Vibe initially started with a friend and co-producer called Chrismasterminds creating the beat and sending it to me afterward. At the time I was heavily influenced by one of Sade’s songs called “Smooth Operator” so I wanted to recreate my own version. We loved the dial tone inserted in "Vibe." And you didn't just put a basic dial tone in, you changed its composition to flow like a melody. Can you tell us a bit about your song creating process? The dial tone came from wanting to create a memorable experience with the song. The creation process started with plugging in the verse then adding the dial tone in the mixing process to add more flavor to it. You mentioned you are fully bilingual in French. How do you incorporate that into your song creation? I recently released a mixtape called Ear Candy and in track number 6 the song begins in English but ends in French. In addition, I count on releasing a French project in the future. What’s next for you? What’s next is working towards my first album and making it have an impact on the world. instagram.com/mugugu.b #BUZZMUSIC

Coming to us from Houston, Texas, Deadstar is bringing us his latest EP release 'Do It All.' Driven by his fierce passion for music, Deadstar creates intense motivation material that he hopes inspire his listeners to change their lives and never give up on their dreams. Deadstar infuses his own perspectives into his music, not shying away from sharing stories about finding love, being at peace with the world, and working hard to realize his musical aspirations. Drawing inspiration from artists like XXXTENTACION, Lil Uzi, Juice Wrld, and Travis Scott, Deadstar centers his music around a set of powerful idealisms, that regardless of how overwhelming life can get, you should never be afraid to let your light shine the brightest. 'Do It All' is comprised of five heavily charged and captivating hip-hop deliveries. Starting off the composition is the titled track "Do It All." Aura's of synthesized keys welcomes you into the track as Deadstar's voice calls you inwards. An explosive ticking percussion, accompanied with a grinding 808 beat propels the song as Deadstar unleashes his assured rhymes with a "chopper" capability. He balances these charged deliveries with a melodic calming assertion between verses. Right out of the gate, we are introduced to Deadstar persevering messages and climbing aspirations. His next song, appropriately titled "2," continues to put forth his fast rhythmic flow and infectious call-out harmonies. The lyrics highlight Deadstar's never-ending quest to deliver powerful material, lyrics like: "You gotta work till your on a stretcher, or someone else will do it better," exemplifies Deadstar's overdriving work ethic. "2" is coupled with Deadstar's catching rhymes and a funky, trickle like percussion that gives the track a truly unique vibe. We are ushered into the next song "Fast" with a royal trumpet fair of sounds. The heavy 808 beat explodes on the track as Deadstar spouts his self assured versus. We love the confident stance Deadstar takes on "Fast." Yes, life goes by in a "Flash," but his careful attention to detail to his craft is like he's moving through it in slow-mo, never skipping a beat or missing any minute detail. Deadstar slows it down a bit on his next hit, "Outside." We can't help but relate "Outside" to our current state of isolation. His lyrics bleed together to create a feeling of being "dragged along, " as we all seem to be doing these days. His rhymes are engaging and relatable, "we can't go outside no more, I can't tell the time no more," "I've been in my mind, oh Lord," "tell me how to balance it," are excerpts that perfectly encapsulate what we have all been enduring through the COVID 19 lockdown. The slowed-down tempo and low grinding beat offer a mood-inducing quality and Deadstar's honest depiction of lyrics. Closing out 'Do It All' is a song called "No Choice." We think Deadstar saved the heaviest pounding beat for last, and we are glad he did because it leaves a lasting impression on the listener. Deadstar delivers his rhymes through a melodic presentation of raps; his voice is the melody set alongside the beat on "No Choice." Here we see Deadstar's dreams of living large, and the stance he has taken on "No Choice" leaves nothing more to debate on the matter. 'Do It All' really does deliver on everything Deadstar said he is going to do. His creations are packed full of his hard-working persona and gives no apologies for pursuing his dreams. Deadstar's ability to connect with the listener through relatable and empowering material makes 'Do It All' a captivating and unforgettable listening experience. Discover Deadstar today and listen to his latest EP 'Do It All' here. Hello Deadstar and welcome to BuzzMusic. Congratulations on your latest EP release 'Do It All.' Can you start by telling our listeners the idea behind this collection of songs? The idea behind the five-track EP is to give my fans a taste of how I’m evolving as an artist and what is to come in the future. Setting the tone with higher energy tracks to propel us straight into summer 2020, and even though the world is all over the place at the moment I felt it was needed to bring some fun back into life.  