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$helta is a Minot based Hip-Hop artist and entrepreneur who’s vision is to positively change people's lives for the better and to raise his kids the right way and set an example. $helta also has founded illaFlo Records to present previously impossible opportunities to artists. Recently, $helta released his incredibly high energy fun single “Top” and it is an absolute bop. Instantly as the song begins we are thrown into a crazy grooving tune that is full of bouncy elements that force us to start dancing around. This inspirational tune carries through the message of rising up to the top in a very unforgettable but groovy way. “Top” is full of fun little elements that all bind together to create a dynamically interesting experience; this record features an elegant kinda jazzy piano, a dirty old school Hip-Hop drum groove, plucky little synths that have a bit of tense mood to them, and of course $helta’s incredible vocals that have a super precise flow. This release is full of good vibes and positive energy and will be on repeat all week. Listen to 'Top' here. facebook.com/illaFlo twitter.com/illaflorecords instagram.com/illaflo.records #BUZZMUSIC

Today BuzzMusic shines the spotlight on artist Isaiah Angel Hubbird. Since starting his career in 2014, he has auditioned for America’s Got Talent (2016), participated in Vans Warped Tour (Ernie Ball) in 2016 and has constantly been motivated to keep pushing forward and do better and better. Isaiah Angel Hubbird recently released his new project 'I Knew You Forever' and it's nothing shy of excellence. Isaiah Angel Hubbird’s latest singles "I Knew You" and "Forever" is the perfect evolution of previous projects and songs wrapped up into one. From the start, we felt incredibly nostalgic and reminiscent of our younger years. With the incredibly laid back smooth enchanting guitars and sparkly drums, we get lost on waves of emotion where Isaiah Angel Hubbird’s heavenly voice keeps us afloat and safe. The vocals in both of these tracks, for the most part, have an incredibly intimate emotion to them with a flair of being raw before introducing a magical vocoded effect that completely hits us by surprise and leaves us in a trance. Halfway through, the tempo picks up and a shining acoustic guitar is introduced with a perfectly warm bass that intricately follows Isaiah Angel Hubbird’s storytelling. We are completely lost in a trance after listening to this release and can’t wait to hear what else Isaiah Angel Hubbird will be releasing next. Listen to "I Knew You Forever" here. Hey Isaiah Angel Hubbird! Welcome to BuzzMusic! Your latest single “I Knew You Forever” feels like constant waves of emotions but your enchanting voice leaves us afloat! What kind of emotional connection did you feel with the lyrics while you wrote them? Did the emotions change after the song was complete? The emotions I hold for these lyrics are strong and true. The main story behind this 2 in 1 single album is about the crumble of trust and loyalty towards a significant other. These lyrics suited exactly how I felt trying to get through a cheated relationship. The recording process was definitely a struggle being reminded of the past, but I feel a sense of relief packing it away through this album.    Every instrument has an incredibly sparkly feeling to them, how was this achieved? What was the process like to record them? Was this something that just happened or was it part of the initial writing? The tone of each instrument happens right after arranging/recording them! I put focus to how the instruments make me feel more than just the sound of them. I do this by filtering through numerous sounds and tweaking the plug-ins until it matches the exact emotion.  What was it that made you want to transition from being behind Dreams Of You to where you are now? How have you grown as an artist since then? I started off as Dreams Of You in 2014. A teenage musician with tons of learning to do. Honestly, it was my way to express my love for someone who had an impact on my life since then. Dreams Of You was sort of like a mask that covered who I should have been as a musician. I was more ‘trying to be’ than actually being. I grew tremendously since then. I took 2019 as the year to really mature and sort out who I wanted to be as a musician. The simple solution was to release music under my own name. Just be me.  After having gone through a few iconic audition phases and now releasing “I Knew You Forever”, what would you tell your younger self to change? Is there a message you wish you could have told your younger self? The message I would tell my younger self is to be more authentic. I do recall many times where I would attempt to mimic other musicians. Instead, I should have worked on my own unique tone. Luckily, I am using this year to experiment with different tones and genres. facebook.com/IsaiahAngelHubbird Instagram.com/isaiahangelhubbird youtube.com/c/IsaiahAngelHubbird #BUZZMUSIC

