Search this site

Anika Berry is a Trinidadian artist who discovered her passion for performing at a young age. She was a member of her high school choir, where she was trained in singing. She then began performing in pageants, musicals, and plays. In 2019, Anika Berry released her first single “Romance” and her first collaboration “Thief a Wine.” As if her musical success isn’t enough, Anika is also a Registered Nurse with big plans musically. She hopes to use her platform as a musician to open a health institution in Trinidad and Tobago. Her debut single “Romance” kicks off with acoustic guitar and maraca background instrumentals paired with a low key beat. With her delicate voice singing in an R&B style, Anika Berry clearly has intrinsic vocal talents. The general feeling you get from the song’s melody is laid back and romantic. Lyrically, Anika Berry sings about the struggles of her love interest showing her less attention as their relationship progresses. She brings attention to how he spends more time with his friends than he does with her. The idea of “Romance” is to bring attention to her need for affection and love to be proved. Many fans will be able to easily relate to the lyrics of “Romance,” and it will help some people realize how they deserve to be treated. Listen to "Romance" here. Welcome to BuzzMusic Anika Berry! “Romance” has both a catchy melody and easily relatable lyrics. Can you elaborate on the message behind your lyrics? I poured my heart into Romance and when people listen to my song I want people to feel the emotion I put into it. The feeling of being in a loveless relationship or a struggling relationship. Romance is dedicated for the people who can’t speak up to their loved one to tell them their wants and desires. The message is, show your loved one how much they mean to you. Hold their hand. Make them feel loved at all times. Love is endless as long as two individuals are willing to communicate. Pay attention to the signs. You truly never know what you have until it’s gone. Don’t respond too late. As an artist, you plan to use your platform to open a health institution in Trinidad and Tobago. How did you come up with this plan, and why is it important to you? I followed in the footsteps of my Mother and established my career as a nurse in 2018. In 2019 my Grandfather who lives in Trinidad fell ill. Finding immediate access to proper health care was difficult and costly for him and my family. He needed help in a timely manner and the wait in the hospital was excessive. Living overseas makes staying on top of his health challenging. Thankfully, my Grandfather overcame his illness. I think it’s important for everyone to have easy access to health care. I aspire to establish an institution that aids in giving back to the community whilst promoting healthcare to ensure a long wholesome life. How has growing up in a Trinidadian household inspired your musical style and career? Growing up in a Trinidadian household I was influenced by the rich culture and sounds of calypso, Kaiso, parang, Extempo, and of course Soca. My Mother played Tunes from The Mighty Sparrow, Lord Kitchener, Byron Lee, etc, that rang throughout my house on an early Sunday morning. Tanty, my grandmother, would be in the kitchen cooking a sweet pot of Pelau and we would sing the whole day. Then Monday morning it was back to school where I sang Classical songs in my high school Choir. I was very Diversified in my youth. And I appreciate every genre of music. I try to incorporate a little bit of everything into my music. Growing up you had a vast amount of musical and performance experiences. How have these experiences helped you grow and evolve as an artist? Before becoming an artist I was your typical pageant girl and actress. I performed in various musicals like, “Hairspray”. I won 1st place in a pageant where I took the Title as Ms.Caribbean. I obtained professional lessons for stage presence, vocal, dance, and acting. These many experiences go hand in hand and molded me into the artist I am today. I’m thankful for those opportunities. And when it comes to nursing, these experiences give me the confidence to make a difference in saving lives through medicine and music. instagram.com/anika_d_berry facebook.com/anikadberry #BUZZMUSIC

Los Angles based Neo-Soul/R&B artist Hasani Dada returns to the scene with his sincere single “Soul Food”. Known in the real world as Arthur Wesley, he took his talent from Florida to LA all to continue his venture of making music through love and authenticity. With the release of his groovy R&B single “Soul Food”, Hasani Dada takes serene melodies to new and intriguing planes. With peaceful underlying production supporting his heartfelt message to his lover, he graces us with a blissful ballad that proves the longevity and talent of Hasani Dada through his passionate approach to creation. “Soul Food” opens with bright and chiming synths overtop mid-tempo R&B kicks and snaps. As Hasani Dada’s mesmerizing vocals take center stage, he sings loving lyrics that portray his deep-running emotion and grace towards his significant other. He moves back and forth between sincere compliments and witty sensual charm that takes us on a pure neo-soul/R&B adventure. Hasani Dada’s vocals display clear-cut authenticity through his powerful melisma and broad range, all while serenading us with boundless affection. While “Soul Food”s supporting production maintains a steady groove throughout the tracks entirely, we’re left giving our undivided attention to Hasani Dada’s intoxicating vocals. “Soul Food” is definitely a track to add to your playlist, be sure to give it the love it deserves. Listen to "Soul Food" here. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Hasani Dada! We’re mesmerized by you sincere lyrics and passionate vocals on your single “Soul Food”. How did you go about gathering your emotions to find the right lyrics for your single “Soul Food”? Thank you for the love! Soul Food was created by me just having fun on YouTube one day. I was cleaning up the house, dancing & singing to random tunes when I stumbled across this one groovy beat. I instantly stopped sweeping, stared at my tv & sang "You're my soul foooood". I instantly started free-styling thinking of nothing but love & joy. I said to myself: "THIS IS A HIT"! I recorded a voice memo & tweaked it up. Next thing I knew, it was on Apple Music. Through your track “Soul Food”, we’re getting the idea that the song was inspired by someone who Hasani Dada loves dearly. What made you express your love through music, and convey your passion in greater detail than words through your singe “Soul Food”? Music is one of the most powerful ways to deliver a message. When you listen to "Soul Food" you instantly want to step touch.    