On the track "Outside" we thought you were able to really pair a mood to the track. What does the creative process look like for you? The creative process for me is sitting down by myself, and bringing my emotions into the studio. I really just try to tap into the energies all around me and just let the songs write themselves. Every element of your music exhibits your fine attention to detail. How has your music evolved from where you first started? Well, I first started making music as a 16-year-old in high school. Teaching myself the whole process from self-recording to producing I’ve learned a lot along the way. My music now compared to back then is night and day, and I’m always learning new things.  Why is it important to portray your aspirations and goals into your music? By doing so what do you hope your music does for your listeners?  I think it’s important to put what you want out into the universe. I believe that what you manifest will come and I truly want my listeners to know that and know that they can achieve anything they put their mind to. What's next for you? Next for me, I would say is getting professional-quality visuals up on YouTube, and preparing a full marketing push. Really what’s next is letting the world know who Deadstar really is. instagram.com/deadstar.xx #BUZZMUSIC

Formed in 2018, Operation Underground is comprised of members Alexander Gonzales aka "The Freek" and Tristian Gonzales, aka "Magnificent T." This formidable duo from Upstate New York has been drawn to music from an early age with musical influences such as Eminem, Nas, Tupac, Linkin Park, Nirvana, and Blink 182. Their latest release, "Rise Up (Radio Edit)" is a true testament to the duo's style of creating multi-dimensional soundscapes that mix multiple genres into one cohesive and unique listening experience. "Rise Up" starts with a catchy guitar riff that leads us into the track. As the track skips, a pulsating beat joins the soundscape as inspirational rhymes invade our speakers. The raps are a call to action, a mobilizing movement speaking directly to the listener through comforting and supportive lyrics. Lyrics like" "Rough times come and go so fast," "Free yourself from the pain and struggle, "No matter what you go through, just promise me you'll make it through, I believe in you" are just a few excerpts from this refreshing and empowering song- it is not often an artist focusses so intently on their listeners. The amount of love this duo is emitting is blowing us away. Each rapper has a unique style they bring to their lyrical delivery, together the duo are able to bring a hazy mystique while remaining strong and steadfast in their rhyme delivery. The chorus features a harmonic melody that softly envelopes the listener encouraging them to "Rise Up." "Rise Up (radio edit)" is a song you didn't know was missing from your life. Don't delay and listen today. Discover "Rise Up (Radio Edit) here. Hello, OperationUndergroundand welcome back to BuzzMusic. Your latest release "Rise Up" is truly touching. We love how much love and support you are emitting from this track. Can you start by telling us a bit more about the song and how it came about? Tha Freek: It's great to be back! For me, it was more about creating a song that was positive and different then what we have done before. Magnificent T: I agree with what Tha Freek said. And for me, I also wanted to make something positive to help others out there in the world who might be going through something tough. Also Especially with everything going on in the world right now, it's good to have something positive for people to hear and listen to. What's the backstory on how Operation Underground formed? Tha Freek: We are both brothers. I'm older than he is by about a year and a half and we both have had a love for music since we were kids.      Magnificent T: We've both been making music for years before the Duo. And after we both developed our styles more and knew where we both wanted to go in our lives we decided to form Operation Underground in late 2018 with our first EP "Mad World" And after early successes, we have stuck together and continued to make music and push further and further. Your musical influences come from a variety of genres, specifically rap and alternative rock. We loved how you blended the two on "Rise Up." Can you tell us a bit more about how you're able to create tracks that incorporate multi genres? Tha Freek: Definitely rap music is my number one favorite kind of music and I love different kinds of rock as well. We just take our different influences and mix them together but it starts from hip hop. Magnificent T: My main influence when it comes to genres is Rap but I do like a lot of other kinds of music as well. We just are ourselves and when it comes to our sound, lyrics, and styles we're ourselves too. So that's why we have a lot of different genres mixed together in our music. You clearly have a great love and respect for your fans. When you create a song, what is the general listening experience you want to create for the listener?  Tha Freek: For me, it's about giving them inspiration and making them feel like they're not alone with whatever they might be going through in life and giving them something fresh to listen to. Magnificent T: Our fans literally mean everything to us and are family to us. Without them we couldn't do what we do so we are extremely thankful to anyone who supports us. What's next for you? Tha Freek: Just keep on releasing new music and experimenting with our sound. Magnificent T: Exactly what Tha Freek said! And just to keep making moves and grow Operation Underground more and more with every new release. instagram.com/operationunderground facebook.com/TheOperationUnderground #BUZZMUSIC

