New Lease Music’s New Music Roundup – 28/08/26

Welcome to another country (with a tinge of R&B) edition of NEW LEASE MUSIC’s New Music Roundup, your weekly snapshot of great music from indie and unsigned artists from around the globe.

If you’re a regular visitor to the roundup, you’ll no doubt recognise some familiar faces—true trailblazers who continue to make their mark on the Country music scene—alongside a new artist joining the lineup for the first time.

So, whether you’re here to reconnect with some familiar favourites or discover your next musical obsession, there’s plenty to get excited about.If you like what you hear, comment below!

If you are a indie or an unsigned artist and would like your music featured on the list, send your music links and a short info about the release to submit@newleasemusic.com, with NEW MUSIC ROUNDUP in the subject line.

Thank you for visiting and I hope you enjoy the music!

PAUL MINNICH – LAWN CHAIR LIVIN’

‘Lawn Chair Livin’’ is a nostalgic, country-rock celebration of the people, places, and traditions that bring us back to who we are. Minnich paints the picture from the opening verse: “It’s tailgates and dogs on grills / It’s campfire stories that scare and thrill / It’s small town fairs and their parades / That help to end our week-long charades.”

The song’s message becomes even more personal as Minnich sings, “It brings us back to who we are / And where we come from no matter how far / Life has a way of pulling us away / So grab your chair, plant yourself and stay.”

Then comes the big, easygoing chorus: “Here’s to a life, a life worth livin’ / Load up the truck, get it stuck in the weekend / If you try to find me I’ll be outside and in / My front row to life, lawn chair livin’.”

With its rock edge, catchy hook, and unmistakable small-town charm, ‘Lawn Chair Livin’’ captures the feeling of a backyard cookout, a weekend by the dirt track, or an evening spent with friends and family. At its heart, it’s a reminder to slow down, pull up a chair, and appreciate the life happening right in front of you.

‘Lawn Chair Livin’’ is out today across all leading streaming platforms.

SLAY RACHÉ – YOU MAKE ME WANNA DANCE

Independent pop and R&B artist SLAY RACHÉ enters her most ambitious chapter yet with ‘ You Make Me Wanna Dance,’ a vibrant new single out today. Blending the infectious energy of 80s pop and dance with a contemporary sense of swagger, the track captures Raché’s instinct for instantly memorable songwriting while offering another glimpse into her forthcoming self-titled debut album ‘Slay’ due in Fall 2026.

Produced at Milkboy Studio in Philadelphia, ‘You Make Me Wanna Dance’ draws directly from Raché’s long-standing admiration for Michael Jackson and the golden era of pop and dance music. The inspiration came after she and her fiancé attended the Michael Jackson musical in New York City on Valentine’s Day, an experience that sparked the idea behind the song. What followed is a polished, high-energy pop record built around movement, attraction and the unmistakable feeling of being completely swept up in the moment.

‘You Make Me Wanna Dance’ is out today via all leafing music platforms. Why not check it out below…

BRI FLETCHER – SALTED WATER (MUSIC VIDEO)

BRI FLETCHER returns with new video for latest single, Salt Water,’ an R&B leaning anthem that cleverly uses the healing properties of salt water as a remedy for heartbreak. While the production embraces a smoother, more soulful sound, Fletcher’s signature storytelling remains at the heart of the track, blending emotional honesty with undeniable vulnerability.

The video reflects the song’s message that sometimes the first step toward moving on isn’t pretending you’re okay, it’s allowing yourself to feel everything. Fletcher transforms tears into a symbol of hope: “Thought I’d never be the one to cry online / But WebMD just said I’ll be alright”

‘Salt Water’ marks another step in Fletcher’s evolving artistry, pairing contemporary R&B influences with the heartfelt lyricism that first established her as a country songwriter. It’s a reminder that growth doesn’t always come from hiding your emotions, sometimes it comes from embracing them.

With “Salt Water,” Bri Fletcher continues to carve out a lane entirely her own, proving that authentic storytelling can transcend genre while resonating with anyone who’s ever cried, healed, and found strength on the other side of a heartbreak. Watch the video below…

HOPE DOUDS – COASTAL COWGIRLS

HOPE DOUDS‘ latest single, ‘Coastal Cowgirls’ is a bright, carefree country anthem made for the girls chasing sunshine, salty air, and a little summertime escape.Blending Hope’s Southern roots with the carefree energy of the coast, the song captures that feeling of leaving your worries behind and trading the everyday for turquoise water, warm nights, and a little wild cowgirl spirit.