You don't have to be a dancer to get down on this song! It's "feel good" music, we all need a reminder of how it feels to just simply be happy. We’ve heard that Hasani Dada creates music for the sole reason being to remind others to be happy and feel good about themselves. What made you take more of a conceptual route when creating music, rather than music that displays only surface-level emotion? When it comes to my craft, everything has to be heartfelt. If it's not from the soul you won't hear my voice. I'm a chosen vessel. I was strategically designed to guide people to their happiness with my music. I can't fake my style, only coming with authentic heat. We have more than enough depressing music. I'm balancing it out. From the release of your debut EP in 2018 to Hasani Dada’s current sound today, have you noticed much change within your sound or approach to music? Or any growth that you personally took note of? I can definitely say I'm vocally, emotionally & creatively stronger than ever. Each day I'm getting better. It's a journey discovering what your voice can do. I'm walking into my destiny. I realized I had to stop thinking & start being. Once you start being, each step gets easier. What can we expect to see from you throughout 2020? Nothing but "Black Boy Joy". More music, videos, photoshoots, podcasts & vegan meals. I have a lot of exciting projects coming soon! Remember to live each day like it's your last! Peace, Love & Light. instagram.com/hasanidada facebook.com/hasanidada #BUZZMUSIC

From Waterford, Connecticut, Anna May is an artist with an alternative tragic Americana style who has just released a single called “Careless.” Her goal is to create music about memory and meditation. She draws aspects from jazz and folk music to give her songs a refreshing sound. As an artist, Anna May uses her connection with audiences to spread positivity by enhancing joy and humility. She has performed at many famous venues including Boston Arts Festival and Broadway Comedy Club in Manhattan. Anna May’s “Careless” is stripped down to the simplicity of a guitar and a voice; it is a gentle, acoustic track that spotlights her soft vocals. Anna May creates an energy of peace and serenity with “Careless.” She plays a relaxed guitar melody to accompany her voice. Anna May showcases her natural musical talent and diversity as she plucks acoustic guitar at a slow pace. Her vocals are high pitched and soft, comparable to the slower-paced Dixie Chicks songs. She shows off her vocal range with drawn-out “oohs” throughout “Careless.” Lyrically, Anna May asks a love interest not to be “too careless” with her heart. The song is relatable for many people who have struggled with trusting again after heartbreak. Listen to “Careless” here. Welcome to BuzzMusic Anna May! Your new release "Careless" has tranquil energy that spotlights your vocals. Can you elaborate on the message behind your lyrics? Thanks so much:) Careless has felt special to me. I was fortunate to get to the studio to record careless and some other new songs in the weeks before the pandemic hit the east coast in a big way. It was very much a precursor to quarantine to spend a few days in those sessions & to emerge, into the markets and shops of Newport, Rhode Island to find an already palpably changing world. I intended for careless to be a plea for kindness and accountability, rather than something that might fall into a category of shame or blame. Songs of this nature can be attempts to recover love and can be potent illustrations of fear and trauma. As painful experiences become further internalized, we undergo an often, prolonged physiological response. For me, a challenge of translating emotions into song, is, achieving a perfect balance of melodic satisfaction, and insight, while acknowledging one’s own perspective, and someone else’s, as well. I actually don’t remember the experience of writing it, but I remember that it was a quick process, with very few edits. Those are the luckiest moments for songwriters. This song came to me in a way that had little to do with chiseling and crafting. Some songs are crafted, and others are written from a purely emotional perspective, because, the emotions that you wrote about were so widespread and encompassing. Careless was written with hope for the outcome of a situation that sits with me as unresolved & not having the beginning that it deserved. The song reflects on the aftermath of being told, starkly, that a relationship is over, before it has had an opportunity to flourish and evolve. For whatever reason, the other person had backpedaled from that point of unison joy and connection, in favor of something else. Sentiments like these have always been a common thread throughout my music, in efforts to lend a voice to the unspoken yet definitive relationships that never saw the light of day, and for all of the many people who were not well protected or treated with sensitivity. Writing songs can provide me with closure that I did not fully receive, and songs help me to grapple with the frustrations of loss. Writing is a powerful therapy into and past all that haunts each one of us. Lyrically, this song asks a basic question: “why weren’t you careful with me?” The word careless helped to define the sense of desolation that I experienced, and examine what it was that caused me to feel it for so long afterward, as I was forced to sift through a very mixed bag of good memories and contradictions. In songs, unlike in reality, writers have absolute freedom to divulge and fully explore the emotional impact, as a way to work through the numbness. There is no getting around anything in the context of a song, and no sugar coating, in some cases. The emotional impact is not quite black and white, and that makes it tricky and interesting to dissect, diagnose, understand, and interpret.  We might all benefit from encouraging a more empathetic and nurturing way of being, for the sake of collective survival.  