Kanistha is a Toronto based artist who fuses elements to create her own interesting styles. Recently, Kanistha released her jaw-dropping massive single “You & I” and within the first minute, it is stuck in our heads. There's an almost dark mysterious approach to the vocals here that has hypnotized as if we are a snake and she is the charmer. In the chorus, the record completely explodes in energy to create a mystical anthemic vibe that perfectly sets us up for an ethereal bridge that brings the energy down before hitting us again with a heavy chorus. “You & I” is full of modern flairs to it but also keeps a sense of familiarity that is really pleasing for us to hear. This record features big bad brass stabs, an intense Trap drum kit, a deep and mellowed out bass, moody synths, and Kanistha’s captivating vocals that are full of high energy and are a big inspiration for the mood we want to flow in. “You & I” is one of those tunes that came out as almost a surprise and has us completely hooked, we are absolutely excited for future releases to come from Kanistha. Listen to 'You & I' here. Welcome to BuzzMusic Kanistha! We are loving your latest release “You & I”, it’s such a big mood for us. What was it like to be working with SLWJMZ, LaFlamme, and Nevon Sinclair to come up with this record? Adrian (SLWJMZ) is amazing and super energetic! After I wrote the song, we spent a few sessions in his studio making the beat. I wanted a strong beat like Blackpink’s Kill This Love that incorporated trap sounds similar to Beyonce’s Partition and had an 80’s bop flair like the Weeknd’s Blinding Lights. Afterward, Nevon helped fine-tune the lead vocals and add harmonies. The opera harmony in the background was his idea. James (LaFlamme) was onboarded afterward. He really helped create the big production atmosphere I wanted. If you listen to the pre-chorus, you can hear his cool distorted vocal harmony effects.      Your sound has an amazing modern polish to it that keeps things super clean and tight. With some of your influences being a mix of some Pop icons and some classic R&B artists, what about them has made them influence you? How have they inspired the music you’re writing? I would say my biggest inspiration in music are Ariana Grande, Beyonce, and Whitney Houston. What I find captivating about these artists is how extra and theatrical they are in their music. Take Ari for instance, her Honeymoon Avenue single is filled with so many beautiful vocal harmonies and runs. The violin arpeggio at the beginning is the source of inspiration to my Validation single intro. On the other hand, 7 Rings is very experimental.  Ari plays around with vocal rap, which comes off as effortless and is unique from her other music.   Being up in Toronto definitely is something pretty inspiring, do you ever get inspired by “the sound of Toronto”? Do you think you’d be creating the same music if you lived in another city? My music preference definitely changed after I moved to Toronto for university. Everybody here loves Hip Hop; we have the 6ix God himself to thank for that! The EDM scene here is pretty big as well. That being said, I don’t think I would’ve created the same music if I lived in a different city. Toronto just has a unique sort of vibe. It’s amazing to hear your friends are a huge inspiration for you, in what ways do you try to be an inspiration for other people? How do you want this latest release to affect other people? Is there a specific type of person that you think this song will connect with most? I want to inspire people to do things they are passionate about and be the best version of themselves. It’s easy to live in your comfort zone, but it feels so much more rewarding to take risks in life. I would definitely say that the anthem sort of vibe ‘You & I’ gives off puts me into a confident bad bitch mood. I hope that my listeners feel the same way and challenge themselves to be fearless. Instagram.com/Kanistha_ #BUZZMUSIC

Heather Christie is here today to highlight the luscious soundscape of her recent single, "After the Fire". Heather Christie hails from our favorite state of California, where she finds herself intrinsically creating performance-driven music. Finding herself completely immersed in the art of singing, songwriting, music production and performance art, Heather Christie aims to create a narrative that is absolutely original and authentic in all forms. That's why you can expect to hear personal and in-depth affiliations throughout her music, and especially so in "After the Fire". "After the Fire", and the song takes on a very mellow and subtle ambiance. With the use of prominent string and percussion instruments, "After the Fire" is able to present itself with potent and melancholic energy. Once listeners are introduced to the immersive soundscape, the vocals of Heather Christie and artist Evan Fraser lightly pierce the air, and blend with one another in quite the harmonious manner. We feel ultimately serene with the design of the vocals. In comparison, "After the Fire" reminds us of a rose. You peel back each petal, layer by layer, and only receive more of a finely packed and enriched substance. The melody is light and aromatic like the flower but brings themes and intuitions similar to the feeling of a thorn. Heather Christie's passion is undeniable in this single release, as you can easily feel the emotionality course through your veins as you venture along "After the Fire". It's easy to say that we're undoubtedly intrigued by future organic offerings from Heather Christie. Check out "After the Fire" by Heather Christine, here. Hey there, Heather Christie, and welcome to BuzzMusic! Congratulations on releasing "After the Fire", your recent music offering! What kind of properties did you hope to pack into this particular single, and how did you intend your listeners to decipher the song? ‘After the Fire’ alludes to the state of the world in the age of the Coronavirus and the changes of the earth, where nothing is as it was. The lyrics ‘we’ll be dancing in the rain …after the fire’ are a wistful call to reminisce where we’ve been as a human species and to dream up better futures yet to come. The weaving of traditional, organic sounds with modern electronic layers creates a tapestry from the 21st century.  