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Take our advice and crank it up on Sam Hustle's latest release, "Turn Up (feat. BlaqDay)." Rapping with mystery and prowess, the lyrics dominate this track touting a world domination vibe. Coming to us from Sanford, North Carolina, Sam Hustle has been busy traveling the world, making music, and connecting with fellow artists worldwide to discover their underlying musical strengths. A true believer in knowing your art's worth, Sam aims to educate others on their amazing gifts. We love the hip hip aura on "Turn Up," and the notes of EDM synths Sam has incorporated into the track give the record a unique spin on your 'conventional' hip hop song. The energy Sam Hustle creates through his rhymes incorporates a serious and important theme, yet his honest rhymes wash over you with a calming, reassuring touch. Verses like "I do it for nights I was broke and had nothing," and "holding that heater tight, rollin' that refer just to calm my mind," give an honest account of the hurdles Sam Hustle has overcome. His dedication to creating meaningful rhymes and his purpose for which he makes music showcases true artistry. We loved "Turn Up," and we think you will too. Hello Sam Hustle and welcome to BuzzMusic. We loved your latest release "Turn Up." Can you tell our listeners a bit more about the meaning behind the song? Well, it put me in a zone to just talk about things that was happening at that time. "Turn Up" features a classic hip hop beat but incorporates EDM tones and synths, we loved that addition, it really made the track stand out. Do you typically experiment with different soundscapes when creating a project? Yes very much so I love creating music. You mentioned you enjoy connecting with other artists and celebrating their amazing gifts. What has the local community of music meant to you and your music? That’s a tricky one I traveled making a lot of this music thinking of my community. And where am at now that town built me to grow. Can you tell our listeners about what truly inspires you and why you strive so high in your artistic creations? Godlike moves of the many gifts he has giving me makes me want to create every day and making people feel good if I can tell a story that make people feel good I done my job. Now that’s artistic creation (Check out Area 1009 a group I’m involved in HipHop vibe). instagram.com/hustle524 #BUZZMUSIC

Various tones of synthesized raps lead us into The Season's latest hit "Timid." His clever rhymes bring an entertaining sense of character that shows The Season's fresh personality through his lyrics. The Season is a Hip Hop / Rap artist residing in Atlanta, GA who aims to energize and resonate with his listeners worldwide. His first mixtape was released in 2013 and generated over 4,000 plays within the first two days. Since then, The Season has released 3 albums, 5 singles, and has been acknowledged as an emerging talent within the Hip Hop industry. "Timid" has a faint acoustic guitar that plays familiar notes throughout the track, as the ruthless 808 beat grinds over top. The repeating harmony embedded behind The Season's rhymes adds a melodic aspect to this hard-hitting track. The Season adds creative lyrical play throughout his rhymes that articulate the content of the track in fresh and inventive ways. His rhymes are grin-inducing; we particularly liked the sequence of rhymes "Just to calm my nerves I rolled up a sticky, I threw some diamonds on and started dancing like diddy-" as we listen along we are adorning ourselves with our glorified costume jewelry and bouncing around the room jiving with "Timid." Trust us when we tell you, there is nothing timid about the moves this track has us producing. Hello The Season and welcome to BuzzMusic. We loved your latest hit "Timid." The song has such a comfortable and inviting flow, what did you envision for this track, and do you feel you achieved that on the final product? First off I'd like to thank you guys for having me and for the generous response regarding my new single "Timid". For this specific track, I envisioned an upbeat track with smooth melodies explaining my thoughts on where I am currently at in my career. As for the final product, I am really satisfied. My producer BCKGRND and I were able to complete this track within two weeks and it definitely covered all the bases when it comes to what I expect with all of my material. "Timid" really isn't all that 'timid' in its encompassing atmosphere of sound it creates. Can you explain a bit about your process in building accompanying rhythms and harmonies? When BCKGRND had sent me the beat, I immediately resonated with it and knew that I could really create something that the fans would love. I had already been writing the lyrics for this song so once I heard the rhythm I knew it would be a perfect fit for our most recently released project. The harmonies placed into this track were special and quite honestly I spent most of my time on this track recording those deeply rooted harmonies that you are hearing. My focus was on deepening the emotional impact of this specific project. You mentioned your mother was an exceptional flute player and through her musical associations inspired you to launch your own journey in