Right now, this song and other ones are very much resting in a vat of uncertainty from a pre-pandemic world, and I see this one specifically as a call for someone, that is hanging in space. The song itself asks for a response that it may not receive. So much of songwriting is examining a past that is no longer existing but only in the minds and hearts of the artists who choose to make these passionate dedications for who and what found a way into their lives and left gifts with them. Songs are ways to wonder if these sweet souls who are absent, might come back. Songs can be spaces for us to step back and reflect on the importance of each interaction, that holds sacred integrity. Careless is about the people who we see with lucidity and love, but who did not quite see us; who hurt us in ways that felt or feel unimaginable, but who we forgive. We are vulnerable to change and heartbreak, but are also, characteristically resilient. If there is a really clear lesson that I’ve learned throughout my twenties, it is that interaction is tremendously important. In a society that moves quickly, I am valuing these current times that urge us to practice care and respect in all that we do, and that urge us to uncover lost layers of ourselves. You have performed at a variety of famous venues and even opened for the award-winning songwriter, Jann Klose. Can you tell us how these experiences have inspired you as an artist? Totally.. all of those experiences mostly inspired humility, a sense of elevation, and a sense of validation, too  .. having one’s work noticed or respected by reputable venues, and opening for gifted artists is one of the unmatched joys of performing. These kinds of experiences also inspire a striving to do more, or a desire to expand in new creative directions, based on what you’ve absorbed in the context of a new setting. I’ve been fortunate to get to play at some stellar and unique venues. These are all stepping stones along the way to cultivating a clearer artistic vision, and towards knowing what my next step might be. Learning from other artists is crucial, and can make us feel like we have permission to try something new. I was given good advice from my aunt, that has remained with me. She encouraged me to seek collaborations with artists who might cause me to feel as if I were out of my comfort zone. Playing with people who are technically more experienced with music than you are, usually makes for a more well-rounded artist. There is naturally quite a bit of walking around on ledges involved in music-making, anyways, so, throwing yourself into a variety of situations doesn't hurt.  Traveling to play music has always enriched my perspective, and inspired songs, one of my favorite places being, the mystical town of Hoopa, in Northern California. The sense of movement that is inspired by travel feels spiritual and invigorating. Sinking into new places, realizing their depth and subtlety, feeling at home in them, and lending your energy to them is a unique privilege that musicians have. Storied music venues can have great vibes, and getting to play in particular spots can be surreal and special. I really enjoyed playing in Nashville .. there is just a huge sense of, having landed in the right place, and Petaluma, California was another favorite place. We could clearly see your musical talent with both guitar and vocals in "Careless". How does your talent with guitar benefit you as an artist? Why did you choose to make "Careless" a completely acoustic song? Thanks for saying that! I am pretty critical of myself as a guitar player. I like to play rhythm guitar, with a few change-ups here and there. I feel humbled to have been surrounded by some really talented players, in my life. I consider myself first a piano player, but, learning guitar in my early twenties felt like the right thing for the type of music that I had been writing, giving my songs the rhythmic boost that they needed. I am a lover of lyrical complexity more than anything, but at the same time, there is so much fun to be had with the guitar! I feel as if I am only at the tip of the iceberg, with such a limitless instrument.  On Careless, guitar helped me to create a pulsating dream-scape, where the lyrics could rest comfortably, while the guitar acted as a revving engine, accentuating, and allowing the energy of the song to dip and spike where it wanted. The guitar can be super inviting & familiar for listeners, and guided me in developing rhythmic and dynamic variety, along with syncopated stops that are subtle, but that adds tremendously to the mood & layers of emotion that I sought to illuminate. An instrument is an anchor. Careless ended up being, lyrically earnest, and even literal, with an ethereal and shaded musical backdrop. I wanted this song to begin from a typical structure, and then to meander into something that was sort of unhinged, and akin to an echo chamber of promises and questions; this is where song structure gets set free. That’s the magic part, where we part with our story and hand it over to pure emotion. I have an illustration that went along with the initial draft of careless, to highlight a movement into a new realm, metaphorically, and energetically, in the second part of the song. I am happy that the recorded version ended up dropping into some cool, rhythmic cadences, spontaneously, too. Guitar often is my security blanket, & what I can cling to if what I am singing about feels way too strikingly vulnerable. Guitar propels songs forward with a sense of movement, urgency, and fluidity, almost acting as a nucleus. The music in careless was envisioned as a driving pulse, to reflect hope, confusion, and insistence. I am actually playing an electric guitar, but it is quiet and sounds pretty acoustic! I chose for these new tracks to be mostly acoustic because Steve Rizzo at Stable Sound Studios did a particularly artful job of capturing exactly, the dream-like quality that I wished to infuse into the newer songs while keeping things stripped down. That formula keeps feeling right, and so, I’ve stuck with it. Your main goal as an artist is to spread peace and connectivity among your fans. Can you tell us why this is important to you, and how you send this message? The world definitely needs a deeper sense of peace, right now. There is far too much that seeks to antagonize peace.  