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Bringing back the classic R&B and pop sound from Newark, New Jersey, is an artist by the name of Janockeil. Originally from Charleston, SC, he grew up singing in church, as many fine artists have. More recently, Janockeil shifted his talents into genres of more interest to him — R&B, pop, and soul. Currently, Janockeil has two projects out: Only Temporary (July 2016), and his EP which he released last year. Not only does he have a smooth voice, but he also has songwriting and production skills as well. His new single, “Be Mine” is what we expect from an artist with Janockeil’s background and talent. “Be Mine” opens with a nostalgic nod to Michael Jackson’s #1 hits on the radio. Angelic chords played on the synth, and mixed with Janockeil’s smooth vocals have listeners falling back into an easier time. An 80s synth bass makes the tracking pump. In terms of production, instrumentals are set in place to create the perfect atmosphere. His vocal performance is impressive. He can sing hooks without overdoing it and losing the groove of the song. He also knows the right times to allow his vocal range to dominate. His vocal performance reminds us of the artist “Maxwell.” With this song only being 2 minutes, listeners have the chance to play this song over and over again without getting tired. Janockeil thought about this and executed his project with skill and forethought. Listen to "Be Mine" here. Hey Janockeil! Welcome to BuzzMusic, we are very proud to be representing your latest track “Be Mine.” My first listen through this song, I had no question in my mind that you have damn good vocal chops. Your upper vocal range is very tight and powerful. Who were some of your favorite groups and artists growing up? Did going to church affect your options of what you were allowed to listen to? Hello! Thank you, I really appreciate that! I'm constantly inspired by a myriad of artists, but my all-time favorites would have to be Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Prince. Gospel music and singing it in the church was definitely the beginning of my love for music, but my mom exposed me to every genre as a child in addition to Gospel, so there were constantly all types of music playing in my house. My family always supported my diverse tastes in music, so there was never any shame there. Part of your various skillsets is the skill of songwriting. I know a lot of different artists write in different ways, whether that be freestyling as soon as they get to the studio, or sitting on lyrics for months perfecting them. Do you have a variety of different writing styles, or do you mainly stick to one? Did you do all the songwriting for all of your projects? For the most part, I write pretty much the same way each time. Once I connect to the beat, I let the music guide me to what the song is going to be lyrically and melodically. The timeframe it takes for me to write varies. Sometimes it'll take minutes to write a song, other times days or months. Depending on the song and how I'm feeling at that moment, sometimes I'll obsess over the lyrics, changing a word or two. And other times, I'll just write down the first thing that comes to mind and I won't change a thing. It all depends on the mood and what is it that I'm trying to convey ultimately. I do write everything on all of my projects. I think a part of me is probably a little self-serving when it comes to that. I guess I feel like I have something to prove to people and to myself. Since the recording of my After EP, I've become more confident in my songwriting abilities and that confidence is steadily rising and I'm getting to a place where I'm comfortable saying that. “Be Mine” is sort of an up-tempo, pop and R&B song. On your EP that is coming out this year, do you plan to keep all of the tracks upbeat, or do you have plans to throw a little slow jam in there? Maybe we will see some soul music as well? I don't know yet, I'm in the middle of recording it now and in the beginning, I had a concrete idea of what I wanted the new EP to be musically, but I'm living and experiencing life at the same time, so my original idea is being amended slightly. So we will have to see, but what I can say is that I'm working very hard to make sure that it's great and it will be! With your newest project in the making, do you have any plans to try and perform live? Yes, absolutely! I miss the stage and am looking forward to performing again, especially songs like "...Be Mine", "Definitely", and "Do It". It'll be great to relive these experiences and feelings on stage. What can we expect to see from you throughout 2020? Quite a few things! "...Be Mine" is out now and I'm very proud of the song and am excited for people to hear. I also have a new club mix song called "Real Fantasy" with Electronic artist Paul Michael coming out on February 28th, so please check that out! My new EP is set to be released later this year and I'm thinking of writing and recording an original acoustic project with just me and my guitar to showcase more of my talent as a musician. I'm so excited for what this year has in store for me so far and I can only go up from here, so stay tuned. instagram.com/Janockeil twitter.com/Janockeil #BuzzMusic