music. Does your mom still play a role in the directions you take your art? My mother was in fact a masterful flute player and a huge inspiration for my musical career. Ever since I started my mother has played a huge role in the direction I take when developing my artistry. I am a big believer that she has given me the gifted ability to create unique music and for that, I am forever indebted to her. Many industry professionals would agree that the flute is in fact responsible for lifting the appearance in some of the best Hip Hop tracks of all time. Although it is not incorporated into every one of my songs, I do enjoy adding some flute sounds into my material. We like the inference between the four seasons of the weather and your music. In what ways has your music evolved since launching your career? Originally I had one sound and couldn't really deviate from that certain sound. Vocally I have been able to evolve immensely with the help of coaches, my manager, and mentors within the industry. The "four-season of weather" metaphor that accompanies my name was developed a few years ago and has a heavy influence on how my career has evolved over time. What will you be working on next, The Season? My team and I have been working on my new album called "Sophisticated Ignorance" which will be released sometime in Fall 2020. However, I do have a pre-release single called "I'ma Ride" which will be featured on "Sophisticated Ignorance". We recently decided to release "I'ma Ride" on June 29th, 2020 due to the times we are currently experiencing since this song discusses the injustices within our country. Unrelated to our next projects, we have been in talks with two major labels who have expressed interest in joining forces. instagram.com/seasontheartist #BUZZMUSIC

SNTJMS gives us a deep vibing hit on his latest release "Ain't You Special." This Hip-Hop cultural advocate is creating music that incorporates raw, cleaver, and brutally forthcoming wordplay. "Ain't You Special" commences with relaxing chimes of synths and an R&B tinged electric guitar before you are awoken from your dream state to a fast-paced, reverberating percussion and SNT JMS raspy rhymes. Showing us his multi-stylize approach to lyrical delivery, SNT JMS seamlessly flows between rapping with prowess and delivering sleek vocals on the lightened chorus. SNT JMS demonstrates his expert ability to string together catchy and clever lyrics that captivate the listener. Verses like " Hands up, hands up, this a stick up for me taking the thrown,"   "I got a vision, got a prayer, got a minute," and "Whatever it takes to make a little bread," flow off SNT JMS lips like fine wine. The chorus moves in, and out, in its delivery of sound like waves cresting onto the shore and descending back into the depths. We loved the comical ending SNT JMS added to this track, it brought us back down to reality after listening to this skillfully arranged piece. We know you will be thoroughly impressed after listened to "Ain't You Special." Discover "Ain't You Special" here. "Ain't You Special" is a seriously special track in its ability to hook the listener! Can you tell us a bit about the track and its meaning? One of my more personal tracks.  It discusses the idea that despite having a talent or a vision it can feel like there is no place for me or many many others like me.  However, we have great examples of men and women (Stevie, Nina, Louie - all mentioned in the song) that HAVE done amazing things despite the odds and so we have hope.  You have incorporated so many interpretations of life so creatively  on "Ain't Your Special." What were your inspirations for writing this song? Real-life experiences like recording in the closet and my brother and I being raised by my Father and him working ALOT!!!! Lol.  These things stuck with me about how I wanted to live my own life differently.   Then as I grew into a man I ran into challenges of the juxtaposition of being black in America without necessarily fitting into the traditional lens that entertainment paints most black Americans. Those moments def show up in the song.   You mentioned you strive to be a cultural advocate for HipHop. What about this genre of music has you so devoted to its development? I believe HipHop to be the culture’s greatest natural resource. I believe it has the power to change the world.  Hip-hop has arguably done more for race relations and global awareness than any other music in history.  It is both the clever prowess of jazz-like Miles and the potent spoken word like King, X, and Baldwin.  HipHop taught me how to greet my friends as loved ones, how to express myself thru fashion and dance, and that creativity is still king.   When you sit down and start creating a song, what are the goals you want to achieve in its delivery to your listeners? My goal is always to keep it interesting, make people think, and to create with honesty, authenticity & creativity as my navigators. This can be challenging at times because what’s true isn’t always what’s interesting. But I think the risk is inherent in all great works of art.   So I tend to err on the side of recklessness and just say what I feel. Ultimately, I’m just telling my story realizing that no man is an island and someone undoubtedly will feel what I have felt and resonate with it and hopefully find some light in the dark. instagram.com/enjoysaintjames twitter.com/enjoysaintjames #BUZZMUSIC