I believe that unity is very important in potentially solving some of the biggest issues that face us, personally and politically. We are without clarity if we live within a structure that feels distorted or unpleasant to us. The political atmosphere of the past few years has really, I believe, contributed to an upheaval of collective consciousness. We now somewhat unwittingly live in a social landscape that is often fed by fear and anxiety, perpetuated by such a variety of elements. This atmosphere has assisted in implanting a tone of bitterness and uncertainty in our emotional and interpersonal worlds. I’ve felt this from my own experiences. The next phase of being after this has to be an era of great peace and healing, and transcending of pain; an ongoing process for every human. Maybe, we must relearn what it actually means to extend genuine peace and healing to one other. When the effects of global uncertainty are so overwhelming, they begin to trickle into our personal experiences, and I see so many examples of this happening, nearly everywhere. It wasn't until I began noticing and reflecting on exactly what I was really experiencing, that I started making music in the right way.  Music is a beautiful form of communication when it isn’t of an overly esoteric framework, as it often is. Music happens because people need to make it. Music reaches everyone .. anyone can create music, as long as there is something genuine to express. The most satisfied that I’ve felt artisticlly (though most artists would probably be lying if they said that they were completely satisfied) was whenever I was the most honest, and the clearest.  For me, the satisfying moments of music come when you can communicate something musical to someone who has never played music, or who thought that they couldn’t. What I hope to address in making music is .. the lack of connection; the disparities; the spaces between people that needlessly divide them;  I try to explore, how to possibly erase the arrays of notions and judgments that can cloud our ability to connect. How do we explore confronting and moving outside of these paradigms, to see one another? I hope to make music that acknowledges the obvious divisions, and the absences of peace. I hope that more vulnerability can bring about more global awareness and personal awareness and that eventually, something much less fractured might exist. I hope that listeners will feel urged to close gaps, that have been placed by society, race, sexual orientation etc. in listening to music that brings us deeply close to people and their stories.  Songs help us to connect with people that we miss; those that we feel separated from. We all have stories to fill up the song space, dream space, or inner world, constructed with hope, regret, or memory. Songs are pure connection, and the more that we share them, the more we all can heal, I believe. instagram.com/stardustmemory.annamay Facebook.com/annamayfolk #BUZZMUSIC

Hailing from New York, singer/songwriter and alternative artist Grettch releases her tender debut single “Tryin’ (Ft. Poppin')”. Born in New Jersey and raised in the Southern Patagonia of Chile, Grettch began to gather inspiration from many different experiences all to form her first band ‘Grettch’. Later on, collaborating with Bronx producer Poppin’ on her latest release “Tryin’ (Ft. Poppin’)”, the two are also conjuring up an entire EP set to release late 2020. Grettch’s leading single “Tryin’ (Ft. Poppin’)” showcases her angelic vocals full of raw emotion and desire to keep pushing when times get tough. Through rhythmic and melancholy underlying production, we’re easily able to take away the song's heartfelt theme. “Tryin’ (Ft. Poppin’)” opens with echoed piano chords and the vibrant entrance of Grettch’s serene vocal stylings. Her broad vocal range clearly lets her emphasize the songs strong points, while bringing the vibe back down with an entrancing and softer delivery. Not to mention Poppin’s textured production fusing R&B elements with soothing Alt-Pop ghost vocals and harmonies. Grettch’s background vocals also bring forward an incredibly haunting aspect to “Tryin’ (Ft. Poppin’)”, giving us a peek into Grettch and Poppin’s creativity when finding elements to make their hypnotic atmosphere all the more effective. All in all, Grettch’s “Tryin’ (Ft. Poppin’)” serves a finely-tuned progressive piece of music, finding a spot to make camp in your heart. Check out "Tryin' (Ft. Poppin')" here. Welcome to BuzzMusic, Grettch! We’re fascinated by your broad vocal range and ability to portray emotion on your latest single “Tryin’ (Ft. Poppin’)”. Could you expand more on what the songs overall message is about? Thank you so much for having me! This song's process and meaning are special to me. After receiving his track I went to Poppin' studio and asked him: What should we talk about?  I've been tired of writing about love and I wanted something different. We talked about the feeling of being in New York grinding. I got inspired and came up with the chorus first and it evolved from there. This song for me is that state of mind where you feel all your efforts are not bringing anything tangible in return. It is the moment before return comes to you. It's dense, it feels faithless, lonely and disorienting yet if you let this get to you, you won't be able to rise, so you gotta get up and keep going even if you can't see or believe you will rise. This is the phrase on the chorus" I gotta get up, I gotta get up. I tell myself, I gotta get up now" Your latest single “Tryin’ (Ft. Poppin’)” was conceptually produced by Bronx producer Poppin’, who’s also producing your upcoming EP. Could you share how Grettch and Poppin’ went about creating “Tryin’ (Ft. Poppin’)”, and how you reached your end goal? Poppin' has a bank of records to work with artists and he sent me this one thinking I would be a good fit for the vibe. This is the first song we worked together and we both were shy cause we didn't know each other at all. When I arrived at his place he let me sit in his studio to write the lyrics while he would go outside for a smoke and wait patiently. It was very different from songwriting with friends for sure and I found the process quite reassuring. He respected what I did and decided to go with that. I was so used to get input while writing with/for others I thought it wasn't working out. I thought he didn't like it much so I asked him straight forward and he said just enough for us to finish it. Then he sent me three more tracks he worked on and said: Let's make an EP with these. We’ve heard that not only are you a singer/songwriter, but Grettch also is a podcast producer and classical piano educator. How has this extensive background helped you shape your career as an artist? What experiences were most notable to your growth? Coming to New York has been key to my growth. New York is that sort of place that has opportunities for everyone yet New York doesn't need to give them to you. New York has given me a real true relationship with ups and downs and it doesn't