New York City’s Hunter Blair Ambrose is an up-and-coming pop and R&B singer-songwriter worth following. She fuses a unique blend of synth-pop, alternative R&B, and dark pop. She originally released two singles called “Right Now” and “November” to an international audience. Legendary artists Lady Gaga and RedOne helped write her single, “November.” Lady Gaga is one of Hunter Blair Ambrose’s main artistic influences, alongside The Weeknd, Drake, and Ariana Grande. Most recently, Hunter Blair Ambrose released a single called “Scorpio Season,” from her upcoming debut album of the same name scheduled for release in October 2020. “Scorpio Season” has a typical R&B backtrack that includes a soft trap-like the beat and an echoing melody. The gentle vibe of the background music leaves room for Hunter Blair Ambrose to spotlight her smooth and silky voice. Lyrically, “Scorpio Season” is a motivational song about taking control of her life by telling a story through metaphor. She repeats the phrase “this season is mine” throughout the song to enhance “Scorpio Season’s” confidence-boosting energy. With Hunter Blair Ambrose’s original spin on R&B music, you’ll find yourself adding “Scorpio Season” to your February playlists. Listen to “Scorpio Season” here. Welcome back to BuzzMusic Hunter Blair Ambrose! You like to combine synth-pop, alternative R&B and dark pop aspects to your music, and we see this style in “Scorpio Season.” Can you tell us why you create your music with these specific styles? For one, my earliest musical influences always were a combination of more traditional pop and R&B, so those two genres have always been an integral part of my musical foundation. Once I got a bit older and looking into more alternative styles of both pop and R&B, I discovered artists like The Weeknd, Drake, Tove Lo, etc who all were thematically and lyrically more of what I wanted to express in my music. I wanted to be able to take elements of all of these artists I admire and package them into something original through my own work. We know that you have many legendary musical influences including Lady Gaga, The Weeknd, Drake and Ariana Grande. Can you elaborate on how these artists inspire your songwriting, and if you incorporate any of their styles into your music? Once I got a bit older, themes like heartbreak, loneliness, sex, deprivation, and intoxication were so present in all of the artists I was influenced by, and their music. So once I realized I related to those things in my own life too, I knew those would be lyrical cornerstones that I wanted to cover in my songs. These artists were like the soundtrack to the specific time in my life that inspired my songs for Scorpio Season. Lady Gaga and RedOne are credited for writing one of your first singles “November.” Can you share with us what you learned from collaborating with these artists? Gaga has always been arguably my most important influence musically. To be able to incorporate pieces of her music into mine was an honor and something I don’t take lightly. My song November which features that credit is a standout in my career for sure. Your song (and your debut album) is called “Scorpio Season.” Could you explain to us what this title means to you? Because of the title, my album is obviously inspired by the feel, sounds and imagery of fall time and the darker alt-R&B and dark pop sounds seemed like the perfect soundscape to pair to these lyrical topics. Scorpio Season refers to a specific time in my early 20s when these events I sing about took place. What can we expect to see from Hunter Blair Ambrose throughout 2020? 2020 will see the release of the first body of work, my EP, called Scorpio Rising which will be released very soon. Then, the full album version, called Scorpio Season will be released on Halloween this year. I’m so excited for everyone to hear it! instagram.com/hunterblairambrose twitter.com/hunterblairnyc facebook.com/iamhunterambrose

February 25 | BuzzMusic All Time Low have announced that they will be headlining a series of dates as part of a new festival concert series; Galvanize Fest. They'll play Glasgow's SWG3 Galvanizers Yard on Sunday, August 30, joined by As It Is and Sleeping With Sirens. Tickets on sale Friday, February 28. #alltimelow #sleepingwithsirens #asitis #festival #glasgow

February 23 | BuzzMusic R&B/Hip-Hop artist, Jaonere, is here to spotlight his recent EP release, "All We Have Is Now". This artist has been involved with music for his entire life.  Jaonere knows what he wants as an artist, and he isn't afraid of getting it! We see this in “All We Have Is Now", where Jaonere delivers an array of qualities intrinsic to the R&B sound. Jaonere begins with "Intro", which offers the perfect kind of vibe, set for the remainder of the EP. It's methodically pieced together and allows for an introspective and chilled out kind of environment. Collective synth integrations create a hazy atmosphere that makes listeners feel relaxed. Jaonere knows how to maintain that collective flow, as his expressive outflow keeps itself consistent with the second track on this EP, "Energy". There's a contemporary R&B feel to this track, and Jaonere clearly sets out to get a deeper message across to listeners. We appreciate how effortlessly Jaonere's charisma shines with "Hopeless". We feel very intimately connected to Jaonere in this track, and appreciate the essence of "Hopeless". We get to delve into a more vulnerable side of Jaonere’s artistry. The entire performance in "Hopeless" is eloquent in a more low-key way.  The next track is "Matters", which introduces more of a modern and diversified performance on Jaonere's part. We get a variety of rhythms and melodies expressed in "Matters", which allow for an eclectic listening experience. Jaonere provides a deeper connection with the fifth track, "Graterlude". The song has more of a smooth underground feel.  The production compliments the theme of this particular track.  “Graterlude" happens to be one of our favorite tracks from Jaonere's "All We Have Is Now" EP release. "Dotted Line" is the next track.  We are impressed by the more aggressive approach to this song. Jaonere's sense of harmony is clear.  “Dotted Line" proves that Jaonere understands himself and his capabilities as a vocalist and musician. Jaonere continues to develop versatility.  He demonstrates his continued progress through the "Dotted Line". The last track this EP is titled, "Outro".  This song is an extension of the initial instrumental track. This song encourages a peaceful and warm environment through the innovative use of his synth collection.  