The natural layers & rhythms of the African instruments riding amidst the textures of the synth layers make it a perfect song for relaxing movements, such as yoga or dance. Were there any new elements that you incorporated into "After the Fire" that contracted from previous releases the music world has seen from you thus far? I am focusing more on world instruments, specifically from Africa and Brazil, with this release than I ever have before. I am working with friends - like Evan Fraser of the experimental electronica band Dirtwire - to incorporate unique ethnic sounds amidst my trademark flavor of soul-downtempo. This combination really lights me up right now. Your artistry extends out to various aspects, such as the fact that you're dedicated to music and vocal coach! How would you say the experience of constructing and recording your own music compare to helping another design their vocal sound? What type of artistic and personal benefits would you say you receive from both? I receive more inspiration for deepening and improving my own artistry and sound from offering my resources to others. It's like a feedback loop. Giving back and offering skills and knowledge helps give me the inspiration to keep creating, and vice versa. Besides being a multi-faceted artist, you're also an individual who involves themselves in feminine empowerment, working with organizations such as Women's Earth Alliance. Would you say that being involved with women's empowerment allows you to take on a different approach and/or perspective when creating your own music? Of course. Being involved in Women's Earth Alliance and similar organizations makes me feel like my music is part of a greater whole, a bigger story. We are all going toward the same goal, so reaching out to bridge the gaps and see how we can support each other feels really rich, and feels even more multi-faceted than just the music by itself. It feels powerful, in that it carries a message. It feels purposeful. instagram.com/heather.christie.music #BUZZMUSIC

Alternative artist Marni releases his contemplative 3-track EP titled 'In Need Of'. From serene acoustic guitar to rounded rock instrumentation, Marni’s EP “In Need Of” captures a brilliant sorrow atmosphere, emphasizing the negative emotions that weigh on his shoulders. With a short and sweet biography “My name is Nicolas, I make music for people who need it. The sad, the lonely, the hardened and the outcasts.” Marni gets straight to the point in through his lyrics and his haunting sound. With his latest heartfelt and emotional EP 'In Need Of', we’re ready to take a much-needed journey through the soul. The EP kicks off with its title track “In Need Of”, bringing forward Marni’s peaceful and skilled acoustic guitar playing. Growing wider in instrumentation by adding mid-tempo percussion patterns, Marni’s soft and haunting vocals take the forefront with mild filters creating space and breath within his ethereal voice. About halfway through, the blissful acoustic guitar picking stands alone, anticipating the reappearance of drums, electric guitar, and Marni’s soft vocals. Progressively growing louder with textured instrumentals, “In Need Of” reaches its peak about three-quarters the way in. The songs dynamic range perfectly starts off the EP, showcasing Marni’s pure and heartfelt songwriting. The second track off Marni’s 'In Need Of' EP is the electronic two minute instrumental titled “I Luv U”. The track consists of one core melody, while it makes complex twists and turns throughout, and radiates overtop intricate electro-production. Shifting from what sounds to be an organ, slowly transitioning into a distorted synth with echoing background effects. Even though the main melody still stands, it provides a beautiful harmonic sound with the rest of the song's production which never really gets old. Evidently displaying Marni’s ability to shift from one sound to another, “I Luv U” adds luminous texture to the EP. What we’ve noticed so far throughout Marni’s 'In Need Of' EP, is his talented ability to create a concise and detailed atmosphere without physically singing about it. The last track on the EP “Ghost” is a prime example of this. The song begins again with Marni’s soulful acoustic guitar strumming, moving into sorrow and contemplative lyrics like “You threw it all away, the world, the memories, cause, in the end, they both cause pain”. Yet about three-quarters into the serene track, it takes a sudden turn to heavier and gritty rock instrumentation. With distorted electric guitars, psychedelic rhythm guitar and complex drum patterns that move each bone in your body, “Ghost” concludes the EP with force and authority. Singing relatable stories of pent up negative emotions that we all endure, we’re moved by Marni’s music and how he crafts each song with the same passion and persistence. Listen to 'In Need Of' here. Hey Marni, welcome to BuzzMusic! We’re captivated by your calming sound and textured production through your latest EP “In Need Of”! Could you share with our readers where Marni initially found inspiration to write the three-track EP, and how you started the whole process? Hello, well this year more than any year I really wanted to put out a