take bs from no one. It puts you on the spot; deciding who you really are and what you really can bring to the table. This city is full of talent. People work hard to be who they are and if you aren't up to the standard, somebody else is. When I came here I was offering myself to do anything and I worked in so many different things temporary, they didn't help me bloom particularly in who I really wanted to be. One day I stopped trying so hard to be who I wasn't and decided to be honest with who I was and wanted to be. I decided to choose fields that would help me grow inside the arts field and life really changed. I looked for ballet schools because I love ballet and I could play classical piano. After many emails sent, two replied and I left waitressing and ushering to become a piano accompanist and use my musical abilities. I could say so much I may write a book about it at some point but the main inflection point was allowing myself to be honest with my talents which has allowed me to find ways to use them. Podcasting came to me out of craigslist after having tons of bad experiences with this platform. For one time it turned out to be something awesome for me. Nowadays I get to edit and record so many talents with so much empowering things to say I can't stop being grateful for it. I can say with certainty all the bad experiences I had in New York on my first year and a half-prepared me to take the opportunities that have come my way today. It has definitely made me take " El toro por las astas" which means "take the bull by the horns" as my mother always says. Speaking on Grettch’s upcoming EP in collaboration with Poppin’, how does your single “Tryin’ (Ft. Poppin’)” relate to the theme of the EP? What made you choose “Tryin’ (Ft. Poppin’)” to pave the way for your EP? Tryin' was chosen by Poppin'. He decided this was going to be the single release for the upcoming EP. I have not questioned him about this at all. As he trusted me with the writing, I trust him with his input. Now if I had to say why it made sense to me, I would say its because its the first record we made together and it represents the main aesthetics of the entire EP. The other songs talk about love though, but the spices are in the same range of taste as Tryin'. instagram.com/grettch_ facebook.com/Grettchmusic #BUZZMUSIC

Nenjah Nycist is a recording artist among many other talents based in Brooklyn and has been performing for over 10 years. Over the years, he has also been working hard as a producer and song engineer, helping over 100 artists create that perfect song for their audience. DOJO STUDIOS is the name of Nenjah Nycist’s home recording studio, where he makes his musical magic happen. “Invest In Yourself” shows off Nenjah Nycist’s skills not just as a hip hop recording artist, but as a song engineer and mix artist. If you’re feeling down on yourself or unmotivated, this is the perfect song to feed your esteem and pump yourself back up. The fast tempo and prominent beat keep the song intense and captivating all the way through, leaving you only wanting more. Nenjah Nycist is all about big statements, and he’s here to tell you that you have to be your own biggest fan in the most compelling and fun way. He raps “I can be down and still be up” sending the message that even through difficult times, there is always a way to come through the other side. “Invest In Yourself” is just the beginning for Nenjah Nycist, so keep your eyes out for more hit songs in 2020. Listen to “Invest In Yourself” by Nenjah Nycist here. Hi Nenjah Nycist, and welcome to BuzzMusic! Thank you for sharing “Invest In Yourself” with us today. This song projects such a positive message for your listeners, as self-acceptance is quite a long road for many. What other themes are present in your music? Hey, thanks for having me! Yes! I’m glad you could see the message. It’s hip hop with wordplay and with themes that aren’t typically prevalent or heard of in today’s hip hop. One of the biggest themes found in my music is entrepreneurship and ownership because financial freedom is the closest thing to pure freedom in America. “Being yourself” is also a main one! That’s the Nenjah way. It is quite impressive how involved you are in the production of your own music. This must give you a lot of creative freedom, and how does that affect the music you make? Do you enjoy experimenting with different musical styles? Aye! Thank you! Yes, creative freedom is everything to me! No ceilings, no limitations. I tell that to my studio clients and the little nenjahz getting into music as well - just create! Unfollow the popular musicians on Instagram, hone in, compete against yourself, and push YOUR limits - all the while have fun doing it. I’m constantly developing my sound. A sound where it’s easily identifiable to those who listen. So experimenting with different musical styles (to me) means collaborating with other artists/musicians.   Do you enjoy collaborating with other artists when it comes to your own music? How do you keep your creative juices flowing? Yes! All the time! In order to get those creative juices flowing, I make sure I keep the ‘Nenjah Inspo’ meter overflowing. There’s wild amounts of an abundance of everything in this world and I make sure to stay inspired. A few things that get my creativity jumping - I moved back to the city that inspires me the most (NYC!). I smoke sativas, travel, talk to fans from around the world, learn, watch good documentaries, study the greats, read, work out, fall in love, chat with family, write dope sh*t, and compete. I love a good view and a nice check too! Big creative inspiration right there. How did you decide you wanted to be a bigger part of music creation than just performing? Did you learn about production and song mixing on your own, or gain experience alongside a colleague? Being conscious of the fact that my music career may not “happen” overnight was the first step. The second was determining my own idea of “success.” I knew when I first began doing shows in 2008 that slow and steady will win the race. I think our society focuses on instant gratification as opposed to what reality is for many - compounding. Working (...or not working) on something every day will yield incredible results at the end of the day. I wrote and rapped all the time which turned into performing which turned into making beats; that turned into learning how to mix and master which turned into a plethora of just fire Nenjah creativity. I also saw how many artists were getting screwed in record deals because they lacked knowledge so I promised myself to learn to own my sh*t. I always learn from people I’m around but for the most part, learning to create ‘alternative routes when roads were blocked’ was key to my growth. Youtube University teaches me a lot too. All in all, staying consistent and disciplined in my crafts played a big part as well. I sacrificed a lot but I regret nada and that's live from BIG NENJAH aka SINSAY aka lofi lebron. instagram.com/nenjahnycist facebook.com/n3njvh #BUZZMUSIC