Jaonere exits with the most embodied presence. Jaonere undoubtedly impresses many with "All We Have Is Now". Listen to Jaonere's "All We Have Is Now" here. The music community has recently seen the release of "All We Have Is Now", your most recent EP! What were some of the most rewarding experiences you've extracted during the creative process of this EP? A few things come to mind...I’d say if you have a vision of how you want something to sound/look/feel, run with it and protect it. Also, be prepared and accept that not everyone is going to understand it. I believe that everyone has a vision that has been sent to them for whatever reason. Creating that vision and bringing it to life is the most rewarding feeling. For example, the Dotted Line video. I’ve also been able to connect with incredible musicians and artists that I probably wouldn’t have crossed paths with if it wasn’t for this project. I was able to touch on some personal topics that I never wanted to share musically, but allowing myself the liberty to do so, no matter how it would be perceived, or how I’d feel knowing that people would be aware I can be sensitive in that way is really rewarding because it means I’m starting to let go and be more free with my artistry. As a London-based singer/songwriter, how do you feel your current surroundings aid in the growth of your artistry? Do you stem a lot of your inspiration from the world around you? The great thing about living and growing up in London is that it is filled with so many different types of people from varying cultures and experiences. A lot of the topics I write about are somewhat personal. I think as I grow as an artist I will probably start to draw from others’ perspectives in order to tell a story. I’m also aware that living in London, I am privileged to have had access to music from all around the world at a very young age which has definitely aided in my growth thus far. Having a strong appreciation for Pop, Indie Rock but also loving Hip Hop and R&B. I can probably speak for other Londoners that grew up in London, predominantly listening to Hip Hop, Garage and R&B, that MTV Base and Choice FM were our Instagram (laughs). These sources were the go-to for new music and music videos. "All We Have Is Now" was a very methodical and impressive performance on your end. Each track held its own purpose, and once combined with one another, told a compelling story. Can you share with our readers your intended message with "All We Have Is Now", and particularly the message "Graterlude" was attempting to emulate? Thank you! I’m really glad that it has been received this way. The EP really exemplifies my journey and how I’ve grown into my own. I’ve acknowledged that I need to protect my “Energy”, and sometimes love can make you feel “Hopeless”, but without it how can we justify pain? “Matters” explores the sentiment that once our loved ones are no longer here in the physical form, the only thing that matters is the positive impact that they leave on our lives. This then goes into “Graterlude” which explains the meaning behind ‘All We Have is Now’. The intended message is to think about the past and be grateful for the experiences and how it has molded you, but not to get trapped in the sorrow. The only real tangible thing that we are experiencing at this moment is now. The past no longer exists and the future hasn’t yet happened, so “All We Have Is Now”. Being anxious won't solve anything. Easier said than done, but you have to choose to be happy, choose to be grateful, love those around you and cherish the good times with them because it’s those experiences that we will take with us and leave with them when we are no longer here. We have to be present and just enjoy the journey. How did you ultimately get started within the music scene? Did you ever imagine you'd get to the point you're at now, seeing the release of an EP that contains so many vulnerable moments and experiences? I’ve loved singing and performing from a young age. When I realized I had a gift for songwriting, I wanted to let people hear what I had to offer. So I started going to open mic nights and networking events just to figure out what’s required. I’m aware that the industry has evolved massively since I was a teen, so it was important for me to do some research. You could say initially I was testing the waters by putting tracks on SoundCloud just to get some feedback, which really prepared me for the recording process of new material. I had always envisioned releasing an EP but I just didn’t know when it would happen. I’ve had so many setbacks which I now know comes with it. I never imagined I would be revealing as much on the EP, as it got to the point where I was just recording music for the sake of creating and I think from that organic process, that’s when your subconscious speaks. I was actually meant to put out an EP in 2017, but in retrospect, it wouldn’t have been the right time and I don’t think the songs really captured the essence of who I was at that time, so it was probably for the best it didn’t come to fruition. Thanks, Jaonere! We appreciate the time to chat about "All We Have Is Now", and other elements to your artistry! Where would you say you're off to now that your EP is finally debuted? Thanks for having me! I love you guys for the support, seriously. Now that the EP is out I’d love to fly out to Brazil and spend a week on an island somewhere (laughs) but my main focus is promo promo promo promo for next few months! Which is a whole project within itself (laughs). There might be more music by summer, who knows. instagram.com/jaonere #BuzzMusic