Hailing from Nashville TN, alt-rock artist Holly Auna releases her expressive single "Water." Always holding on to her roots from Southern Indiana, the last decade Holly Auna has been busy traveling back and forth from Nashville to New York City and is continuously growing her work. With her latest hit "Water," Holly Auna triggers similar delivery to a nostalgic Taylor Swift through energetic country/rock instrumentals, a fiery vocal performance, and the incredible use of major to minor shifts. Holly Auna sings lyrics about losing someone you love and knowing that they won't return even when the choice is always present. "Water" opens with mellow guitar picking and Holly Auna's pure vocals as she sings the understanding of what's at stake and that she'll continue to wait for them to reappear someday. The instrumentals are very emotional, especially with the droning electric guitars that rain down from above, Holly Auna keeps the track alive with her heartfelt lyrics that show pure-hearted vulnerability. Reaching a climax of sound around the bridge, Holly Auna and her supporting instrumentals create this heavy atmosphere, almost exuding anger and the other countless emotions we feel during heartbreak. Holly Auna has perfectly crafted "Water" to portray her inner emotions, and we can't help but hold on tight for the ride. Hey Holly Auna, welcome to BuzzMusic! Your latest single "Water" has us feeling our deep running emotions. Why did you choose to write a song about waiting for someone to return, even when the odds aren't in your favor? Thank you so much for having me on BuzzMusic! I’m excited to hear that “Water” has you in your feels!  Songwriting is strange, sometimes we express things in unconventional ways.  To anyone reading this who hasn’t heard the song, “Water” is about loving someone so much that you know you’ll wait forever for them, even when you know they aren’t coming back. I wrote this song about my boyfriend, not because he had ever abandoned me, but because for the first time in my life, I understood loving someone so much that you would wait for them, no matter how long it took.  It was actually a unique experience for me to show a breakup song to someone I’m dating and say, “Hey I wrote this about you!” Luckily he’s a songwriter as well and understands the obscurity that sometimes comes with putting our feelings into art and said it was “very sweet!” We're truly loving the instrumentals you've provided with your single "Water". How did Holly Auna and your team create such a striking atmosphere with the instrumentals? Thank you! I’m blessed to have bandmates that are also some of my very best friends.  The five of us, Dan Kozlowski (drums), John Townsend (guitar), Ryan Oetken (guitar), and Matthew Foss (bass) and myself, actually co-produced this project together.  We spent a year playing “Water” live around Nashville before taking it into The Amber Sound studio with Mat Poole. In the studio, we added keys with Alex DeVor and steel with Andy Ellison. I also asked the band boys for their experience of how we created “Water.”  Guitarist Ryan Oetken said, “The parts came together pretty fast. John came in with the ambient guitar part and we created our parts to complement his.” John Townsend (guitar) added that he thought our drummer, Dan Kozlowski’s, “treasure chest of percussion toys” created a vibe in itself! And to bass player Matthew Foss, it was the hits that fall on the “and” beat that create a unique vibe for this song. We've heard that Holly Auna's single "Water" was a co-write between you, Lydia Dall, and John Townsend. What helped you write from such a vulnerable place during the songwriting process? I wrote this song two years ago with Lydia Dall and John Townsend.  Lydia has been one of my best friends for eight years now since we first met while attending Belmont University both as Entertainment Industry Studies Majors. In the past three years, we've written literally hundreds of songs together.  