large body of work. That starting with multiple EP’s. I released a 2 song EP entitled Hanging Man earlier this year and then with In Need Of I wanted it louder and more songs. My process with writing songs is usually that I have no process. Sometimes vocal melodies come first then guitar riffs and lyrics or it’s the other way around or it all comes at once. It’s never a set way when I write. I’ve learned to be okay with this process and know that it just takes time. I wrote Ghost and In Need Of earlier this year and I wrote I Luv U a year and a half ago on my phone. It was a song I wanted to sound distorted and not well recorded. But with In Need of and Ghost, I got together with my drummer and producer Nick Noble and we started work on recording demos and then fully maki these songs into full releases. Each song off your “In Need Of” EP serves different instrumentation and atmospheres, yet it all comes together as one cohesive story after a full listen. Could you elaborate on the message you wanted to showcase through the EP as a whole, and what the storyline says? I wanted this EP to be very much a reflection of who I am/was as a person during that time and still continue to be. A lot of the songs deal with feelings and emotions that I deal with on a daily basis. Things I’ve gone through. In Need Of is very much a cry for help from someone who can barely stand being a human. I like to write stories, but at the same time a lot of what I write contains a bit of truth from my life. This EP was something I needed to write and get these things off my chest. The third and final track “Ghost” off Marni’s “In Need Of” EP brings a rock-influenced side of you that we didn’t expect. What made you chose to end off the EP with blood-pumping rock instrumentals? I wanted to end this EP with a lot of noise. Ghost was a song that I knew needed to be an ending for an Ep or an album. It was the perfect way for me to end this one with. I had a lot of fun recording this one with my producer. Screaming into the mic take after take. It was cathartic in a way haha. From your peaceful acoustic guitar playing to the rest of the EP’s electronic and real-life instrumentation, Marni has clearly grasped musical elements from many different genres. Could you expand on some major musical influences for Marni, and how they may have influenced your EP “In Need Of”? I have a ton haha there’s so many influences musically that I draw from. Whether it is Townes Van Zandt, Frank Ocean, (sandy) Alex g, or even more obscure artists such as Cindy Lee. I draw from a lot. Especially people. I often listen to people talk and create stories of their lives in my head. The things they do or are gonna do. Mistakes they’ve made. Loves they lost. I just like to take as much influence from all aspects of life as I can. With everything going on in the world and all the stress and worrying we’ve endured, what message do you want your EP “In Need Of” to say to your audience? What main theme do you want your listeners to takeaway? It’s hard to want your listeners to feel a certain way when listening to the music you make. When I make music and put it out I know that they’re not gonna know exactly how I wanted this to come across to them. It’s always going to be up to the listener to decide for themselves how it resonates with them. But ultimately I just want In Need Of to make you feel something. Anything. Just something. I don’t want it to be a specific feeling just as long as you felt something and it resonated with you, then I feel like the EP has done it’s job. instagram.com/marni.2055 #BUZZMUSIC

Over the past few years, Sunnie Williams has taken no recess to her artistic nature as a musical collaborator. As half of the enticing alt-pop synth-wave duo ØPAL, she wields her angelic voice like the secret weapon, bursting with ambient groove, waves of life, warmth, and wonder. As her solo musical endeavor cascades forward with full momentum, Sunnie is crafting melodic and pastoral southern pop songs for everyone to digest. Now, with the arrival of "Dear Life," a song primarily written by herself and her new collaborators, a fresh sense of weight and relevance lingers on the tongue. As we dive deep into the new phenomenon that is Sunnie Williams, we are reminded why she is such a sought after commodity through writing, producing, and singing. "Dear Life" sails forward on an upbeat tropical-vibe rhythm, bright background synths, and Sunnie's brilliant, lilting soprano. The sunny energetic vibe is like the buoy to her lyrics, which find Williams struggling with what it means to find one's authentic self in this world and the vulnerability behind it. During the middle section, the rich instrumentation drops out in favor of an echoing vocal line, reverberating as if underwater and anchoring her newfound sense of focus. "If I put this weight down, would I float away," she sings, "I'm just hanging on for dear life." In William's hands, that useful mantra of self-reliance sounds like total bliss. Her presence totally rockets this song to the atmosphere. As the whole song erupts up into a final crescendo, vocal callbacks, thumping drums, and a grooving bassline lead the way. Ultimately, the masterfully crafted melodies tailored with the honest themes, and vulnerable lyrics attest to just how vital an authentic artist like Sunnie Williams is to the music industry. We want songs like "Dear Life", and we want more from Sunnie Williams. Listen to "Dear Life" here. Hey there, Sunnie! Welcome to BuzzMusic! We're ecstatic to be featuring your newest single "Dear Life"! Tell us about the writing process and how the overall concept for this song developed. Hey! Thanks for having me. The concept came to me during a particular time when I wasn’t quite sure what to say when people would politely ask me how I was doing.  