February 23 | BuzzMusic It's a pleasure to have you here on BuzzMusic, Melotika! Your release "Bury The Bones" was the latest melodramatic Alt/Pop track listeners have seen from you. Are you able to walk us through some of the main visions constructed for this particular song of yours? Sonically from the start, the vision for this track was to create something new and different. The idea was to create a song out-of-the-box and to make it it's own thing. Especially since singles are becoming more relevant than albums, I really wanted to make this song tell a story and be as dramatic and controversial as possible to stand out and to get really creative. This is not your typical pop-rock song. I wanted to deliver a more alternative rock side of Melotika as done previously for Joy Ride, but with a dark, synth-pop blend to create something magical. What I love about being alive in 2020 doing music is that literally anything is possible. Being inspired by a wide variety of genres allows room for experimentation and being innovative. I have always been the black sheep so-to-speak. I really wanted my personality to shine once more in this once and not be afraid of being different and risqué. Working with Sean Savage is always a breeze. He understands my visions entirely and together making music gets really fun. "Bury The Bones" definitively has a mystic appeal which becomes absolutely alluring to us as listeners. There's a specific kind of richness that you offer, especially at the chorus of the song. Can you dive deeper into the meaning behind the track, and what it is "Bury The Bones" is truly trying to say? Initially, when I began writing the lyrics of this song, I was imagining what it would be like to be an individual with an unsettling mind and to have an obsession with love and lust. I was imagining what it would be like to be a stalker, and/or a serial killer. Surely this song does not shy away from controversy! Having a background in psychology, I had always found it interesting to dig deep into disturbed minds. The character in the story cannot live without love and is emotionally attached. Not only is this character so obsessed with their lover, but ends the life of their lover. And who knows? After falling for someone else, the pattern continues. The main character has these uncontrollable urges to end the lives of those they love. In the end, the main character can never truly love and is rather obsessed with the idea of love. Part of their sick desires is to, therefore, end the lives of the person(s) they seduce. This could be a movie! I remember for the first time talking with Gory Gloriana (the co-writer of the chorus) on the phone, I was explaining to her the story and concept of the song. At first, she couldn't relate at all! And the way I put it was basically like this: Imagine yourself as a person who has been hurt and betrayed. Ok. Now imagine yourself and put yourselves in the twisted mind of the person who feeds off hurting others. Go!'' It's fictional storytelling really! Lyrically, the song can also be up for interpretation. ''Walk away and Bury The Bones'' can also mean walking away from the past and mistakes. You cannot change and erase the past and unfortunate events, but you can definitely walk away from them.  This, of course, is inspired by personal experiences where I have been a victim of mental and physical abuse in a former relationship. Your move from Montreal to Toronto must've provided tons of inspiration for you artistically! How do you feel the change in living environments changed the way you created your ultimate sound? What are some areas of the Toronto area that makes you feel most inspired as an artist? Back home my family is supportive of my music path but it was not really encouraged. When I moved to Toronto officially I was 23. It was one of the best decisions I could ever make as an artist and the reason being is not the location itself, but just simply getting out of my comfort zone and starting fresh. Learning to live alone, being away from friends and family, and basically having to start over really allows you to discover yourself and find out how you really are. It was a long crazy process, but after years of experimenting with different sounds and finally making music, I found solace for the first time in my life just being myself. Performing in front of complete strangers for the first time is scary too! And I love that because the hustle and challenge are what makes the entire process so wonderful in the end. It must be great to have it easy and have all your friends and family attend your first gigs. However, starting from scratch in a place where no one knows who you are is just a whole different route. I think I am the type of person that likes to do things the hard way! I do not think it is the living environment that changed the way I created my sound. I am an introvert and rarely go out. (Working on it!) Having the opportunity to be alone and not have family members influence me or change the way I think, and discover who I really am in a new city, is what allowed me to discover my sound. How do you feel you've crafted your vocalism over the years you've been creating music? Do you feel the process was methodically manipulated and shaped, or did the process come almost naturally? I believe I've crafted my vocalism over the years from being inspired by such a wide range of genres and songs that I really resonate with. I am never a ''die-hard fan'' of an artist. My taste varies and goes with the flow with what mood I'm in and what phase of my life I'm in.  If I provide a simple example, my top 10  albums of all time that I can repeat over and over and never get sick of are the following: Tool - Aenima (Alternative Metal) Foo Fighters - The Color and The Shape (Alt Rock / Post Grunge) Portishead  - Dummy (Trip Hop)   Greenday - American Idiot (Pop / Punk) Evanescence - Fallen (Pop Rock) Radiohead - In Rainbows (Art Rock) Britney Spears - Blackout (Electro Pop) Lady Gaga - The Fame (Electro Pop) Silversun Pickups - Neck Of The Woods (Alt Rock / Dream pop) Metric - Synthetica (New Wave) I selected these all around because of production, lyricism and just overall because they are damn artistic and amazing and stand out in their genres. You can really tell I am born in the 90s! The process comes entirely naturally. When I am composing, certain notes and ranges are effortless, while others are a little more dramatic and requires more practice. I tend to compose songs naturally outside of my vocal range which then