Merlot Embargo is one of those artists that is able to make you feel inspired with every release. Since the events of an almost fatal car accident, husband and wife Geoff and Scarlet were brushed with a never forgetting experience that pushed them to pursue their dreams and form a career in the industry. Bringing in unique twists of 80’s soundscapes with a not-so-subtle modern flair, the music that Merlot Embargo creates has that nostalgia flair while keeping a familiar touch. With Merlot Embargo’s latest release “One Day” having the feeling of pursuit, Merlot Embargo hopes that with the music that they create that it can inspire you to push yourself to achieve your goals as nothing will be given on a silver platter to you. Currently, Merlot Embargo is continuing to work on music and even has an EP’s worth of material written to soon show to the world. With their weekly Thursday acoustic shows being a way to engage with the crowd, we are sure to have plenty of Merlot Embargo in our lives. You can find "One Day" here. Hey Merlot Embargo, welcome to BuzzMusic. We loved your latest release "One Day", for us it made us feel inspired to pursue a shelved idea. Can you tell us a bit more about the meaning of the song and how you wanted listeners to feel when they tuned in? One Day is definitely about that feeling of pursuit. The pursuit of a calling, pursuit of a dream. It’s the feeling of longing to be remembered after you’re gone, to leave something meaningful behind so you don’t just fade away. It’s about choosing how your life will be told, how it will be seen and heard. It’s about setting the world on fire when you pursue what you are meant to do, and who you are meant to be. You shared a very frightening experience with us and we are so thankful you are here today making your music. We know it pushed you to propel your music but did anything about the structure of your music change after the accident? Scarlet: At the time we had only ever worked on music together as part of separate projects or work-related gigs. I had shelved the idea of pursuing a songwriting or singing career. It seemed like after so many years of false starts, empty promises, and failed attempts, it just wasn’t something I was meant to have. After the accident I realized it was never supposed to be something that was handed to me, it would have to be something I ran after and made for myself. I had gone through a two-year dry spell where I hadn’t written much of anything. And it was pretty soon after that I whipped out all of the songs for our EP. It was feverish to a certain extent, once I had let that dam be broken - how all of the songs just sort of fell out of me. As husband and wife, how do you find the creative process working together? Scarlet: It’s been a long journey of learning to work together and collaborate. I’ve been writing music on my own since I was 18. It takes a lot to allow someone else into that space and trust them with your most intimate possession: your work and your expression. Geoff: We’re a good pair, I think our different abilities are a great complement to one another. Scarlet is definitely the more artistic, visionary songwriter. I’m the worker bee who does more of the nuts and bolts arranging and producing. We were very intrigued when we read about Dave and Ben joining your band. As video game composers, how does that infuse and transform your sound? They work with music in a completely different realm than us. They can come in and completely turn a song onto its head in such an extraordinary and delightful way. It’s always fun to see what they think a song can be. What can we expect to see next from you? Scarlet: We have several songs on the back burner. I’ve written an entire EP’s worth of songs in the few months we’ve been on quarantine. A dream would be to get a Kickstarter going so we can produce the whole thing at once. Since we are self-produced with a kid and a day job between us, as well as being self-funded, it usually takes more time than we’d like to get songs recorded and released. This would be a way to speed that up a bit. We’re not getting any younger! Geoff: Since we’re all on quarantine now too, and not playing live at the moment, we’ve also been doing a weekly acoustic Livestream show every Thursday evening on all our social networks.  It’s been great to connect with people this way too. I wish we could have the whole band with us, but that’ll come when the social distancing rules ease up a bit! instagram.com/merlotembargo facebook.com/merlotembargo #BUZZMUSIC

