THOREAU X TINA DECARA - ILLUSION

After a slew of successful remixes, our boy Thoreau has finally released his first original, and it was certainly worth the wait. His latest effort, an exploratory future bass record "Illusion" is an epic tune from the second you hit play. It starts with string plucks and sound effects as ethereal ahh's lead us in to Tina Decara's first verse. The tune envelopes you in pulsing gyrations of sound right after she sings "I'm High on the way that it feels" leading us into an impactful chorus with an energetic rhythm section and warped vocals. The second verse brings in Thoreau's signature blend of beats and rock guitar. We've come to expect a spicy blend of guitar and synths in most of Thoreau's productions, and this one falls right in line. Illusion is a dope addition to his growing catalogue of sweet tunes and is a proper advancement in his sound.     

Disclosure: Thoreau is managed by Beautiful Buzzz writer Lindsey Oh

Disclosure: Thoreau is managed by Beautiful Buzzz writer Lindsey Oh

SJ - REFLECTION (FEAT. ANNA PANCALDI)

Tritonal's label Enhanced has just given us their latest offering - a song first deep house tune "Reflection" from new producer Sj that really struck my fancy. The tune features Anna Pancaldi's lovely vocals encased with silk like layers of swirling synth work that cast a warm aura around the first verse. "Without Your Love, I have no reflection" she sings in the vocal chorus entreats us into a chill deep house drop that goes down oh so smooth. Apart from music, Sj has a cool story because he started an organization dually based in Nashville and Calcutta, India called One Life, which helps transform places of poverty in Indian slums to places of possibility. Among other projects, One Life has created a safe space called “Our Dream Home” which is home to 25 girls who broke free from poverty and physical/sexual abuse situations, and acts as a resource for them to live comfortably with long term care and development. I'm especially down to support artists that are equally willing to give back to others not only with their art but also their time and energy. 

PAPA YA - OOM ZIGGA (FEAT. MALCOLM ANTHONY)

Our favorite sunny duo Papa Ya is back with a new original that's an absolute trip! The boys have constructed a fun, definitely pop leaning record "Oom Zigga" that's pretty much onomatopoeia-land. To be honest when I first heard it I was a little taken aback with the in-your-face unapologetic and borderline cheesy tribal nature of the tune, but upon second listen I couldn't help but smile and laugh. Look if you take music too seriously then this might not be the record for you, but if you know the guys (Alex and Nate), and their previous releases then you can fully appreciate how silly and perfect this song is. First of all they're called Papa Ya which I think inherently implies a little jungle-istic nature to it, and the guys are simply hamming it up. The production is really well done, and the verses from Malcolm Anthony add a cool factor fully legitimizing the tune. Have a laugh, drink a piña colada and turn up the Papa Ya! 

MICHAEL MAR - DON'T TALK ABOUT IT (FEAT. KYAN PALMER)

Here's one I found in my inbox that I though was tightt, and had to show some love. Shimmering guitar accompanies pumping rhythmic bass underneath Kyan Palmer's soulful vocals. The production sounds full and mature even though there doesn't seem to be much online about Michael Mar at this point. The vocal chops flitter around making an upbeat song even lighter, while the positive lyricism focuses on changing the subject to something less ominous. "Don't Talk About It" is a fun energetic tune and I'm really curious to learn more about this project. 

AXEL MANSOOR & LOUIS VIVET - HIT REWIND

Who remembers VHS tapes? I know our lovely founder Erin definitely does, but I'm betting some of our readership might not remember these cumbersome vestibules of entertainment. The worst was when you really wanted to watch a movie, and put in the tape only to find out that the last person to use it didn't hit rewind! So annoying...anyways the opposite of annoying is Axel Mansoor's next amazing new tune "Hit Rewind". Co-written and produced with fellow BB faves Louis Vivet, this track is a light hearted ode to California that's absolutely sure to tickle your fancy. The infectious chorus rings out with a "Whaaa Ohhh" that instantly slaps a smile upon your face. The nostalgic lyricism combined with the spritely production easily hits home with this remix. As autumn is officially upon us, this fun tune easily hits rewind back to the summer fun. 

Disclosure: Axel Mansoor is managed by Beautiful Buzzz writer Mike Doose.

KNGDAVD - YOU NEVER KNOW

It's been a minute, but KNGDAVD is back with a new tune! The duo lit it up with their last couple singles "Medicine" and "Shame" and now connect again with this new single "You Never Know." The lyrics talk about sinking into decisions that you might later regret "You Never Know" preaching to "don't count your chickens before they hatch." A great phrase my parents used to tell me all the time haha and truthfully is sage advice. The record features a haunting guitar line that evolves into light pads upon sprightly hip hop oriented percussion. The beat is droning and melancholy which simply adds to the spice of the tune.    

THE FEDERAL EMPIRE - YOU AND DRUGS

This new one from upstart folk/pop group The Federal Empire was sent over to me the weekend, and was so damn catchy I couldn't help but throw it up this week on BB. The message behind it really struck me as well albeit rather bluntly. It's a simple concept - drugs give you that quick fix, that high, but ultimately leave you feeling unfulfilled or wanting more. "What's the difference between you and drugs" the lead singer Chad sings with perfect precision. The band ends the latter part of the tune focusing on love because as they say, "Love lasts longer, is giving and selfless, and makes you feel good for longer than just the instant. The song can be applied to so many different things because we have a lot of "drugs" in our every day lives now." So true, and applicable to our fleeting, and frequently unfocused millenial generation.  

ALINA BARAZ (FEAT. KHALID) - ELECTRIC (ELECTRIC MANTIS REMIX)

Alina Baraz X Khalid is simply a dream combination, and they work soo well together in the original "Electric." But add in Electric Mantis' special breed of future electro and now we have something that's completely legendary. This track is full of juicy production chops that serves to enhance the sexy original in just about every way. The chorus sweeps us around with a combination of sounds that are metallic and driving, but not too overpowering. There's definitely still a sense of sensual melody hidden behind the beats that keeps things moody in a good way, but yet hype enough for dance floors everywhere. We're already big fans of Electric Mantis and with jams like this being regularly pumped out it's easy to see why. 

KALEENA ZANDERS - STRONGER THAN I'VE EVER BEEN (PIANO EDIT)

This one is special right here. Kaleena Zanders' wonderful voice has been featured numerous times on our pages for her work with SNBRN, is the voice behind his epic cover of "California Love," and has also been a workhorse the last couple years not only performing live at many major music festivals (Coachella, Middle Lands, Splash House to name a few), but also grinding in the studio with Gigamesh, Breathe Carolina, Loud Luxury, Madeaux, Vindata and others. After being featured so much, it was only a matter of time before we got a KZ original. Well finally we've been gifted this gem and when she sent it over it was almost an automatic OF COURSE I'LL SUPPORT THIS! Granted the tune is a little different from our normal blend of electro/pop, but the combo of simple piano and vocals is a time tested formula that clearly exposes the quality performance and songwriting of the tune. Produced by the duo dirtyMonster, the song was also recently featured in a promo ad for season 2 of STAR on FOX, it must be an honor to have your song featured on a show that's based upon the lives of budding musicians. This song is emotional, impactful and soulful. Everything we would expect from KZ, and damn she knocked it out of the park.