forces me to learn how to sing those notes correctly. In the past year, I have been taking singing lessons for the first time since I was 11. It really helped develop my mixing voice and gave me that extra boost and not be afraid to use all my power. There is a lot in me that is dying to come out! You're quite the eclectic Alt/Electro-Pop artist, Melotika! We can only imagine what you have up your sleeve for the next release! For now, can you give readers any hints on when they can expect more of your creatively infectious music? This year I plan on releasing a bunch of singles. A song I wrote 5 years ago has been recorded and reworked. It is in the mixing process now that will be released in Spring. Another track will be released late Summer that I am currently working on with Stephen Dusunberry who is an eclectic artist all around based out of Pittsburgh. I intend on releasing a surprise cover song later this year, and hopefully, finish up a collaboration with local Toronto alternative hip hop artist Krosst Out. Stay tuned for the Bury The Bones music video as well. Listen to "Bury The Bones" here. melotika.com facebook.com/melotikamusic instagram.com/melotikamusic twitter.com/Melotikamusic #BuzzMusic

February 23 | BuzzMusic Nautical Term is a progressive rock band from New England that was founded in 2017. The band is known for fusing pop-rock tones with unanticipated riffs and rhythms. Since their beginning, Nautical Term has been working tirelessly to release their debut EP “The Nautical Term EP” in November 2019. The EP consists of 6 songs including “Colors,” “Apartment 39,” “Manija Tamal,” “For Awhile,” “Runaway” and “Not That I Want To.” The tracks within “The Nautical Term EP” have drastic diversity of tone, which is what gives this EP its original personality. “Colors,” “For Awhile” and “Not That I Want To” are the EP’s quick-paced and upbeat songs. The background instrumentals of these tracks are suspenseful and accompanied by a restless beat. “Colors” consists of a hasty electric guitar melody along with an active and abrupt drum beat. The upbeat instrumentals combined with the immediate vocals certainly makes “Colors” the most high energy song of “The Nautical Term EP.” Although it holds true to the lively tone of Nautical Term’s quick-paced songs, “For Awhile” has more of a mysterious vibe. Nautical Term drags out their vocals by holding notes for longer, and the instrumentals seem to mimic this style throughout the song. “Not That I Want To” is the final higher energy song of the EP; the hasty electric guitar and pounding drums are what put this track into the quicker paced category. Vocally, “Not That I Want To” is unique from the rest of “The Nautical Term EP” tracks. Nautical Term clearly displays their emotion and feeling in the vocals. A combination of holding notes long and using higher-pitched voices make it seem like the lead singer is yearning for something. When he sings the lyrics “not that I want to” at the end of each chorus it seems he is trying to hide his deeper feelings. These lively and vigorous songs will keep you on your toes with unexpected sounds and seamless transitions between different tones. Nautical Term gives its audience a refreshing diversity by including songs with various dynamics and connotations. The songs “Apartment 39” and “Runaway” really highlight Nautical Term’s drumming, guitar, and vocal abilities. “Apartment 39” focuses more attention on the drumming at the beginning of the song. Nautical Term’s delicate vocals and sophisticated guitar soon take over, giving the audience a taste of their intrinsic musical talent. “Runaway” begins with a relaxed strum of electric guitars, which is soon accompanied by a sparse snare drum. The gentle instrumentals of “Runaway” leave room for the vocals to be emphasized. During the chorus, the electric guitarist takes a solo that creates a youthful vibe for the song. For both “Apartment 39” and “Runaway” Nautical Term’s rock style takes more of an indie turn, representing the band’s musical versatility. Both of these tracks have a relaxed beat and a breezy guitar melody, making them the chill songs of “The Nautical Term EP.” Finally, “Manija Tamal” is the only song of the EP that is completely instrumental. This song is only a minute and a half long but keeps you engaged the whole time. Nautical Term displays their instrumental talent with this upbeat track. The energy of “Manija Tamal” is comparable to Meat Loaf’s “Paradise by the Dashboard Lights.” With their debut EP “The Nautical Term EP,” Nautical Term is showcasing their creativity and flexibility within the rock genre. Their personal touch to the traditional rock style is what will have their audience yearning for more releases. Listen to “The Nautical Term EP” here. Welcome to BuzzMusic Nautical Term! We enjoyed your progressive and versatile spin on rock songs. “The Nautical Term EP” included a diverse array of styles. Can you describe your creative process for this EP? The four of us met while studying at the University of Connecticut, through a club called UConn Rock Ensemble. Once we formed the band, we were fortunate to be able to practice nearly every week after Rock Ensemble rehearsals had finished. It was during these practices, between 2017 and 2018, that we wrote the songs on The Nautical Term EP. It was a very collaborative process that often began with brainstorming sessions. The main riff in “Colors” was just an idea that our guitarist Ryan had come up with during our first rehearsal. From there, we brainstormed more parts that seemed to fit the mood and style. Similarly, the main riff in “Apartment 39” was written by our drummer Spencer, who sent us a video of himself playing it on piano. A lot of time was spent on structuring the songs so that each part would feel unique and meaningful. Some of the best parts came later when the song was written but still needed to be practiced. This was the case for Jack’s bassline in “Runaway,” which has really become one of the most