From Switzerland to Italy and now London, DJ/producer Kiriku releases his transcendent instrumental track titled “I Hear Your Voice”. Starting off as a rapper/beat-maker, Kiriku then broadened his creative horizons to blend the likes of afro-funk, hip hop, downtempo house music, and electro-indie/alternative into his surreal production. His latest eclectic single “I Hear Your Voice” channels different musical elements from across the board, only to create Kiriku’s finely-tuned unique electronic sound. While incorporating a variety of human elements like bass guitar and electric guitar, “I Hear Your Voice” takes us to new and exciting places. Opening with a deep and bluesy bass guitar overtop airy ghost vocals, “I Hear Your Voice” brings a clear-cut groovy atmosphere right from the jump. The track grows wider in layers with added electronic kicks and claps. With chiming keyboard notes fluttering overtop the textured bassline, Kiriku begins to incorporate electric guitar picking all to give his sound a well-rounded feel. He effortlessly garners the attention of audiences from all genre’s as deep electro house seems to be quite a craze, Kiriku effortlessly blends powerful aspects of hip hop and alternative/indie letting all listeners resonate. With a methodical approach to creating, it’s clear that Kiriku effectively brings a nostalgic yet modern feel al in one. Be sure to check out his groovy single “I Hear Your Voice”. Listen to “I Hear Your Voice” here. Hey Kiriku, welcome to BuzzMusic! We’re really getting down with your technically produced blend of genre’s on your latest release “I Hear Your Voice”. Could you expand how you went about laying track by track for the single, and what Kiriku’s creative process looked like? In the composition process, I imagined being on a boat while looking at a mermaid swimming in the sea. Technically everything started from a bass guitar vibe, very often I start my songs like this. The rule I have for each track is to mix digital and analogic elements; in this case, I started from the bass guitar, and then I used digital drums. We’ve heard that Kiriku started his career off in Italy as a rapper and beat-maker, then shifting into your wide-range of sounds today. What made you take this artistic shift, and what motivated you to make this unique path? My transition from rapper to producer came naturally without even planning it. I was the youngest in a provincial crew of rappers, and I started producing beats to rap on them because we didn't want to rap on other artists' beats anymore, there was a need for identity. In the same period, I also started working as a DJ and vocalist in a few clubs in southern Italy and then in Rome. When I moved to Rome, I founded together with a friend of mine Xtro which was the first project for which I started producing electronic music. Kiriku was born when the Xtro duo broke up; it's my project. His name comes from a French cartoon set in Africa, the story of Kiriku and his proactiveness in facing obstacles immediately inspired me. The musical style mixes afro-funk sensations with electronic dimensions; I have been influenced by French music a lot even if I don't identify my self with it. Your latest single “I Hear Your Voice” captures textured human elements like bass and guitar, while also adding fluent electronic elements. What were Kirku’s original intentions with how you wanted the single to sound, and what atmosphere you wanted to provide? I hear your voice is a song that has the desire to escape, we listen to the voices in our heads we want to reach out, but we cannot. It is mostly about dreams and aspirations: we can't always get what we want and dream. From Kiriku’s debut album “Hello Friends” in 2017 to your latest single “I Hear Your Voice”, have you personally noticed any growth or change in your sound since you first started releasing music? Absolutely yes, I changed a lot, my music reflects my personality. In Hello friends I was very, very confused. At the time, I had become a good producer because I was able to produce any musical genre. In the last two years, thanks to my experience as a DJ, I have become much cleaner in the choice of sounds and rhythms. Indeed, the experience as a DJ made me understand what people like and also what they want and are missing at the moment. I think it is always good when producing to imagine how it will be on the dance floor. Since I live in London, I feel that also my sounds are a little greyer (due to the climate and moods) but always with a unique afro-funk atmosphere which reflects my personality. instagram.com/whoskiriku #BUZZMUSIC

Belenn, made up of composers and gifted collaborators Joshua Martinez and Denise Nunez drift in on jaunty BRONCHO-indebted guitars and absolutely crisped-out mid-toned drums in their latest release, "The Way We Are." At its core, this single is a mutation of what feels like modern alternative rock and electronic music, ornamented with small but potent production flourishes. It proceeds with a hypnotic synth distant in the background that initially feels alien but grows enamoring as it starts to blend into the playful elements highlighted throughout this track. "The Way We Are" has a particularly whimsical and immersive sound that takes capital of the deep love they share, a reliable theme for a couple who shares the same passion. "And nobody else could ever love as you do," they bemoan throughout the choruses with beautifully blended harmonies and reverbs. Denise's and Joshua's tantalizing voices take over as the center of this song, propelling one of their most affecting songs to date. The tasteful percussion and the vocals fall out entirely in an energetic turnaround near the climax of the song. Now, wailing like a warning siren for the freakout to come by the song's end, a screeching guitar solo wraps up the venture to a direct but slick conclusion. There's no doubt that this magical duo will continue to impress as they plan on releasing a new EP in the future. And with that, as if a heat-wave has just hit us, we're reaching for a thirst-quenching refill on some of the music Belenn has to offer this year. Listen to "The Way We Are" here. instagram.com/newbelenn #BUZZMUSIC