The day we wrote "Water" was the first day we'd ever met John, and at that point in time we had no way of knowing he would end up being one of our best friends, and I for sure didn't know he'd end up being a part of my band, helping produce, mix and master this project. It is so important to write with people you trust. It doesn’t matter if it’s a heartbreak song, love song, or just a song to pitch to another artist, writing with people you feel comfortable around always yields the best art. We've also heard that Holly Auna's second tour "The Spring Fling Tour" was unfortunately canceled due to the world's current circumstances. What should we anticipate from your live performances once venues open up again? This spring I was supposed to be going back on tour with Joshua Hunt hitting many cities in the southeast part of the United States, we were sad to cancel our tour but as always, safety first. I am finding ways to still perform safely during this difficult time. On July 11th I’ll be performing at Nashville Craft Distillery with Lockwood Barr as a part of the Safe Summer Songs Acoustic Drive-in Series! I’m so excited to be a part of this drive-in social distanced show and look forward to trying to find more shows like this during 2020. I have also been using this time to perform on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok LIVE. Every Wednesday I’ve been going on Instagram LIVE with another singer/songwriter as a part of my Songwriter Feature series on my blog thesongwriterdiary.com. I’m currently starting to book for the summer of 2021 in hopes of getting back to a normal touring schedule.  I love traveling, meeting fans/new friends, and performing my original songs. I can’t wait to hit the road again! instagram.com/hollyauna facebook.com/hollyauna #BUZZMUISC

Hello Caleb Lovely! We know you grew up in an abusive environment but now you strive to turn your experience into music that we can all enjoy. How do you think these experiences have shaped your artistry and writing? How has your sound developed through your musical journey as a result? It has had a profound negative effect on my creativity and artistry. Especially being raised in a southern religious household, I grew up constantly having my success with music equated to a loss of my relationship with God. My father devalued my love for music at every chance he got. To pursue my dream of music was seen as narcissism and a failure in the eyes of the church. So for a long time, it’s held me back. I’ve devalued myself in my career, and even more so in my personal life. Over time I’ve realized that this thinking and way of life are toxic and flawed. I had to set myself free from a lot of mental baggage. I met the love of my life and it’s been life-changing. I’ve been able to move past how I was raised and make the music I want to make. To write about the things that matter and create music that is undeniable. My wife has never once made me feel like my dreams are selfish, in fact, she loves me more than I knew possible which has allowed me to pursue my career wholeheartedly with zero restraint. It’s a team dream. My only grievance with God is that I didn’t meet my wife sooner.  We loved your new song, “With Him Tonight”! Can you delve deeper into the meaning of the lyrics and how the production came about? \Thank you so much! It’s a song for all the women and even men who feel undervalued in a relationship, who feel stuck. I’ve learned that there is someone out there in this world that wants to show you how to truly live and show you what you’re made of. There is someone who will think you’re out of this world. This song feels like summer love; whether that’s loving yourself or someone else, it’s about knowing what you deserve and feeling good about that. I originally wrote this song with some other Nashville writers, Morgan Brown and Steve Lester. We’ve written a couple of songs together that will definitely be released in the near future. I took the work tape from the day and re-envisioned it to fit what I felt moves me. Instrumentally I wanted the song to be reminiscent of early 2000’s pop-rock records with country music instrumentation. I had a blast recording Dobro, mandolin, Banjo.  You say that you’ve grounded yourself in Nashville and it has now become home for you. How do you think moving here changed the way you create music? What are some cultural differences you’ve had to adjust to? I met the love of my life here who has shown me so much more about how to truly live life, how to love, and care, and dream. I’m the most myself that I’ve ever been to.  The biggest adjustment in Nashville is that most people write music to please their friends and gain fleeting clout within small circles, they’re not making the music they want to make and they’re not really that happy because when you live under the constant pressure of pleasing everyone’s opinion and the idea of you, you never really get to live as yourself.  Rooting myself in Nashville I’ve learned to make the music I want to make with the instruments that allow me to feel the way I want music to feel, and to impact people for a greater good than selfish gain. It’s not about momentary satisfaction, it’s about the bigger picture, creating something that will be bigger than me.  What is the ultimate goal you would like to achieve in your musical career? Is this being worked on or put into place currently? The ultimate goal for me as an artist is to be a catalyst for change. Impacting as many people as I can with my voice which speaks for love, heartbreak, messed-up families, and growing who you are through all of that.  And hell yeah it’s being put into place to continue to show up every day and put out music that is worthy of the world's ears.  What's next for you? I’ll be releasing a single a month for the rest of the year!  Be sure to keep up, it’s going to be insane. I think it’s the best group of work I’ve released to date. instagram.com/caleblovely facebook.com/caleblovely #BUZZMUSIC