Hope brings that energy to life with playful lines like, “Rope them all in like a wild horse out on the beach / Want all the turquoise vibes ’gainst the sparkling Atlantic sea / All the coastal cowgirls / Come, follow me.” The song paints an instantly vivid picture of beach days, sparkling water, sun-kissed skin, drinks by the shore, and a whole lot of yee-haw energy.

At its heart, ‘Coastal Cowgirls’ is an invitation to embrace the carefree side of country living. It’s for the girls who can bring their country roots anywhere, trade their ball caps for a beachside state of mind, and turn a simple summer getaway into an adventure. With its playful attitude and feel-good spirit, the song arrives as a natural fit for summer playlists and the final stretch of the season.

‘Coastal Cowgirls’ is out now across various music platforms. Check it out below…

MADDIE LENHART – WHY IN THE WORLD

MADDIE LENHART returns with her most compelling release to date with single, ‘Why in the World’.

Produced by Brad Hill (Maren Morris, Brothers Osborne) and co-written by Maddie with Jay Knowles (Alan Jackson, Lainey Wilson) and Jen Stegall (Carter Faith), “Why in the World” is a cinematic country heartbreak song that turns grief into a search for meaning after losing the person you thought you’d spend forever with. Baritone guitar, steel guitar, fiddle, and layered harmonies meet polished, modern production, creating a sweeping record that bridges classic country storytelling with a fresh, contemporary edge.

The hook of the song lies in its escalating questions— starting with universal truths and spiraling into emotional collapse: “Summers are hot / Winter is cold / We spin on an axis / And gravity holds us down to the ground / So we can’t fly / Why? / Why do fish breathe water? / But we breathe the air? / Why do numbers add up, / But life isn’t fair? / Somebody put the word good / In goodbye / Why?”

From there, it turns inward, landing on the chorus: “There’s so many questions / That I’ve just accepted / I’ll never have answers to / But I still get stuck / On the ones about us / Why was the one thing I wanted the most the one thing I had to lose / Why is the hardest why in the world… you?”

‘Why in the World’ is the third release from her debut EP. Why not check it out below…

YINKA WILLIAMS – WE CAN’T START IT AGAIN

UK singer-songwriter YINKA WILLIAMS continues to establish herself as a compelling new voice in contemporary soul and R&B with her latest single, ‘We Can’t Start It Again’. Blending soulful storytelling with warm, contemporary production and subtle country-pop influences, the track marks a deeply personal new chapter for an artist whose music is rooted in honesty, emotional connection and self-discovery.

Built around the universal experience of closing a chapter and finding the strength to move forward, ‘We Can’t Start It Again’ is a quietly empowering reflection on resilience and knowing your worth. Yinka’s soulful delivery brings warmth and vulnerability to the track, with an expressive vocal style that recalls the timeless melodic sensibilities of 2000s R&B while maintaining a distinctly contemporary edge.

‘We Can’t Start It Again’ is out now across various music platforms. Listen below…

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The Slow-Burn Playbook for Independent Musicians

Every unsigned artist has pictured the same scene: one song catches fire, and the phone won’t stop ringing. It happens to a lucky few. For most musicians, an audience gets built the slow way — one honest connection at a time — and the tools to do it no longer sit behind a label’s budget. String enough small wins together and you get what a viral fluke rarely delivers: listeners who actually stick around.

What to Carry With You Before You Begin

  • Layered effort beats luck; stack several cheap tactics instead of one big moment.
  • Playlists, blogs, and inboxes are all doors, and each rewards a deliberate knock.
  • Live shows and collaborations extend your reach by borrowing other people’s trust.
  • Quiet, steady posting outperforms occasional bursts of activity.
  • New Lease Music helps you run the whole effort on your own terms.

Why Stacking Beats Waiting

Think of promotion less like a lottery ticket and more like compounding interest. A playlist placement brings a hundred listeners, a blog feature adds fifty, an email turns a dozen into ticket buyers. Alone, none is a career. Together, week after week, they build a rising floor that stops you starting over. Momentum, not magic, carries independent artists forward.

