by Omaha-based producer Buzz Junior has been making some serious noise as of late. He’s been a consistent force on some of the underground scene’s most trusted labels including Partica Artist Group, Above & Below, Presently Lifted, and more creativity. Leveling up last year, Buzz Junior dropped one of his best works to date on Insomniac’s Discovery Project in the form of ‘Ima Rock.’ The wonderfully off-kilter trap heater finds that perfect balance of hip-hop swagger and inventive production techniques. Keeping his foot on the gas, Buzz Junior just dropped his new EP Circulate via Gravitas Recordings. The 5-track effort showcases the continuing evolution of his sound.
2023 is set to be his biggest year to date, so it’s only right we have the buzzing artist join us for a guest mix + interview. The mix is 30 mins of pure trap and bass heat. Relentless and hard-hitting, it’s riddled with a ton of unreleased gems. As for the interview we discuss how he draws inspiration from visuals into his music, the scene in Omaha, winning the Nocturnal Wonderland Discovery Project, the secret to a great beard, and more. Dive in below.
What should listeners expect from the mix? Where are we headed when we press play?
I approached this mix in the same way I would play a live set – a bunch of my own music mixed with tracks from my friends plus a few of my favorite throwbacks.
Omaha isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of trap and bass music. What’s it like out there? How’s the music scene?
There are a few major artists from Omaha in the folk and rock genres but not really anybody from the bass music world. Definitely little pockets of cool musicians around doing their thing here and there.
I am thankful to have met so many talented visual artist friends that constantly inspire me to create new and different styles of music.
Can you expand on what “absorb colour / release sound” means to you? How do you bring this to life?
When I’m not working on music I spend the rest of my time painting with the love of my life norm4eva. While on the road at mural festivals, we meet amazing artists that do all kinds of incredible work. So I guess “absorb colour / release sound” is my really short way of saying I am thankful to have met so many talented visual artist friends that constantly inspire me to create new and different styles of music.
Congrats on winning the Nocturnal Wonderland Discovery Project! What impact has that had on your career?
Thank you! It has been great so far and definitely opened doors for me. Like you said above, Omaha isn’t really a place that comes to mind when you think of bass music so having connections to Insomniac is a game changer.
I think it’s important as an artist to take a step back every now and then to put together a larger body of work.
You just dropped the Circulate EP. What was your goal when creating the project? How did the process differ from writing standalone singles?
It can be really easy to get caught up in the cycle of working on singles or collabs and I think it’s important as an artist to take a step back every now and then to put together a larger body of work. The first thing I wrote for the EP was the opening song ‘Contraband’ which felt like the beginning of a set at a big music festival and the rest of the ideas are different interpretations of big-stage festi tunes.
You mentioned you want to get into styling artists in the future. What’s the key to a perfect photoshoot fit?
Yeah a few years ago we started turning some mural and canvas work into clothing items so that’s when I kind of got more into the design and styling side of things. That combined with a handful of times hanging out on discord helping friends talk out what they should wear for a gig or a photoshoot made me realize it was something I enjoy and I’d like to do more of in the future.
Key to a perfect photoshoot fit is something you’re comfortable and confident in.
What’s the worst gig offer you’ve ever gotten?
Haha awwww I don’t wanna put anybody on blast.
What’s the secret to growing out a killer beard?
Patience.
I have a lot of collabs that are going to drop early in the year and then I’ll do another EP in the summer or fall but I’ve also been doing a lot of production for some vocalists that I am very much looking forward to.
What are you most looking forward to in 2023?
On the live music side of things I’d like to play more shows and I finally have a team coming together to help me do that which is new for me and I’m super excited about it.
And on the production side of things I have a lot of collabs that are going to drop early in the year and then I’ll do another EP in the summer or fall but I’ve also been doing a lot of production for some vocalists that I am very much looking forward to.
Any final words?
Thanks to anybody that took time out of your day to listen to the mix and read the interview. Much love.
Tracklist
Snxxz3 x Buzz Junior – ID
Buzz Junior – ID
Ludacris – Blueberry Yum Yum (Buzz Junior x BAGG Flip)
JIB – Lobster Beat
Buzz Junior – Drip
Snxxz3 x Buzz Junior – Hollow Tip
Tearsofmine – ID
Buzz Junior x Raucous – WDGAF
Daizy – DMC (Buzz Junior Remix)
Buzz Junior x Snxxz3 – .trynawhip
Buzz Junior x Manada – ID
Buzz Junior – ID
Buzz Junior x ASHEZ – ID
Buzz Junior x Gurf – ID
Buzz Junior – Side 2 Side
Mr. Carmack – Rappers
Wasteurself x Buzz Junior – money blinders
Buzz Junior – So Much Ice (LAF Remix)
Boutta x Buzz Junior – Underground Kings
Code Zero – ZEROWAVE
VESTIGE – Toppers
RL Grime & Juelz – Formula (NEOTEK & LATU Flip)
Buzz Junior x AYCH – Periphery
Buzz Junior x Wasteurself – ID