Its time for a bit of science here at BuzzMusic. What do you get when you combine Billie Joe Armstrong, Simon & Garfunkel, and Elvis Presley? The answer is Rockabilly artist Chuck Mullen. Chuck constructs his music around themes of personal struggle, political and religious doctrine, and events happening around our global society. His inclusive music encourages his listeners to embrace themselves for who they are while promoting individuality and self-worth. We are lead into Chuck Mullen's latest release "Narcissist" with a forward-moving acoustic guitar and Chuck's eclectic voice. "Narcissist," tells the story of a toxic relationship and the abuse suffered by another's self-absorbed personality. The soundscape is comprised of simple instrumentation and orchestral tones that resonate within the atmosphere of the song. Chuck's voice is the driving melody throughout the song and is lovingly complemented by Rainer Rose's harmonizing vocals. There is an air of nostalgia on "Narcissist," and even with its heavy subject matter, Chuck has created a peaceful sound profile that entrances the listener. The lyrics could easily be set to an angry amplified rock song, but Chuck Mullen's relaxing take to the accompanying instrumentation heightens the songs messaging appreciably more and takes a higher ground than that of the "Narcissist" Chuck is singing about. We loved Chuck Mullen's latest hit "Narcissist," and we think you will too. Listen today to "Narcissist" here. Hello Chuck, and welcome to BuzzMusic. "Narcissist" as such a nostalgic aura about it. Can you tell us a bit more about the song and how it came about? I came up with the chorus in the middle of the night, while I was stoned in my room. You see, I’m a medicinal user and I get more deep in thought when I’m stoned, and when I was coming up with the chorus, I was thinking about my parent (I’ll keep which parent that was to myself for now) who is known by all of my family and loved ones as a toxic narcissist, I used the pain and misery of what my parent said and did to me and channeled it to I guess you can say is a catchy chorus. Narcissists tend to deny their flaws deny their bad behavior, play the victim, and point the finger at the person calling them out, and will act self-centered and have no regard for others' feelings or well being. That’s what I write Narcissist about. It’s definitely a very personal song for me. The reason why I won’t say whether it’s my mom or my dad is that a narcissist especially cares about their self-image so I guess keeping the Narcissist I wrote about anonymous is a way of respecting their integrity but to also save the heartache of more emotional abuse. You could have easily set the lyrics of "Narcissist" to a fueled rock song, why did you take a different approach to the instrumentation heard on the track? I personally felt that the song’s theme and flow belonged to an acoustic sound with synth background with sweet harmonies and the song is basically a trip down memory lane and normally in a movie or a show when a character has a flashback, there is usually an atmospheric feeling and I felt that the collaboration is done with my friend Rainer Rose, Donrico De Castro and the amazing recording, mixing and mastering done by my friend Carlos Sanchez and Ryan Kelly, I thought the sound of fitted so perfect that when I heard the first Demo with collaboration, I was tearing up in my bed while playing in my ears. You mentioned you write from a personal perspective. How do you hope to connect with your listeners coming from this place of vulnerability? Considering I wrote my song about my Narcissistic parent, here’s what I got to say to anyone who has listened to this song and/or has a Narcissistic loved one: it’s incredibly hard especially if you’re still a minor with a narcissistic parent. You feel as if you’re in inescapable darkness and you may even feel that nobody understands your pain. To anyone dealing with a narcissist parent, you’re tough, even if you think you’re weak, you are indeed strong. You’re strong for putting up with the physical, mental, and emotional abuse. You are strong for still going to school, despite all the stress from home. You are strong for staying alive. It takes strength to stay alive and breathing after wanting to kill yourself over dealing with your abusive parent on a daily basis. I want you to know that you deserve respect, you deserve empathy, you deserve compassion, you deserve that from your parent. You don’t have to have them in your life if they are causing you pain and anguish. To anyone who’s saying that you have to put up with your parents or loved ones toxic behavior because they are still your family, friend, etc, don’t listen to them. Toxic is toxic. You don’t deserve that, you deserve