It’s not that I had nothing to say, but that I had so much to say that I didn’t even know where to start.  I was always anxious and unsure about what I wanted and who I was.  I would always answer “I’m doing well,” when what I really wanted to say was “Honestly I’m hanging on for dear life." You collaborate often and have made a name for yourself doing so. Do you believe "Dear Life" would have provided the same intended message without collaborating as you did on this track? Oh, there’s no chance. My collaborators, Dylan Edmunds and John Townsend, were absolutely essential for this song to be living the life that it is now. The words in this song are so therapeutic to me and writing with them that day was something I’ll never forget. Dylan also produced it and had a brilliant vision from the start. There’s no way I could have done this concept of justice on my own. Who has had the most significant influence on your life musically thus far? Can you describe the impact this particular individual has had in terms of your ability to convey a specific emotion? That’s hard to say.  I don’t think I can pin one person down.  I do know that whenever I am feeling lost or a little bankrupt as an artist or writer, I get the most jazzed by extremely earnest people.  I am energized and inspired by real humans.  I love listening to people like Hayley Williams or Jon Bellion talk.  They’re just real.  They’re human.  And that’s what I want to be.  I think anything else is just silly. What are some of your ultimate goals this year? How are you currently working towards accomplishing these goals? Well, I think all of our new goals are to just get through this super weird time! But one of my main goals as an artist is to further refine my sound and my message. And to do that, I want to build a tight-knit camp around me.  I’ve already started to do that and the result has been music that I really believe in. It was amazing having you here on BuzzMusic! Can you tell us about some of the people you plan on collaborating with in the future? Is there anything, in particular, you are most excited about finishing or starting this year? Oh, I WISH I could tell you! I do have some extremely exciting collaborations cooking as we speak. I don’t want to ruin the surprise though. And of course, I also have my other project ØPAL, which has a ton of really incredible stuff on the way.  I am so inspired and excited for what’s to come! instagram.com/sunniewilliams #BUZZMUSIC

Los Angeles based artist Nicolette Smith brings new meaning to passion with her latest sultry single “Runaways”. Bringing in listeners around the world by getting play-listed on different international Spotify playlists, and keeping them engaged through her melodic songs about overcoming hardship, love and the human connection. Co-written with longtime bandmate Ajay Awasthi and produced by Daniel Balistocky, her latest single “Runaways” brings passionate imagery of wanting to flee from today’s madness with the one person who has your heart. Through a variety of melodic instrumentals, the track provides a well-rounded and pure sound that effortlessly intrigues us. “Runaways” opens with serene electric guitar picking and Nicolette Smith’s angelic vocals overtop enchanting violin strings. With her unique Alternative/Folk sound, “Runaways” incorporates a variety of bluesy elements through her haunting vocals and passionate delivery. Serving top of the line heartfelt lyrics like “Could you save her from his heavy hand? Would you love her once they’ve had their chance?”. Nicolette Smith sings vulnerable lyrics that make you miss that one special person, all while the supporting instrumentals lay their heavy woes only to bless our ears with an intoxicating sound. Not to mention Nicole Alexandra’s melodic violin strings effortlessly emphasizing Nicolette Smith’s powerful imagery. “Runaways” brings an emotional and vulnerable side of Nicolette Smith, and the single is definitely one to add to your playlist. Listen to "Runaways" here. Hey Nicolette Smith, welcome to BuzzMusic! We’re truly enamoured by your passionate lyrics and delivery on your latest single “Runaways” Could you share where initial inspiration derived from when writing the heavy single? The song happened very quickly, probably within 20 minutes of Ajay first playing the riff. I didn't know I had all these words inside me, but it was clear afterwards that I needed to get them out. It was written very shortly after the 2016 election. I think I was feeling a bit defeated, and I saw that feeling mirrored in a lot of the marginalized people surrounding me. When I look at the lyrics by themselves, I can see how it seems hopeless, but that wasn't my feeling. It's more of a "yeah, things look real grim right now, and there's a lot of negative people in power. But I'm going to look at the people I choose to surround myself with, and we'll run through it all together until we get to better days. We’ve heard that you effortlessly keep your audience engaged through Nicolette Smith’s vulnerable lyrics and soothing melodies. What makes writing from a vulnerable place so easy for you, and why do you think it’s been so effective? Throughout