Ecuadorian-American Singer/Songwriter based in NYC, Sara Ontaneda releases her heart-wrenching single “Separated by the Sea”. Known for blending alt-pop, folk, R&B, and South-American sound, Sara Ontaneda stops at nothing until her listeners feel something. Doing exactly this with her recent single “Separated by the Sea”, Sara Ontaneda ties these beautifully melodic folk instrumentals with a slight touch of alt-pop through celestial pads. Sara Ontaneda sings towards someone who she loves deeply, being her brother who lives overseas and away from Sara Ontaneda. She finds the perfect lyrics to display that blood is thicker than water, and that she’ll always be there for her brother even when she physically can’t be. Starting off with a mid-tempo drum beat underneath subtle electric guitar picking, “Separated by the Sea” opens with nothing but love. While Sara Ontaneda begins vocalizing her emotions, she touches on how her brother was the one to teach her the ropes of how to be more patient and forgiving. While the slight touch of electronic pads makes their way in for the chorus, Sara Ontaneda brings her heavenly vocals to the forefront and sings the same message of wanting her brother to forgive her for not being as present as she wanted to be. Genuinely a mesmerizing piece, from the soft instrumentals and Sara Ontaneda’s pure-hearted message, “Separated by the Sea” reminds us that love is the most powerful force of all. instagram.com/saraontaneda facebook.com/saraontanedamusic twitter.com/SaraOntanedaMus #BUZZMUSIC

A symphony of cascading synths welcomes you into Celiane's new song "Systematic," as Celiane's celestial voice takes your hand and guides you down a melodic journey. Hailing from the Bay Area, California, Celiane uses her charisma and passion for music, creating diverse soundscapes that complete her Electronica Hip Hopera. The bold lyrical content is sung with prowess and signature as Celiane bathes the listener in meaningful symphonious verses. "I am smart and I am strong, I create all day long," is a verse delivered by a robotic-like voice accompanied by elevating synths that explode around the sphere of sound. You experience a powerful auditory adventure through the delivery of this computerized voice as Celiane delivers a call to action that invigorates the listener to climb that insurmountable summit they may be grappling within their lives. "Systematic" is an electrified opera experience; and we categorize it this way because a typical opera performance is depicted by a dramatic artistic performance that combines a highly technical musical score, through a theatrical outlet of production- and that is exactly what Celiane has created. We are certain you will be entranced by Celiane's otherworldly voice and amplified aura of sound. "Systematic" has rushed in a new era of Electronica Hip Hopera. Discover "Systematic" here. "Systematic" has a very full soundscape really creating a full environment of sound. In what ways do you hone in on a particular feeling that drives the sound and overall tone of a project? When I make music I listen to the aesthetic sound of the piece. I think about how it makes me feel. Does it make me grove? Do the words fit into those feelings? We generally create around the words. For Systematic, I created the music first, and then I wrote words to it, but it takes a long time. I let the music drive it sometimes and sometimes it is the lyrics, but I go on what I feel. In what ways do you center yourself before you sit down and compose a piece? When I get a feeling that I think can be expressed in a song, I meditate on it. I dig into the real feelings in me and behind the music and as I create. I see what feels right. I create it piece by piece literally. Your style infuses a significant amount of emotional range. Why do you feel the importance of incorporating emotion into your art is so pivotal to the outcome of your work? People are emotional. Most people’s actions are driven by emotion. And I am an emotional person at times. The human side of me. Other times, I am the technology side, cold to some, and logical. I wanted something people that are screaming, laughing, crying, raging, etc. can relate to. Something they could wrap their arms around and say, “She gets it!” What we call the “in-between” spaces. The unsaid spaces. The spaces where you can’t express the emotion but you feel something strongly. I wanted to share it with them. What's next for you? What is next is Performing when things open up, a comic book, and many other artistic adventures. I am trying to perform for ComicCons and other technology game-based gatherings. Creating as much as I can and getting out in front of my fans with the message of love. facebook.com/celianeWML instagram.com/celianevoice #BUZZMUSIC

Born in Long Island, NY, the city of hip hop and R&B, Gary Andrew Lawrence Jr. has been primed since day one to appreciate soulful lyricism. Raised in Philadelphia, he soon discovered the passion in his blood when he wrote his first poem in 8th grade. Now a rapper under the stage name GL who’s goal is to give fans his own version of Golden Age hip hop. Priding himself on his Pulitzer Prize-winning lyricism, GL has released single “Up A Notch,” produced by Noizeworkz, that holds true to his goals as an artist. With a subtle electronic soundscape and beat, GL leaves room for his vocal art to take the stage and set the tone of “Up A Notch.” Intimacy shines through his heavy and passionate vocals, making it feel as though he is speaking straight to your soul. GL effortlessly creates an artistic flow between verses, with each line showcasing the potential to feed the minds of listeners with a spoonful of prospects. With his reflective lyricism, it is no surprise that GL is more of a poet than a rapper. The song’s title “Up A Notch” is the abstraction of GL’s hard work