better. I just hope whoever has a toxic parent who listens to my song that they are not alone, and when you have the chance, cut that person out of your life if they still continue to inflict pain and anguish. You don’t deserve it, but if you can’t avoid them right now, stay strong and tell someone you can trust, if you need to get away from the abuse, should it become unbearable, and you are brave and strong for having the strength to keep going. How long have you been creating music, and how do you feel your sound has evolved from where you first started? I learned guitar when I was 16 years old by a one-armed man, who plays multiple instruments. I get free lessons from him because he’s dating my mom. Really awesome guy, Earnest has been a huge musical inspiration to me. I ask him so many questions, I ask him his thoughts so much so, he sometimes thinks I’m annoying but I just really value his opinion and insight. My music has evolved from me being religious and playing music in the church, to slowly becoming a singer-songwriter with rock, pop, alternative, and punk influence, who is openly Atheist and now I pretty view music as my religion. I personally believe that to succeed as an artist, I’ve got to live and breathe music like it’s my religion. My music is still evolving and I’m excited and I can’t wait to share my new music with the world! What's next for you? For now, I’m working on new songs, recording new songs, and I’m working and hoping not to get laid off from my daytime job, given the economic downturn. If I’m offered a record deal, awesome. If not, I’m happy being an independent artist. I also recently joined a metal band as the frontman and clean vocalist and the name is called To Seek Oblivion. I would say expect to see me in the metal scene as well and expect to see more Chuck Mullen releases this year! I just hope things will get better in my home in the United States, and I hope things will get better for people like me and people who not like me around the world. instagram.com/chuck_mullen_ #BUZZMUSIC

Los Angeles Alt-Rock/soul band The Moonshoots drops their ear-pleasing EP 'Golden Hour'. Led by Robert Felsted Jr. and Kate Felsted, with supporting instrumentation from Schuyler Schweers (Guitar), James Albis (Rhodes, Moog), and Dave Witter (Drums). The Moonshoots have been busy creating original music for indie film soundtracks, mastering classic movie soundtracks, and showcasing their work in a two-year residency at Hollywood Improv. Their latest EP “Golden Hour” was the amalgamation of all these tasks, and not to mention simply wanting to provide listeners with a soundtrack to their lives, The Moonshoots’ EP “Golden Hour” doesn’t fall short of that. Starting off the EP with the sweet alternative instrumentation through the intro track “Sunrise Daydream''. A mid-tempo track that begins as soft as satin, while Kate Felsted’s vocals calmly appear. She graces us with beautiful melodies and lyrics that surround a dream being interrupted by the sunrise. The mesmerizing acoustic guitar keeps the track at a very mellow place, helping us reflect on the dreams we encounter once we close our eyes for the night. The Moonshoots tied in heavy soul aspects to this track and started off the EP with deep-running emotions. Getting into more of a funkier groove with “Midday Mantra”, from the jump we’re met with vibrant electric guitar riffs, upbeat percussion, and Kate Felsted’s clear vocals. This song's message can genuinely speak to any audience, seeing as the lyrics surround not letting your relationship with money ruin your mood, because at the end of the day even if you don’t have all the money in the world, there’s priceless love waiting for you somewhere. A very bright song, especially with Kate Felsted’s layered vocals at the hook we can feel a heavy sense of belonging. Taken back to the era of funk with “LA (On Fire)”, from the beginning the song lets out these nostalgic synths that ring similar to the top charts of the late ’70s. A mid-tempo beat and groovy electric guitar keep the song moving, while this time we finally hear Robert Felsted Jr.’s vocals along with Kate Felsted’s. Their voices blend so perfectly, while they sing with passion about the tragic fires that spread around California and destroyed many homes in its way. The Moonshoots have done a sublime job of tying in meaning to their music, as well as messages that are easily relatable. A softer intro sweeps the next track “Hey Wayward”, sounding similar to alternative and folk instrumentation that’s incredibly calming and steady. A reflective song where Kate Felsted sings poetic lyrics of a sad break up where many words were left unsaid. Around the hook, Robert Felsted Jr. supports with harmonic background vocals that perfectly enhance the heartbreaking lyrics. Kate sings how she’ll wait for someone to return someday, instead of pushing someone away. The story this song provides hits the heart straight on, and all the way through it’s exceptionally supported by the heartfelt instrumentals. Kicking the energy up a notch with “Superhero”, the introduction takes us back to funky synths and upbeat rhythm. The Moonshoots have truly perfected musical emotion, as their instrumentals perfectly set up the mood of the song without a single lyric. A lighthearted song that lets you take a break from your woes and question, ‘why so serious?’