Getting Your Songs to the Right Curators

Curators, human and algorithmic, are how strangers first stumble onto you, so it pays to know where to knock.

  • Submit tracks through Spotify for Artists at least a week ahead of release.
  • Message independent playlist owners with a short, personal note.
  • Pitch niche blogs that already cover your genre rather than blasting every outlet.
  • Ask smaller podcasts and local radio shows to spin a song.

Keep each pitch tight, name a reference artist so they can place your sound, and never recycle a template.

Weighing Where Your Hours Go

Not every channel repays the same effort, so it helps to compare them before sinking a month into any one.

ChannelCostEffortBest For
Playlist pitchingLowMediumSteady new streams
Social mediaFreeHighEveryday visibility
CollaborationsFreeMediumBorrowing new audiences
Live showsVariableHighSuperfans and merch
Email listLowLowTurning fans into buyers

Sharpening the Way Your Release Looks

Presentation carries more weight than most emerging artists expect, and a grainy cover can undercut a strong single the moment it hits a feed. When a promo image is too small or too soft for a banner or thumbnail, a costly reshoot isn’t the only fix. The Adobe Firefly AI upscaler feature can enlarge a photo or graphic by 2x or 4x while holding onto the detail and character of the original, so a phone snapshot from rehearsal can end up sitting comfortably beside your artwork. Polished visuals signal that you take the work seriously, and audiences read that instantly. It’s a small, inexpensive step that lifts everything you post.

A Sequence to Follow for Your Next Single

Once the song is mastered, a little order turns a scattered launch into a coordinated one.

  1. Set a release date three to four weeks out and lock it in.
  2. Refresh your cover art and promo images so everything looks sharp.
  3. Pitch playlists, blogs, and shows during that window, never after.
  4. Tease the track across your accounts on a fixed schedule.
  5. Email your list the morning it drops, with one direct link.
  6. Thank everyone who shared it, then start planning the next one.

Where New Lease Music Fits In

None of this requires a label; it requires a system and someone in your corner. New Lease Music is built for artists who would rather steer their own careers than hand off the wheel. Whether you’re refining a pitch or just staying consistent, it’s a place to protect the momentum you’ve built.

What Musicians Ask Before Diving In

If you’re weighing where to spend limited time and money, these tend to surface first.

Do I really have to skip a label to grow this way?
Not at all, but you don’t have to wait for one either. Every tactic here works whether or not a deal materializes, and building an audience first often makes labels come to you. Owning your listeners is the real prize.

How much should I budget to start?
You can begin for almost nothing, since pitching, posting, and emailing cost time rather than cash. A modest budget helps with image tools or a small ad boost, but none of it blocks entry. Start free, then reinvest what the music earns.

Which strategy should I try first?
Begin with an email list and consistent posting, since those two feed everything else. Playlist and blog pitching pay off faster once you have an engaged base to point them toward. Layer the tactics in rather than chasing all at once.

How long before I see results?
Most artists notice traction within a few release cycles, not a few days. The growth compounds quietly, so the third month usually feels far better than the first. Repetition does more work than any post will.

Can I manage all of this without a team?
Yes, especially early on when the volume is light and the choices are simple. A calendar, a routine for each release, and a tool or two are usually enough. As momentum grows, delegate the parts that drain you most.

The Takeaway

No single move will make you overnight. What works is doing several small, low-cost things well and repeating them past the point of boredom. That steady accumulation is how independent artists turn scattered listeners into a real following. Keep stacking, keep showing up, and let momentum do what a lucky break never could.

Words by Lisa Walker

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Mothers Favorite Child & Paris Mark Toon Releases ‘This Is Love’ (DJ Emmaculate Remix)

MOTHERS FAVORITE CHILD and producer/songwriter PARIS MARK TOON shares latest single, ‘This Is Love’ (DJ Emmaculate Mix), a soulful disco and dance release featuring legendary dance music icon Robin S alongside acclaimed vocalist Saeeda Wright of Prince’s New Power Generation.

Remixed by internationally respected DJ and producer DJ Emmaculate, the release blends uplifting disco grooves, soulful vocals, live instrumentation, and modern house production.

Serving as the lead single from the upcoming ‘This Is Love’ Maxi Single, the DJ Emmaculate Mix combines classic club energy with the signature musicianship and songwriting approach of Mothers Favorite Child. The Maxi Single will also include the Original Soul Mix and the Opolopo Afro House Remix, currently  number one on Traxsource editorial charts for Broken Beat / Nu Jazz.