and persistence. The inclusion of the phrase “won’t stop ‘till I hit the top,” soon followed by the matter-of-fact conclusion that, even when he hits the top, he will always aim to take it “up a notch.” The beauty of “Up A Notch” comes from its ability to inspire the listener to open up their consciousness, and absorb the lyrical perspective that GL has to offer. Discover "Up a Notch" here. Welcome to BuzzMusic GL! We were captivated by your introspective lyrics, and are excited to hear more from you! Can you tell us about the message behind the lyrics of “Up A Notch?” The message is pretty straight forward. It is my first release I wanted to release a song that had a lot of energy and make you want to get up and move. When I say "Up a Notch" and "To the Max" I speak on elevating my craft and taking my artistry to the next level. For my listeners, I encourage them too to take their lives and whatever they enjoy doing to the next level. This is a song with a message that you can still groove to. Can you describe your songwriting process, and how you turn your insightful poems into music? I do not have a specific process when writing. Because I write all the time, I may hear a beat and write to it, then use that same verse for another song. I may even take a hook from a verse if it sounds catchy enough. This is how I came up with the hook for "Up a Notch". Sometimes I don't need to hear a beat to write. As long as the words flow I can scribe in silence. Since I also produce and engineer, I like the challenge of building a beat around the vocals I recorded to another beat to better compliment the vocals. I actually produced, wrote, and recorded "Up a Notch" in a few hours. Are there any musical inspirations in your life that have inspired you as an artist? How have they inspired you? My father inspires me to keep going and keep creating music. He was a DJ/producer for legendary artists such as Busta Rhymes and Public Enemy. He then was wrongly accused of a crime he did not commit and sentenced to 25 to life in prison. He recently got out and I savor the stories and advice he gives me about life and music. I can send him a song and he would dissect it and give me honest feedback even if I don't like it. I hope to one day be able to reach the level of mastery he did while he was a DJ but as an artist. How did being born in a city known for its appreciation of hip hop and R&B shape you as an artist? Being born in Long Island, NY, I can remember cookouts and parties where DJs would play a lot of reggae and Hip Hop that would have the whole place jumping. Living with my grandparents, I would get my dose of soul and classics that would help expand my musical spectrum. I'm a firm believer that there are only two types of music: good and bad. One of my favorite songs used to be the theme song for Gran Turismo. A Lot of hip hops greats had their start in Long Island like Rakim, Public Enemy, Busta Rhymes, Craig Mack, EPMD, etc. What can fans anticipate next from you GL? In about a month's time, I will be releasing another single called "Welcome to the Gauntlet". Also, I will be releasing a lyric video for "Up a Notch" that will be available on IGTV and Youtube. I'm in the middle of starting a band and will soon be coming to a venue near you. instagram.com/noizeworkz facebook.com/GLtheGreat #BUZZMUSIC

A cinematic opening draws you into MadeoLife's new hit "Hora Del Rolex 3 am." A cross-temp of beats ticks away in your ears as heavy 808 beats fill the rhythmic soundscape. "Hora Del Rolex 3 am" is a track off MadeoLife's rediscovered Latin roots EP "Te Amo Pero Te Odio" that broadcasts his healing lyrics with Spanish infusion. From San Antonio, TX, MadeoLife is creating relaxing, rhythmic soundscapes to connect with his listeners. "Hora Del Rolex 3 am" gives the aura of a synthesized hip hop song, but as you listen along, MadeoLife infuses multiple styles into his music that create a multi-faceted listening experience. From its scene inspiring cinematic beginnings where we hear the wind whistling in the background, the uptick of vibing percussions, and the relaxing ambient tones, "Hora Del Rolex 3 am" climaxes the track by a melodic, classical piano experience. As you drift in and out of genres you discover just how talented MadeoLife is at fusing multi genres together to create a cohesive and surprising auditory experience. Even though we are not fluent in Spanish the lyrics are sung with love and attentiveness that will leave you enchanted. Find out for yourself the exploratory soundscape of "Hoar Del Rolex 3 am" today. Listen today to "Hora Del Rolex 3 am" here. Hello MadeoLife and welcome to BuzzMusic. We loved your latest release "Hora Del Rolex 3 am." Can you provide a translation for us on the meaning of this song? The song is about being with a person of interest at 3 AM in the morning basically saying look at your wrist look at the Rolex it’s already three. time has passed you can’t compare me. We felt comforted and invigorated listening to "Hora Del Rolex 3 am," and that was lacking the ability to understand its Spanish lyrics. What was the intended feeling for listeners to experience on this track? The song is to relax with your significant other. I used different delay patterns to really stretch out the waves