my life, I've been called sensitive in many situations, and it's always been with a negative connotation. I used to get so upset about that, and deny that I was a sensitive person. But as I've gotten older and seen a bit more of the world and people, I celebrate my sensitivity. The world needs sensitive and empathetic people. I would much rather be seen as sensitive and not offend anyone than to be indifferent and not be able to put myself in other people's perspectives. I wouldn't be able to write lyrics like this if I weren't a sensitive person. I think it helps to be introspective in all aspects of life too. The people close to me will tell you that I'm always trying to discuss why I reacted a certain way to something, why I'm so affected by this or that. People like to be understood. When you're sensitive to your own and other people's feelings, there's much more room for understanding. In regards to your vulnerable songwriting on your single “Runaways”, could you share what the songwriting process was like between Nicolette Smith and Ajay Awasthi? How did you find such precise lyrics that depict intense imagery? Ajay is a great human to be around when you want to let out your innermost feelings and not be judged. He is also an insanely talented musician. That combination is ideal for someone to songwriter with. As I mentioned earlier, this song happened very quickly. We were rehearsing for a show and had wrapped up for the day when he started playing the guitar part. I perked up and asked if he had written to it yet, and he said no. I asked if he minded if I tried some lyrics with it and he was totally up for it. 20 or so minutes later, we had Runaways. I feel very fortunate to know Ajay and work with him musically. He's a great friend to have. It may sound odd, and I'm not always this fortunate when it comes to songwriting, but sometimes it feels like I retreat into this space where only my feelings reside, and I'm able to put words to them with no resistance or self-doubt. Everything that needs to be released from my mind just pours out. It's a mix of raw emotion, imagination, fantasy, dreams, all composed into words that others can relate to. I don't think it's necessarily a skill I cultivated. I feel very grateful to whatever or whoever decided I was worthy enough of that ability to communicate my feelings in a way that others can relate to. From Nicolette Smith’s first DIY phone-recorded EP to the deftly produced single that is “Runaways”, could you elaborate on how your music has evolved and grown with you over time? I think the main evolution in the music compared to then and now is that it's no longer mine. Whether people have listened and been able to relate, or heard part of it and added their own music to accompany, they made it theirs too. And so there's the community behind the songs, and with community comes support and confidence. I've also evolved over the years obviously, and the music is always around. Even when I've neglected it, not given it the thanks or time I wish I would've. But it's still there. Music is very maternal in a way, I think. What can we expect to see from you throughout the rest of 2020? Well, I'm a high school English teacher, and we've got the news that we don't go back until the next school year. I teach remotely from home, but I've got a lot of spare time. I just read The War of Art by Steven Pressfield and I'm trying to develop a consistent writing schedule. Every day, dedicate time to the art because it deserves that. I'd love to come out of these strange times with some music to bring out the sunshine in these hazy days. Who knows? facebook.com/nicolettesmithmusic instagram.com/_nicolettesmith twitter.com/nicolettesmith_ #BUZZMUSIC

From Frederick, Maryland, Sonny Apollo had always dreamed bigger than his small town, and the arts were his ticket of getting out of town. After releasing his EP 'Adventures in Paradise", he decided to settle in Los Angles. Focusing on and working on his funky-pop sound, Sonny Apollo is now releasing a single “EVW2BASTAR” (Everyone Wants to Be a Star) from his recent album 'STIMULATE'. Sonny Apollo has added a lot of unique qualities in this latest single and continues to put up individualistic, catchy songs. “EVW2BASTAR” has a super funky bassline that is reminiscent of 80s disco music. The bass has slap-like sounds, giving “EVW2BASTAR” a classic groove in addition to a stand-out piano instrumental that gives “EVW2BASTAR” a soulful atmosphere. As the song continues, you can hear a guitar in the distance, strumming a very light but funky rhythm. This adds perfectly to the rest of the dynamic performances by the other instruments in the beat. While the drums keep a steady groove, Sonny Apollo’s voice fills in the rest of the musical space and pitch. When Sonny Apollo sings, he hits the parts of “EVW2BASTAR” where the instruments hit hard, adding explosiveness. Sonny Apollo’s voice is in a higher register, which adds a really cool touch to “EVW2BASTAR”. We think this because it is very reminiscent of classic singers like Al Green and Prince. Sonny Apollo is on his way to becoming one of the best funk/R&B artists. 