Gnarwhal Jrz is the kind of Alt/Surf/Rock band that has an easily observed natural connection. The band strives for transparency, as well as an authentically-driven ambiance. Gnarwhal Jrz brings those scene-setters to full light, and synthesize music you expect to hear playing in the background of any possible narrative. The band doesn't make us feel as if we're in the dark with their intentions, and they release quality music that always has an enriched personality. We feel this exact sort of way with their recent release, "Endless Rolling Thunder". Gnarwhal Jrz has released "Endless Rolling Thunder", and the single's name itself can pretty much lay out what listeners can expect from the high energy Alt/Surf Rock band. We receive the best elements of what is Alternative Surf music, but with the necessary intensity of any Rock release. With the integral electric guitar riffs, combined with the creamy, rich, and incredibly lax vocals, Gnarwhal Jrz has an easy time at delivering a chaotically organized and fun listening experience. "Endless Rolling Thunder" is the type of song that has your head slightly bobbing, and your body swaying, but just slightly along with the rhythm. Gnarwhal Jrz does a phenomenal job at creating the right kind of vitality listeners need with "Endless Rolling Thunder", and we're sourcing out for more of this life from Gnarwhal Jrz in the near future, with hopefully more anticipated single releases to come. Check out "Endless Rolling Thunder" by Gnarwhal Jrz, here. Welcome, Gnarwhal Jrz, and thanks for joining us on BuzzMusic to talk about the release of "Endless Rolling Thunder". What kind of mood was the band intending to project onto listeners with this particular release? Qwansuh. The mood is to feel a change, something new. A shift in the paradigm. To feel uneasy or uncertain sometimes is the best way to find out about yourself. But if it makes you feel good and you feel like dancing turn up the volume, put on your disco boots, and boogie. "Endless Rolling Thunder" enhanced itself with its buzzing and melodic harmonies. Where did the band source out the influence in order to create and design the overlying melody in the way it was specifically constructed? Does each band member typically contribute to this aspect of the song design? At times answers and influences are searched for externally. This track was an attempt at unraveling an internal feeling. Thinking about it a stylistically the mighty Dick Dale has some sort of influence in the picture at least guitar riffage-wise. I've found I connect with that gnar for some reason. As a high-energy band, we can already imagine the abundance of spirit easily sourced out from your crowd during performances. Are you able to walk us and our readers through the band's experience during its performances, as well as the type of energy you guys are able to extract from the crowd? Everyone goes to shows for different reasons. I found some people are afraid to be themselves so we encourage that (you be yourself), we encourage a stir, a connection, or a moment of freedom. Even if it's just for a second. Your world can change in a second What kind of steps does Gnarwhal Jrz have left to take in Phoenix, Arizona? Does the band see Arizona as its home, or have you guys ever considered moving locations, apart from touring? It would be great to play some live shows.. in the meantime record and release new music. On May 8th we have a new single coming out called "Take Me Home" This track is our drummer "Millimeter" Peter's favorite Gnarwhal Jrz track. Mark the date to find out why. Arizona is Gnarwhal Jrz home currently but you never know where the tide could take you when you roll the dice. Anything is possible so we are open-minded to the thought. instagram.com/gnarwhaljrz facebook.com/Gnarwhal-Jrz #BUZZMUSIC

Hey there Otitọ! Welcome to BuzzMusic! Your latest release “Back at It” is full of dark intense energy, what was the inspiration behind the lyrics? What do they mean to you? The inspiration came from feeling counted out and written off. So the point of the record was to put the rap game on notice, I'm Back at it. The lyrics mean a lot to me, they're affirmations so to speak. I'm speaking these things into existence. The mindset, the drive, and most importantly my determination not to lose! No matter the obstacles, I'm here, I'm back at it. We are loving your incredibly tight flow here, what is your process like for writing out a performance? Do you freestyle it and feel it out or do you write out the words first? Thanks, I definitely appreciate that! What goes into my writing process, is just me feeling the beat out. It has to speak to me or I really won't connect with it. I hardly ever sit down and write, but I don't consider what I do freestyle either. I just build the songs in my head. I'll get 2-4 bars, memorize them, then add 2-4 more. So on and so forth. Just stacking layers on top of each other mentally until I have a whole verse or record. I use the sound recorder on my phone sometimes as well. I feel like the listener feels the lyrics more when it's genuine and not sounding like I'm reading off a sheet of paper. Your rap tone has a super unique tone to it, how did you discover your talent and passion for music? Did you always sound like how you do now? I discovered it at a young age. I've been a music lover and had a passion for it forever. The earliest I can remember is 4 or 5yrs old. I can't remember a time in my life when this wasn't what I wanted to do. And no, I haven't always sounded like I do now. I've grown a lot over the years as a person and as an artist. My music has reaped the benefits from that, for sure. Being a Georgia native, did you ever find that by being a rap artist you stood out from the crowd there of primarily folk artists? What are some of the ways you went and found your voice? Yea, I have never sounded like anybody else. I always pride myself on being different. The message in my music, my sound, etc. I've always loved up north hip hop but being born and raised in Georgia, an hr north of Atlanta, we've always had a different vibe. So at this point in my artistry, I'm experimenting with both those aspects. That's the foundation. There is a great little soulful flair to your music that keeps things very honest sounding, was there a particular artist or idol that inspired this? Or was there something else that inspired this flavor to your music? I'm sure there are many reasons for it, I couldn't pinpoint one though. Malcolm X would be a major factor, I have always been inspired and admired how genuine, direct, and precise he was in every speech and interview I've watched on him. Outside of that, I'd say my personality and spiritual beliefs. Walking and living in Truth and harmony are two aspects of the 7 principles of Ma'at. I try to embody those principles to the fullest. Listen to “Back at It” here. twitter.com/iamotito facebook.com/iamotito #BUZZMUSIC