and reach every sense of someone’s ear. "Hora Del Rolex 3 am," really is a diverse blend of genres. Where did you get the idea to add the classical piano piece that finishes the song? I slow down the song change the tempo and gave it a Houston Texas vibe. It was the perfect song to try this method I’ve been waiting to use. You clearly have a diverse way of thinking about creating music. Where have you drawn your creative inspiration from? I’m always in competition with myself. Every project I tackle I try to reach different angles switch my work methods changing the way I use plug-ins in trying to dive deeper and exposing each wave every bit of sound using the different sets to really try to stimulate your brain patterns receptors to music. What's next for you? Currently working on a major project with a label can’t speak too much on it but the features well shock the industry. instagram.com/madeolife twitter.com/madeolife #BUZZMUSIC

The 5-piece alternative group from Charleston, Dead Swells releases their sweet-sounding single “Out of the Window”. The band originally began as the brainchild of songwriter/producer Paul Nederostek, then gracefully grew into a project with five seasoned musicians ready to provide blissful art. With their latest single “Out of the Window”, Dead Swells brings forward a sweet psychedelic sound through vibrant synths and sparkling keyboard melodies. Bringing in expansive lyrics of loving someone and growing with them, Dead Swells really set out a transcendent vibe with this track. Kicking the song off with low and filtered synths overtop short percussion pulses, “Out of the Window” lets listeners breathe without throwing a beat they weren't ready for. Gradually growing in sound and energy, a high pitched synth begins letting out soft melodies that lead the way of the track. Calming and melodic vocals enter the track and vocalize the powerful emotion of love while reassuring us that all our unfortunate experiences will soon be thrown “Out of the Window”. The track’s outro provides a soaring psychedelic instrumental, perfectly ending it on a celestial note. Dead Swells has put us in a trance with “Out of the Window”, and we’re only excited for their upcoming releases. Listen to "Out of the Window" here. instagram.com/deadswells facebook.com/deadswells deadswells.org #BUZZMUSIC

An acoustic guitar walks you into FREDDY's latest release "Soldier." The eruption of sound keeps building to new heights as we are introduced to FREDDY's profound and robust voice, just then the symbols crest onto the track like the sun rising over a mountainous range, and as you are memorized by "Soldiers" intense sound. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Spencer Emanuelle Goodman, AKA: FREDDY, is moving audiences and listeners nationwide with her mood-inducing vocal stylings. The track strums the familiar and pleasant melodies of a country-folk song and yet encompasses the profound instrumentals of a theatrical pop number. "Soldiers" lyrics convey a wartime love story, beloveds separated by combat, and their longingness to be together again. The pounding drums lead you into the powerful chorus ignite your senses as FREDDY's powerful voice sings: "I want my solider, right back in my arms", " On the front lines standing tall, keeping all his brothers full of hope and faith and song." The lyrics and the crashing instrumentals make the listener stand at attention as FREDDY's voice marches along in valor. The mounting intensity of sounds is balanced out with moments of soulful piano notes cascading into your ears and the soft plucking of a banjo brings our mind back to the comforts of home, as we envision our "Solider" walking through the door, home safe. Do not miss this patriotic love story brought to life by FREDDY's soaring voice. Discover "Soldier" here. Hello FREDDY, and welcome back to BuzzMusic! Your sound continues to wow us, we were in awe by your latest release "Solider." Can you start off by telling us a bit more about the song and how you wanted it to resonate with listeners? So happy to be back! Aw, thank you so much. Well, the song originated after I saw the film “1917” with my mom. First off, may I say if you have not yet seen this film, you MUST, it’s extraordinary. I was so moved by the film and because of the way it was shot I think, really felt the weight and reality of this existence. It’s very hard for me to envision what life serving your country day in and day out for months or years r e a l l y would feel like, but the performance and cinematography felt like such an honest, raw look in. The Stress. The fear. The anxiety. The doubt. The constant unknown. The pain. The loss. Yet despite all of that weight, there is still so much love, and hope. The striving to find a sense of normalcy amongst the incomprehensible chaos, I guess that’s what ultimately we as humans cling to. I was driving through Beverly Hills the next day and just thinking Ewwww to all the money, and possessions, and status since I was just hyper-focused on the heaviness of the film and that reality and how only love matters at the end of the day. I just cried and cried. I swear the entire chorus just popped into my head. Sometimes I think angels from heaven or something sing ideas into my ears. It