'STIMULATE' is available now on all streaming platforms. Listen to “EVW2BASTAR” here. Hi Sonny Apollo! Welcome to BuzzMusic, we are more than happy to be representing you and your latest single “EVW2BASTAR”. Moving around a lot, sleeping on couches for a bit is not easy, but we here at BuzzMusic really respect you for having to go through those experiences. After growing from those experiences, and starting your musical career, does your new knowledge of yourself reflected in the way you write/perform your music? Absolutely. My project, STIMULATE, is indicative of my current knowledge of self. STIMULATE will take you through the different experiences that lead me to the new skin that I exist in. When I was homeless, I was seeking stimulation. While not homeless currently, I still seek stimulation. After your release “EVW2BASTAR”, do you have a new direction that you want your music to go into? Or are you going to just tweak your musical abilities a little bit instead of a complete change? I have been blueprinting my next project since the release of EVW2BASTAR, this past September. I don't want to talk too much about the next project, but I will say it is a MOOD. My fans, the curious, and the skeptical will all be in tune with the direction of this mood. Promise. With the kind of upbeat and positive music you are creating, and being a part of the queer community, do you hope that your music can relate to other queer people and hopefully create some sort of space where they feel safe? I do! I know that my story is close to home for some of the people that support me. I especially hope that every black and brown queer-identifying individual can look at me and know that a) I believe in myself. and that b) it is possible. Believe in yourself. My priority is the XLUB kids, who like me might identify as LGBTQ, as an outsider, or as other. When I create my music I also like to create a complimentary space that can exist for our community. Everyone is welcome to the space but the space prioritizes the kids. As you continue to grow as an artist, do you hope to have any collaborations with new artists or producers in the future? I have some dream collaborations that I hope to come to life, yes. We'll see! What can we expect to see from you throughout 2020? STIMULATE. THE STIMULUS BALL. FUNHOUSE. facebook.com/sonnyapollonow twitter.com/sonnyapollo instagram.com/sonnyapollo #BUZZMUSIC

Cloudy June from Berlin brings us a brand new single “High Waist To Hell”, which shows the world what she is all about. Coming from a background of heavy metal, Cloudy June’s pop music has darker and bold undertones that make her stand out from typical pop music. She first began releasing demos at just 14 years old and has since begun to build a name for herself. She was also able to tour alongside indie musician Kat Frankie in early 2020. She is not afraid to press against musical barriers and create a sound that is uniquely her own. “High Waist To Hell” emulates power and assertiveness, and after a listen it is clear that Cloudy June is a force to be reckoned with. Her vocals are striking, with a smooth and controlled tone that is easy to get lost in, and her strong-willed lyrics that leave you feeling like you could conquer anything. She has naturally good control over her voice, specifically falsetto tones. Her vocals are accompanied by a fierce backing track, with dark electronic sounds that compliment her vivid lyrics. Cloudy June sings about having someone wrapped around your finger even if the feeling isn’t mutual, and the power that a woman can wield. Cloudy June is surely an artist to keep a lookout throughout 2020. Listen to “High Waist To Hell” by Cloudy June, here. Welcome to BuzzMusic Cloudy June! Thank you for sharing your song “High Waist To Hell” with us, what was the writing process like for this song? Thanks for having me! I wrote "High Waist to Hell" with two friends of mine, Valentin and Vincent. We do writing sessions together from time to time. One day I brought in the idea for the title and we started working around it. When the song was finished at first I didn't think of releasing it myself. But then I kept listening to the demo and it started to grow on me more and more until eventually, I decided that "High Waist to Hell" was gonna be my next single You have built quite a unique sound over your years as an artist. What was it like making the transition from heavy metal to pop music? The first songs that I wrote by myself at the age of 13 were Pop. When I was 16 I discovered my love for harder music, such as Judas Priest and AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, all that. That was the time when I joined my first band. We started out playing Hard Rock but soon the music became darker and darker and it eventually turned into Death Metal. I even started to learn Growling & Screaming after I found out about a band called Arch Enemy. They have a female lead singer who does crazy brutal vocals. That was the first time that I had ever heard a woman do that and I immediately thought: I wanna do that, too! Making music has always been my biggest dream. After three years with the Metal Band being my main focus, I had decided to work more on my solo stuff again. That's when I also realized that we didn't all share the same goals for the future in the band. It was a hard decision to leave but it also opened new doors for me. I kept trying out new things for my own sound, some more heavy, some more Pop stuff. With "High Waist to Hell" I feel like I can honor my love for Metal and still adapt to a modern sound. Which makes me extremely happy. What is the music scene like in Berlin? Do you plan on traveling to any other place for creating music or touring? I got to meet so many talented artists in this city. There are lot's of Open Mics around and many different genres being