Album Review: The Introduction – Zoe and Zara

Since appearing on NEW LEASE MUSIC with their single ‘Get Up Now’ last January, my mind would sometimes wonder on the whereabouts of twin sisters ZOE & ZARA. A few week ago, my curiosity was quashed when received an email from the duo.

After five years on London’s music scene, the pair decided to start a new chapter on their journey. So after much deliberation, long hours in the studio (which came with tears and near-breakdowns – their words, not mine!) ZOE & ZARA now present their debut album, ‘The Introduction.’

Recorded at The Blue Studio in Dalston (my hometown!), ‘The Introduction’  displays a delightful journey of Jazz (modern and from the golden era), old school soul and neo soul alternating between the down right funky and the ambient/easy listening.

The flood of tears and near breakdowns definitely paid off –  their neo-soul signature is more rich and refined (compared to their previous releases). The sisters’ venture into other genres by far didn’t disappoint. Their soothing vocals in fourth effort ‘Hey Sir’ were well suited to the golden jazz/big band/rat pack combo.

After reading the review, I think you guys know how I feel about this album. All there’s left say is – ZOE & ZARA, I salute you!

Check out the album and song recommendations below:

Must Listens: Weather Is Golden, Autumn Afternoon, Butterfly, Talk About It

New Music Video: Blessings – Thugz SNE

Hailing from Wednesbury, West Midlands is THUGZ SNE and his brand new visuals for his 2015 track, simply entitled ‘Blessings’.

Sampling from Jaded Edge’s hit ‘Walked Outta Heaven’, this young emcee gives thanks to the big man above (GOD, just in case you’re wondering) for all the blessing he receives – even though he didn’t recognise them at first hand!

‘Blessing’ is taken from THUGZ SNE‘s 14-track album, ‘Streets 2 Tha Studio’, available on iTunes…but before you head off, check out the visual to this smooth slammer.

Song of the Day: Let Me Be – Reppy Hustle

REPPY HUSTLE has been part of the huge influx of talented rappers the UK has seen within the last 18 months, each fighting for their own slice of the pie and notable success. With a clear determination, visible through his consistent video output across key influencer platforms including GRM Daily and Link Up TV, Reppy has proven himself to be one of the key newcomers and is now making his transition from the underground to the notable ‘one to watch’ stomping ground.

Latest release ‘Let Me Be’ is a well-rounded tune with all of the trimmings, giving a taster of what REPPY HUSTLE is really capable of in his music. A harmonious instrumental is satisfying on the ears, whilst the deep bass adds just the right kick of spice and movement to the mix. Reppy rides out with fluency as his bars and flow meander across the verses before hitting out a big song-a-long hook that is set to become a summer favourite.

Previous records include ‘You Were Acting’ and ‘Council Block Boy’, which shows a harder edge to the flourishing rapper yet, both hold his ability to create proper ‘records’, rather than throw away tunes, at their core. Check him out online and get tuned in and turned to REPPY HUSTLE

New Music Video: Snapchat (Ain’t No Killing My Vibe) – J. Kas x Ruell

NEW LEASE MUSIC staple J.KAS is back with the music video for track ‘Snapchat (Ain’t No Killing My Vibe)’ , taken from his EP ‘Snapchat’ – read the review here.

With long-term collaborator, singer Ruell, J.KAS provides us with four minutes of after hours smoothness.

Check out the video for ‘Snapchat (Ain’t No Killing My Vibe)’.

Song of the Day: The Deep End – Opãru

Following the success of debut single, ‘Remember Me’ – named Song of Week by NEW LEASE MUSIC last December – OPÃRU returns with another stunning single, ‘The Deep End.’

The Deep End’ is a love song to her beloved and admires the strengths and the flaws in a relationship, but most importantly it focuses on the depth of what most humans attempt to obtain in their lifetime. This release sees the singer-songwriter and actress whose real name is Dianna St. Hilaire – exchange the classical music element, from her previous single, for a guitar drench/pop affair.

The video for ‘The Deep End’ encompasses the beautiful aspects of nature, blending them with an urban landscape. Featuring stunning time-lapsed visuals of nature at it’s finest, the hustle and bustle of a city at night and a brilliant night of dancing lights, the video highlights the importance of finding compassion for living things and being mindful of your inner animal.

In late 2015, St. Hilaire reinvented  herself as OPÃRU, deriving from the Japanese name of the birthstone opal. OPÃRU‘s roots stem from experimental electronic, 80s synth pop, and alternative rock.

Watch the video for ‘The Deep End’.