. Robert Felsted Jr. and Kate Felsted go back and forth vocally on this track and take the vibes up from the previous song. Tying in the imagery of a superhero coming to swoop his Lois Lane, and keeping his significant other safe and at peace. A cheerful introduction meets “Window Wide Open”, through melodic keyboards, soft percussion, and mellow acoustic guitar. Robert Felsted Jr. takes this track by storm and vocalizes with clarity about finding happiness from your surroundings, from humans to mother nature. Around the hook, Kate Felsted joins in to harmonize with Robert, and the two of them create such a captivating atmosphere that’s difficult to escape. The song grows more powerful with each beat, and by the end, The Moonshoots have created an overall heartfelt track for all to enjoy. Ending off the EP with the last track “Space”, we noticed that The Moonshoots have released a music video for this song which shouldn't go unmentioned. First off, we have to mention that the song is so groovy and funky, it moves back and forth between different tempos really highlighting the timeless era of funk. The music video consists of the quarantined Moonshoots giving a soulful performance with very high energy. From bedrooms, forests, and the bright shoreside, the music video for “Space” is pretty ironic seeing as everyone is needing space nowadays. We can feel The Moonshoots humor through the music video, as it provides a warm human touch and overall entertaining content. We’re remarkably impressed with The Moonshoot’s entire EP “Golden Hour”, from heartbreak to love, the band has shown a variety of emotions and exuded nothing but pure talent the entire way through. You can find "Golden Hour" here. Welcome to BuzzMusic, The Moonshoots! We’re loving the concepts and instrumentals you’ve provided with your entire EP “Golden Hour”. When did the band begin to create songs for the EP, and were some songs older than others? We've been writing music for over a decade in various outlets, but began work on this EP seven years ago with the song "LA On Fire," written about the volume of opportunity and success that can be found in Los Angeles. It'sagroove that captures how great it feels to live in LA, pursuing and achieving our dreams. "Superhero" and "Window Open Wide" are also older songs that have been perfected over the years as we developed our unique sound. Within your EP “Golden Hour”, The Moonshoots bring in an array of genres from funk, soul, pop, and alt-rock. What inspired the instrumentation for the songs, and how did you go about shifting from one sound to the next? Each member of the band brings their influences and skill to the EP, making it somewhat of an enigma to categorize, but the messages of the lyrics and the overall feeling of the songs are how we determine where the sound will go. Robert, Dave, James, and Schuyler have been life-long collaborators and have developed a shorthand for arranging and writing new material. Kate developed her voice by training in jazz, soul, and rock; bringing an earthy element to the sound, another two octaves of range, writing harmonies with purposeful dissonance and tasty resolve, and much needed feminine perspective that sets this music apart from their music in the past. Speaking on the music video for your outro track “Space”, we can really see the lively people behind The Moonshoots. Even though you were quarantined, was there any sort of concept that you wanted the music video to provide? Since touring isn't an option right now, we utilized our experience in the entertainment industry to create content that demonstrates how much fun we have playing these songs. "Space" is about respecting boundaries amid working closely together. It is especially poignant in quarantine because Kate and Robert have not spent a waking moment apart for over three months. The rest of the band lives on the opposite side of the country, which highlights another theme in this video: how rewarding it is to utilize our increased spare time to connect and work on something fun together, at a very safe distance. The Moonshoots’ EP “Golden Hour” has seven detailed songs from top to bottom. Which track do you think had the most growth since you first started writing it? "Superhero" has had many iterations, some more electronic, some more subdued, and we are proud of the pocket it has settled into. We develop songs over the years by being open to change, taking risks, and are rewarded when we hear the growth of this track, because we took the time to make it just right. What's next for you? You won't have to wait for seven years! We've got some excellent music videos and single releases in the works, along with our "Bonfire Sessions" video series of socially-distanced acoustic sets, performed in the relaxing natural landscape of California. Coming your way this summer! instagram.com/themoonshoots facebook.com/themoonshoots themoonshoots.com #BUZZMUSIC