From Temple to Austin, Texan hip hop artist Dedrick is back with his emotionally-rich single “Distant”. After finding his perfect balance between melodic and lyrical, Dedrick took a 4-year hiatus all to finely-tune his otherworldly approach to hip hop and lo-fi. After returning in 2019, Dedrick has since been a force to be reckoned with. Through his latest release “Distant”, we’re hit with Dedrick’s clear bars and melodic vocals bringing a well-rounded feel to modern-day hip hop. Swiftly shifting back and forth between a louder/hard-hitting delivery, to his haunting vocal arrangements on the hook, Dedrick has provided us with a layered and dynamic track. Opening with spacey underlying production with layered ghost vocals and eerie effects, Dedrick’s low and clear voice establishes “Distant”'s tone right from the jump. Shifting into the first verse, Dedrick’s ability to transition from dark melodies to gripping flow astounds us, as he graces his audience with conceptual bars like; “You say we need to talk more, but the phone works both ways”. Moving back into softer and more serene delivery through the ear-pleasing chorus, he channels different emotions of sadness, anger, and frustrations which are effortlessly translated through his vocals. “Distant” effectively showcases Dedrick’s thorough songwriting and dynamic vocal range. Make sure to give “Distant” a stream, as it’s very well worth the listen. Listen to "Distant" here. Hey Dedrick, welcome to BuzzMusic! We’re loving the passionate and emotional imagery you’ve set out on your single “Distant”. What made you want to write a heartfelt hip hop track, and channel those deep emotions that are perfectly translated on your track “Distant”? Thanks for having me again. It’s very much appreciated  I’m glad you’re all a fan of the intensity of the song. I was initially sitting on the beat for about a month or so until I played around with the idea of making a relationship song. The song I had in mind originally was going to be a story of some sort but I couldn’t find anything fitting. So from there, I decided to make a hopeless romantic anthem filled with quotables fit for IG captions like “Will we step up? and since I’m the man help me help us”. Once I had the concept in mind writing it became easy from there. Pulling from past experiences from previous relationships and heartaches my friends had been through made this a breeze. Then I just had to make a major theme that tied it all together. On the surface, it’s about distance making a long-distance relationship distant from not being together physically to contrasting schedules.  Which is draining and taxing on a couple that sees each other every so often. The same can be said for relationships where the couple is around each other so much yet the communication is nonexistent and there’s constant friction between the two. I’ve, unfortunately, been in both types before with the same person. If I went through it I’m sure someone else has and can relate to the feelings and emotions of going through a relationship like that. Your latest single “Distant” effectively showcases your ability to move from strong and dominant rap to soothing and comforting vocals. What was your process like when creating “Distant”, and how did you find melodies/lyrics that are different yet complement each other? Well, it’s almost the same approach to any song that I make in the sense that I want to push the boundaries of what I can and can’t do. Every song I  write I try to outdo myself and make something different so this was my attempt at making music that I haven’t made before. In terms of rapping one second, crooning the next, then shouting 3 seconds later I found it to be unique coming from me which made the record fun to make and experiment with. We’ve heard that in 2015, you took a 4 year-long hiatus from music. What made Dedrick want to come back to the rap game, and how did your sound change at all during this shift? To be honest during the time off I’ve always been making music in terms of writing and freestyling. To me, it wasn’t a break because I never stopped making music but to the day one fan who followed me back when I put out Renegade and One Letter Two Words on SoundCloud there was definitely a gap between me releasing music and a shift in my sound when I came back. Throughout that 215 and 2019, I came up with songs like Petty Wap and Never Let Me Down. There are plenty of others that I recorded but decided to keep to myself. In all honesty, I would have released the music if I hadn’t grown tired of it by the time I started releasing music again. In some ways, I had found my own style and direction I wanted to go branding wise. And in others, I doubled down and improved on my technicality and emoting ability. I’ve always listened to my music with outsider's ears that way I can critique myself without any bias so to go from heavily sounding like Eminem to sounding like Dedrick on a song was heavily refreshing. Speaking on your recent single “Distant”, the track incorporates dynamic production that emphasizes each turn your vocals take from verse to chorus. How did Dedrick want to shape the underlying production to support/emphasize your lyrics? It started with me playing with the pre-chorus melody by rhyming on the twinkles. “Lately you been the first thing I think of the morning and....” From there, I knew the hook had to be bouncy to become infectious and make it stick to you long after listening so a spent about an hour or so coming up with different melodies until I came up with the one we have. Now the production was one of my favorite parts about this song. I had my engineer sauce up the beat and tailor-made it to my vocals and inflections using the stems from the beat file. If there was a line that I wanted more emphasis on I’d direct him to make a change and minimize a certain sound. That’s pretty much the making of distant. twitter.com/OfficialDedrick facebook.com/iamdedrick instagram.com/iamdedrick #BUZZMUSIC