 ‘This Is Love’ (DJ Emmaculate Mix) is out now on various music platforms. Check it out below…

Connect with Mothers Favorite Child via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mothersfavoritechild/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mothersfavoritechild

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705 Introduces Himself Through His Latest Album, ‘Oluwatosin’

Oluwatosin’ is the latest album from Nigerian-born, UK-based artist and producer 705—a deeply personal project that introduces listeners to the man behind the artist.

‘Oluwatosin’ is 705’s real name, and choosing it as the album title was an intentional statement: This is me. This is Oluwatosin. This is 705.

Across the project, 705 explores different parts of his journey, blending Afrobeats, Afro-fusion, rap and melodic influences with lyrics delivered in English, Yoruba and Nigerian Pidgin.

The album reflects his experiences, ambitions, relationships, faith and determination to remain committed to his craft. From moments of celebration and gratitude to songs about perseverance, love and personal growth, ‘Oluwatosin’ presents an honest picture of an artist who has continued to pursue his purpose without losing his identity.

As both an artist and producer, 705 plays a central role in shaping the project’s sound. His distinctive vocal tone, confident delivery and ability to move between rapping and melody give the album its character, while its featured artists and producers bring additional depth and variety.

More than simply a collection of songs, ‘Oluwatosin’ represents a new chapter in the journey of 705—one built on authenticity, resilience and the confidence to show the world exactly who he is.

‘Oluwatosin’ is available now on all major streaming platforms.This is the music. This is the journey. This is Oluwatosin.Check it out below…

Connect with 705 via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/705beats/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@705beats
X: https://x.com/705beats
Website: https://705beats.com/

Source: 705

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New Lease Music’s New Music Roundup – 14/08/26

Welcome to NEW LEASE MUSIC’s New Music Roundup, your weekly snapshot of great music from indie and unsigned artists from around the globe. In the lineup, there are two exceptional Country Music artists that are worth your time! If you like what you hear, give it a thumbs-up or say who’s your new favorite below in the comment section.

If you are a indie or an unsigned artist and would like your music featured on the list, send your music links and a short info about the release to submit@newleasemusic.com, with NEW MUSIC ROUNDUP in the subject line.

Thank you for visiting and I hope you enjoy the music!

SARAH HARDWIG – BREAKING AWAY

Fresh off a breathtaking America’s Got Talent Season 21 audition that earned four enthusiastic yes votes and a standing ovation from the judges, Nashville country singer-songwriter SARAH HARDWIG is stepping into a powerful new chapter with ‘Breaking Away,’ a fiery country-rock anthem about taking control of your future, embracing who you are, and finding the courage to forge your own path.

Hardwig introduced herself to millions of viewers with an emotional performance of Lainey Wilson’s ‘Heart Like a Truck,’ earning widespread praise from all four judges. Howie Mandel called her performance “beautiful and heartwarming” and described Sarah as “the epitome of resilience.” Mel B praised her vocal control, while Sofia Vergara told Sarah, “I wouldn’t change a thing,” adding that everyone was going to fall in love with her. Simon Cowell called the audition “really, really good” and told her she has a “natural gift.” All four judges ultimately voted yes, sending Hardwig through to the next round.

‘Breaking Away’ is out today across all music streaming platforms. Why not check it out below…

SAM PAIGE – I AM SAM

With her debut full length album, ‘I Am Sam’, SAM PAIGE delivers her most personal and fully realized work to date. Across nine tracks, Paige invites listeners into the complexities of her inner world, blending the heart of country storytelling with modern pop sensibilities and unfiltered honesty. Rather than offering polished perfection, ‘I Am Sam’ embraces vulnerability, creating a body of work that feels as relatable as it is fearless.

At the heart of the album is the standout track ‘Anxiety,’ a deeply candid exploration of invisible battles and the disconnect between outward appearances and internal struggles. Paige’s vocal performance captures the weight of those experiences with striking clarity, while track “My Tattoos” explores the duality of confidence and insecurity, reflecting on self-expression, identity, and the nonlinear process of healing.

‘I Am Sam’ is out today across various music platforms. Why not check out the video for ‘Anxiety’ below…

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