played here. You can see people busking on the streets in summer and just get inspired by the overall vibe of this city. I feel like Berlin is already a good place for creating music. Early this year I went on tour for a couple of days with Kat Frankie for her amazing A cappella project and we played crazy spaces like the Elbphilharmonie. I am currently working on new songs and I want to put together a show and play my own concerts around Germany within the next year, that would be great. How has your music evolved since you started releasing songs at the age of 14? If you could give another young emerging artist any piece of advice, what would it be? Once I was at a Rock show with my best friend and we met the band's singer afterward. And he gave us this advice: "Let it grow" And in a way, the growing never stops. I still find parts in songs that I wrote when I was 14 and re-write them today with a new perspective. My advice for young emerging artists would be to never forget what brought you to music in the first place. The reason can change for a while and sometimes it can feel a little hopeless. Especially when you have big dreams for your music but you feel like you're stuck in someplace. It's always good to have a strong reason to come back to that motivates you to keep going. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Keep writing songs, put all you got into it, let the people hear your music. And most important: Don't give up. What can your fans expect next from you? More music! I can't say exactly when, but there is definitely more coming up this year! instagram.com/cloudyjunemusic facebook.com/cloudyjunemusic #BUZZMUSIC

Denver based rock band Backseat Vinyl returns with their emotional and hard-hitting single titled “Bad Trip”. Backseat Vinyl was formed in high school, consisting of Nate Fuller (vocals/guitar), Clara Louise (bass) and Keenan Clarke (drums). Drawing inspiration from west coast groups like Fidlar, Wavves, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, etc. Backseat Vinyl’s indulgent and explosive single “Bad Trip” captures that solemn feeling of being lost without someone, while getting their message across with dynamic and upbeat rock instrumentation. From soaring electric guitar riffs to throbbing and complex drum patterns, Backseat Vinyl effortlessly has us at the edge of our seat. “Bad Trip” opens with Nate Fuller’s heavy and layered electric guitar, sliding up and down the neck establishing the tracks' main melody. With Keenan Clarke’s snappy and quick percussion perfectly supporting Backseat Vinyl as a whole. Once we’re met with Nate Fuller’s riveting yet saturated vocals from what sounds like a telephone effect, “Bad Trip”s sweet and sour atmosphere is clearly established. Nate sings lyrics of missing someone in times of solitude, what we’re all currently experiencing. As the track progresses, Clara Louise’s textured and pulsing bassline extends to great lengths, perfectly rounding out Backseat Vinyl’s “Bad Trip” in an incredibly sculpted way. It’s evident that Backseat Vinyl shares music from the soul and we’re looking out for what they come up with next. Listen to "Bad Trip" here. Hey Backseat Vinyl, welcome to BuzzMusic! We’re very excited to feature your soaring single “Bad Trip”. We’ve heard the track stems from the bands' sorrows in 2019, and coping with them day by day. Was there an “Ah-ha!” moment for BackseatVinyl when first plotting what is now “Bad Trip”? We were all pretty excited to play “Bad Trip” after the demo was made, but once we played it live randomly before it’s a release we figured it was gonna be a good song. Your single “Bad Trip” captures an incredibly relatable message overtop rhythmic electric guitar, bass, and drums. Could you tell us about the recording process, and how Backseat Vinyl went about creating “Bad Trip”? We recorded “Bad Trip” at The Spot Studios in Evergreen. We’ve been recording with those guys for years and it’s where we’re currently recording our sophomore album as well. It’s always fun recording with them. We usually record all the instruments on the first day and then hit vocals the second day. We follow that up with margaritas and whatever else sounds fun. On the third day, they usually mix the song while we sleep in. We’ve heard that Backseat Vinyl was formed back in high school, three friends coming together to share their love for a variety of rock. Since then, how do you think Backseat Vinyl’s sound has progressed and grown over time? For years we really didn’t know where we wanted to take our music. Of course, there were bands we wanted to sound like but it didn’t fit with us since we weren’t them. I think we grew out of that naturally and just started making music that we genuinely enjoyed making. Currently, we’ve stripped down our sound and kept it simple and raw. It’s like some speed demon punk right now haha. You’ve mentioned that “Bad Trip” is your second single offBackseatVinyl’s upcoming sophomore album. What made the group want to push “Bad Trip” to follow up the lead single? Do both “Heads” and “Bad Trip” sum up your upcoming album? We’re planners. Once the first demo for “Bad Trip” was made we put it on the list of potential singles. We just thought the song would spark a lot of excitement. “Heads” and “Bad Trip” and very similar in speed and intensity, but they don’t sum up the album. We knew that if we wrote every song like this it would all sound the same. We got weird on this album. instagram.com/backseatvinyl #BUZZMUSIC