important elements of that song. We never wanted to feel repetitive or uninspired with our songwriting, so we always had to be willing to abandon concepts or decide that we could do better. When it came to recording, we knew we wanted to keep it faithful to the four-person lineup while making it rewarding for repeat listens. The instrumentation of drums, bass, two electric and two acoustic guitars, with additional synthesizers and strings on a few songs, helped keep that authentic sound while also expanding on it. Although you bring a unique edge to the rock genre, you displayed traditional rock too. Are there any other artists or groups that have influenced your music? The collaborative songwriting process meant that all of our individual influences had a part to play in our music. For example, Jack draws influence from Flea to add melody along with harder, funky riffs, which is best exemplified in “Colors” and “Apartment 39.”  Spencer’s biggest influences are metal bands like Dance Gavin Dance and Texas In July, and you can hear some of that heaviness in the bridges of “Runaway” and “Not That I Want To,” as well as the double kick at the end of “Colors.” This contrasts with the lighter style that Ryan and singer/guitarist Lucas bring, coming from a shared influence of Dave Matthews and Coldplay. Many of the chord voicings and rhythms, for example, the guitar part in “Not That I Want To,” feel like they could have come from a DMB song, and Lucas’s vocal melodies sometimes sound like a combination of Matthews and Coldplay’s Chris Martin. Your song “Manija Tamal” is completely instrumental. What inspired your group to include an instrumental track in your debut EP? We knew that after Spencer and Lucas graduated from UConn in the spring of 2018, our recording opportunities would be limited. So along with the five other songs, “Manija Tamal,” originally known to us as “Latin Jam,” was included on the EP. It had been a two-part snippet that never got expanded into a full song, but when we played it live, we had it transition right into “For Awhile.” We liked that so much that it felt wrong not to have the same live feeling on our EP. Since your beginning in 2017, your band has come along the way having released its first EP! Can you tell us about any goals you have for the future? What are some things you are planning in order to achieve these goals? The band has a lot to look forward to at the moment! We just recently played our first shows in New York City as well as in the Boston area and hope to go back soon. Right now, we are focusing on playing high-energy and tight shows while booking new and familiar venues whenever we can. We just added a new drummer, Jordan, who is incredibly talented and going to be playing live shows with us as well as working with us on some upcoming projects. We are spread out all over New England, so song-writing can be a difficult process, but we’re continuing to share new ideas and work with old ideas to complete tracks. We were happy to have you here on BuzzMusic! We are excited to hear more from you and see where the release of this EP takes you as a band. Can you tell us about any upcoming shows or releases we can expect from you? We are currently laying the groundwork for a new LP, which is shaping up to be more of a soft-rock influenced release when compared to The Nautical Term EP. We’ve already begun to play some of these songs live and can’t wait to record them. If you can’t wait that long, we’ll be down at Leesta Vall in Brooklyn for a straight-to-vinyl live recording session where you can request a song to put on your vinyl record (we’ll have more details soon). Additionally, we’ll be heading up to Amherst and Easthampton for shows this spring; Western Massachusetts has a really unique music scene and we’re very excited for those shows. Stay tuned for updates on our shows and upcoming releases on our website and Instagram! nauticalterm.com facebook.com/NauticalTerm instagram.com/nautical_term #BuzzMusic

February 23 | BuzzMusic Robin Harris Jr is a man who continues to build his legacy regarding his music. He's pursued his ultimate passion for music and has never withdrawn his clear interest in building a career out of what it is he loves to do. With an intended goal of cultivating a refreshed and enriching sound within the R&B music community, Robin Harris Jr set out to prove his contemporary sound with the release of "Black Merlot". Robin Harris Jr offers a very atmospheric and thoughtful approach right off the bat with "Happy Hour", the first track his EP sees. This track, produced by Anderson Knight, embodies an alluring and almost underground performance. Once the production is coupled with Robin Harris Jr's smooth vocal execution, "Happy Hour" brings about an intimate and luxurious feeling. We're ultimately transformed into a mysterious and methodical experience. We're soon exposed to Robin Harris Jr's next sultry appeal in "Henny Love", featuring flavourful artist Fallon Favor. The collective blend of the two artists is absolutely stunning for a multitude of reasons. Their voices embody a certain kind of elegance, yet still brings about that intimate connection, making the entire performance feel very authentic. Eventually, we glide along to "Airplane Mode", featuring Jacob G. The synth integration right from the start of this track is what allows your attention to remain fixed on the song. The effortless flow present within "Airplane Mode" is what will keep that attention for the remainder of the track. That slight elegance is still maintained within this track, similar to "Henny Love", which makes sense considering producer Joey Billiams worked and collaborated on both tracks! You can tell that the atmosphere was crafted meticulously by Joey Billiams, working to produce the ultimate vibe seen within these two tracks. Robin Harris Jr continues to impress with his versatility in this track, and how he can easily embed all of his pivotal artistic qualities into one track. We continue to see