sounds far out, but sometimes I think entire conversations flow through me when I am most calm, quiet, and open. Maybe this was someone somewhere in the universe seeing my empathy and wanting their story told. My hope is that a mother, a wife, a sister, a daughter, at least one person hears this song and feels held and heard. Imagine that reality REALLY. Every single day knowing your loved one is AT FREAKING WAR. ON THE BATTLEFIELD. The possibility of death constantly on the horizon. It’s terrifying. THOSE heroes need an anthem. The ones praying and holding down the fort at home day in and day out. I wanted someone living this reality to have exactly that to hold onto - an anthem. We can't get over the magnitude of sound featured on "Soldier," it really does envelope the listener. What was it like for you recording this song and having that sound surround you? I have two wildly talented friends, Tyler Thompson and Lauren Luiz, that are in a band called Wild (no pun intended) haha - both just incredible songwriters and producers. Lauren is this angelic melody and harmony queen who just finds the perfect moments to highlight, isolate, or build. Tyler is an amazing producer, and even more so just a great player, great musician all around. I think that’s so important when working with people, since I don’t play an instrument, finding people who really are great players before production begins helps the process tremendously. I came into their studio one day, and just sang them the chorus acapella and I think both of their heads just go off like fireworks with ideas and they just hear so much so fast. Recording with them is always great. They make everything so light and safe. I feel so comfortable creating with them. I also absolutely love my mixer, Garrett Miller who lives in Tennessee. He’s so patient with me as we dial in the wall of sound, and all the levels, and colors and movement. When I heard the final mix, I was just so happy with the way it turned out. It just f e l t warm and good like a hug. Where do you draw inspiration from in writing and performing your songs? There is a great sense of investiture you display in your music, where does that come from? I have a really hard time drawing inspiration actually. Unless it hits me like a wall of bricks, I’m just like this mean critic in my head grasping at nothing and then beating myself up for it. I’m still learning how to get in the room with writers and producers and just take an idea that pops up and runs with it. Everything I do is super intense and emotional - so when inspiration DOES hit, I feel like I don’t even have to work hard it just takes off and my subconscious takes over or the angels I was talking about earlier haha. I guess in short though, I’m inspired by other art and situations I dramatize in my personal life. Anything I do I fully invest in. As I said, I’m just a really intense feeler I think. The intense person for sure, but like I feel things so deeply. Too deeply. Often I wish I had more of a DGAF attitude, but I just care soooo much. I like to talk A L O T before I write with other people. I feel getting as specific as possible in what we’re trying to say helps articulate the story better than just vibing. I feel like I don’t know how to vibe in the studio cuz I’m super in my head, but performing? All I know how to do is the vibe. I just am the most present while I’m performing. I love it more than anything in the world. It’s just like a fire that burns up my whole being. Entertaining people. I even love the moments between songs during a show. I just feel in my bones that’s my purpose here. Make ‘em laugh, make ‘em cry, make ‘em feel everything. My favorite quote in the whole world is by Rainer Maria Rilke, “Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final”. That statement alone inspires me more than anything else. What are your hopes for your music? Where would you like to see it take you? WHAT A QUESTION. I want to change the world. I want my music to reach as close to all 195 countries as possible. I want to be able to make giant donations to causes that I feel strongly about. I want to be able to be The Voice of many causes. I want to connect with everyone I can. I want to offer an escape at all my shows for all attending. I want my listeners to let go and feel wild and free. I also want them to feel safe and supported and loved and worthy and powerful and enough. I want everyone to feel comfortable and okay feeling vulnerable at my shows. I want to be signed by a major label. I want to open for a massive headliner. I want to do several headlining world tours myself. I want to sell out Madison Square Garden. I want to sell out stadiums. I want those who listen to my music to feel we are one big happy family. I just want to connect. Nothing matters in this life but that: love and connection. What better way to bring everyone together than in song? My dream is to one day see 100,000 people across the other end of the stage singing my lyrics back to me. And then way way way at the end of my life hopefully like I’m 99 or 100 or something, I want hundreds of other girls to feel so inspired by me and all that I accomplished, that they go and do it, better and bigger than I did it. instagram.com/iamfreddyxo #BUZZMUSIC