this versatile presence in his next track, "Single". This track sees a collaboration with Vinci Lewis, which adds to the effect of Robin Harris Jr in the best way possible. There's an aggressive presence within this track with Vinci Lewis, which complements the slow and smooth execution of Robin Harris Jr. The two together are able to create an incredibly intense, yet calm atmosphere for listeners. Robin Harris Jr is the type of artist that gives off a creamy vocal performance, and every track from his EP thus far has seen that element. Robin Harris Jr's EP ends with "Angel Pt. 2", featuring artist Christina Cardella and Orlando Thompson. There's a more intimate and integral connection being made between listener and artist here within this particular track. Robin Harris Jr continues to make us feel satisfied with his thoughtful performance, and his ability to execute his flow of lyricism in a way that is absolutely enriched. "Black Merlot" was an impressive EP, start to finish, and Robin Harris Jr really set out to prove his capabilities, which were easily understood. It's easy to say that we're ultimately intrigued with what he will release next for listeners, and how it is he'll continue to cultivate the overall essence of his sound. Check out Robin Harris Jr's EP "Black Merlot" here. Hey there, Robin Harris Jr! Your EP release "Black Merlot" recently debuted! How does it feel now that your hard work has finally been put out into the music world? What’s up BuzzMusic! First, I would like to say thanks again for always showing love! Ahh, it feels good to release “Black Merlot” and the feedback that it’s been getting early has been dope! This is my first project of the new decade and I wanted to showcase my growth as an artist. Do you feel confident that your vision was executed in the way you intended it to be with "Black Merlot"?"Black Merlot" saw many collaborations with a variety of artists. Tell us more about your process of creating and recording, and how this changes when you collaborate with another artist? Nothing was forced on this project, I just wanted to collab & vibe with other dope artists & musicians. Usually, when I work alone I just work at my own pace but it’s always good to get out of your own creative space and collaborate with other musicians. Each artist brought something unique and we got to capture it during the Black Merlot sessions. You have an integral story to tell, as that was heavily presented throughout "Black Merlot". Are you able to share with our readers the overall theme of this EP, and what it is you wanted listeners to feel once listening to it? Honestly, when I was creating this project I was just creating how I felt in the moment. I wanted it to be R&B vibes but I just let everything flow. I just wanted to give listeners some R&B sounds to vibe too. Where would you say the majority of your content receives its inspiration from? Are there particular people or places you extract your ideas from in order to create your sound, or does it flow naturally right from your pure thoughts? It's kind of interesting I usually create naturally based off of pure thoughts. I try not to overthink too much when creating because it restricts me at times. I enjoy creating based off of how I feel. We appreciate the time, Robin Harris Jr! Where's the road taking you next regarding your sound? Are you planning on setting up any shows in order to perform your EP? I’m just enjoying the journey & the process of creating right now. I’m expecting to have a big year this 2020. I just want to release music & content for my fans & supporters. I’m also working on an album right now (no release date) but I plan to hit the road for some shows. I’m excited to get back to performing on stage again to play a lot of my new sounds. twitter.com/Robinharrisjr_ instagram.com/Robinharrisjr #BuzzMusic

February 23 | BuzzMusic Little King has been making music since 1996 when Ryan Rosoff left his then band Tweed Quickly and formed a new band with fellow musicians Mike Esparza and Alex Lizarazo. Rosoff has written a lot of songs over his career and has made a name for himself and band Little King by playing shows across the country. Many musicians have made their contribution to the sound of Little King since its formation, but their most recent EP “Occam’s Foil” was the work of Ryan Rosoff (guitarist/lead singer), Manny Tejeda (bass), and Eddy Garcia (drums). They also invited other musicians onto the EP to add a new, fresh aspect to their music such as cello and violin. “Hate Counter” by Little King was released in 2019 on the EP “Occam’s Foil”, with a classic Rock & Roll sound and gritty, bold vocals. The song starts off strong with powerful guitar and drums, and the layered vocals add an expressive touch. Rosoff shows off his intricate guitar skills with a lengthy solo that captures the essence of the song and will have you jumping along at a live show. “Hate Counter” has that aggressive, hardcore feels to it that is at the core of all rock songs, and is one to check out if you’re in the mood for something fast-paced and compelling. Listen to “Hate Counter” by Little King here. littlekingtunes.com

February 23 | BuzzMusic Formally from Tuckahoe, New York, but now residing in Lakeland, Florida comes an ecstatic artist known as Fleu. At the age of six, his grandparents raised him in New York, where he was given his first instrument, a saxophone. This saxophone was key for him to begin his exploration into music. Fleu and his saxophone played in many bands before going to college. While attending, he started putting out covers of his favorite saxophone songs onto SoundCloud.  As his friends encouraged him to take it more seriously, Fleu started to create better covers and his own songs. Eventually, Fleu came out with his first single “Change” in 2019. Now, almost a year later, Fleu just released a new single called “Trying”. A great deal of emotion can be felt in "Trying". The beginning of the song sets a somber tone with dreamy piano and empty spaces. There is a clock-like sound that provides a foundation to add nostalgia to instrumentals. Dissonant voices can be heard before a big kick drum sound and percussion. We like the way the drums are always present without overpowering Fleu’s voice. Fleu’s rich, warm tone really stands out with the instrumental constructed around it. In "Trying", Fleu talks about how his work and all his effort make him tired, and he might not be himself 100% of the time. Being a part of the youth, we feel like a lot of people around me go through this, and this song is a good reminder to just check up on other people and let them know that you are still trying. Listen to "Trying" here. Hey Fleu! Welcome to BuzzMusic, we are very proud to be representing your latest track “Trying.”  Being your second single, I feel as if this song really showcased your ability to write and connect with fans, and to really understand what’s going on with youth today.  Is there a major problem that you see in youth society today that you would like to try to incorporate your next single with? Definitely. A lot of people today just talk about sex money and success. But no one wants to talk about anything real. A lot of people suffer from depression, anxiety, and other things. Bringing light to some of these pressing issues in my music could be a way to connect more with fans. Growing up with your grandparents must have been, not necessarily a happy/sad time, but a good and advantageous time of your life (bless your grandparents for being there for you). As a kid, did you notice that your grandparents would live life a little differently than other people? Have you picked up on some unusual/uncommon habits from your grandparents that people today would deem to be “weird or old”? Living in my grandparent's house from a very young age was a blessing. One thing that we did that some would say is different from others is that we always sat down to eat breakfast and dinner together as a family. I took it for granted back then but now I would love to go back and relive some of those family times and time spent together over again. Going into high school my grandma taught me the women I'm interested in I should court and show chivalry before dating. I've taken this courting style into all my relationships and even into my current one and it has never failed me. Doing the basics, opening doors and pulling out the chair for the girl makes a world of and just sets you apart from everyone else. This song has a very R&B feel to it, with some soul elements to it. Coming from New York, you must have been exposed to not just R&B but many different genres. Is there any kind of genre that is sort of “out there” that you would like to venture in? I really have been exposed to a large variety of genres. One style that I found pretty interesting is called grunge. I think the duo THEY do it best but its a style I definitely see myself getting into in the future. College is always such a transitional period for people; whether that be transitioning into the college lifestyle or realizing you're meant to do something else. Is there ever a part of you that tells you to leave college and to pursue music fulltime? Or do you like the balance of professional education and music? This is probably a struggle I deal with every day. Some days I think I could really get my music up and going without being in school and just grind and become successful like so many other artists. Some days I say having an education would just make me more credible but then I question that and wonder does that really even matter in the music business because if your music is liked by fans then your education really is not a major focus. But all in all, having the college experience and this in-between stage of my life is great for developing my music because I am building relationships and life long friendships and it has been great. What can we expect to see next from Fleu? This year I'm expecting big things for myself. I'm just getting started and I'm excited to see what the future holds. There are a few more songs in the works for sure and I can't wait to share them. God has given me the talent to do this and I just want to thank him and honor him in everything I do. instagram.com/s_fleu #BuzzMusic

February 23 | BuzzMusic Originating from Baltimore, Maryland is the infatuating pop-rock trio that will get anyone up off there feet; Skyward Story. With indisputable catchy riffs, dynamic performance, and good spirits, these guys will easily soon be in your newest playlist. Alongside an album release, recorded by Matt Squire, the band is steadily working on new projects as they come up with new hits. Additionally, the band has plans to build themselves like never before. There newest single, “One Hit Wonder”, showcases their hard work and superior skills to write and produce. With “One Hit Wonder”, it’s easy to see how much skill, uniformity, and like-mindedness the band has. From the first to last sound of this song, there is a presence of some good spirit that the band really knows how to capture. Additionally, I think the band does a great job of sounding like bands from this genre (All Time Low, Fall Out Boy, Panic at the Disco), without mimicking them or copying those band’s sound. Skyward Story also does a very good job of being very inviting and welcoming in their music. They write melodies that anyone could sing/remember to create a better bond with not just their fans, but also new listeners. They still stay true to traditional rock instruments but aren’t afraid to use a synth or two. Furthermore, I like the way the band incorporated an acoustic drum kit because it adds a flavor of rock to an otherwise more pop-ish song. Skyward Story is one of the first bands we have listened to in the pop-rock genre that isn’t biting from old favorites and we're all for it. Listen to “One Hit Wonder” here. instagram.com/skywardstory twitter.com/SkywardStory youtube.com/skywardstory facebook.com/SkywardStory #BuzzMusic