Author: Tracey Dawkins

Owner of NEW LEASE MUSIC blog, which showcases the latest releases from indie and unsigned artists, and NEW LEASE MUSIC PROMOTIONS, which promotes indie/unsigned artists via blogs/magazines, radio, independent and Spotify playlists

Raphael Tate Returns with singles ‘Is This Love’ & ‘All Of Me’ from brand new album – OUT TODAY

After a short hiatus away from the scene, RAPHAEL TATE returns with his honest work to date, which forms album ‘All Of Me’ out today, Friday 6th June across various music platforms via his label, Tate Love Music LTD.

The album reflects his raw and honest journey, searching for love in a world that often forgets how to give it. Through his journey, he’s been it through it all – the highs and lows; the good, the bad, the heartbreaks, the hope, the vulnerability, the doubt, the despair and having the courage to talk away from a failed relationship. Despite the rocky period of his life, Raphael still believes he will find that true connection.

From the ten-track project, Raphael shares ‘Is This Love’ and ‘All Of Me’. Produced by Multi-Grammy Award winning artist Jazzwad, ‘Is This Love’ delves into the realms of classic roots reggae with Raphael questioning whether real genuine love exists, through his infamous robustly soulful performance. Raphael ends the album with a cover of John Legend’s hit, ‘All Of Me’. The stripped-back production allows Raphael to wear his heart on his sleeve and bear all, inviting his fans and prospective listeners into his world, his journey and his truth. His breathtaking version of ‘All Of Me’ received a seal of approval from John Legend himself.

The album also includes previously released singles, the Reprezent approved ‘Can You Feel It’, ‘Same Energy’ and the critically acclaimed ‘A Fool In Love’, which received a firm seal of approval from BBC1xtra’s Seani B and BBC London’s Lionheart. Paying homage to Aswad’s single ‘Bammie Blow’ from their album, ‘New Chapter Of Dub’, ‘A Fool In Love’ was produced by Grammy-nominated producer, Jermaine Forde, the son of Aswad’s Brinsley Forde. 

Born in Washington DC, USA now residing Derbyshire UK, Raphael Tate has been steadily climbing up the ranks in the UK music since his 2020 single, ’A Fool In Love’. His subsequent releases, received attention from UK national stations and way beyond, including BBC1 BBC1xtra, BBC London, BBC Leicester, BBC Stoke, BBC West Midlands, Mi-Soul, Phoenix FM, SoulCityTheBeat in Italy, South Africa’s Ubuntu FM, plus many more. ‘Everyday Is Mother’s Day’ – an tribute to his late mother – was featured twice on Reprezent radio, while ‘Blessed’ was named Track of the Week by Premiere Gospel.

Raphael Tate broadened his horizon and took to the stage of ITV’s Starstruck back in 2023, where he impersonated the Godfather of Soul James Brown, impressing judges Adam Lambert, Beverley Knight, Rowland Keating and Jason Mansford.

More recently, Raphael has circulated venues across the UK with his compelling live performances. A resident artist at London’s The 606 Club since the beginning of 2023, Raphael Tate has been an opening act for the legendary Odyssey in 2024 at The Robin in Wolverhampton. He also opened for legendary reggae group, Black Uhuru at Camden’s iconic venue Jazz Café and Band on the Wall in Manchester during their 2024 UK & European tour. Raphael Tate will once again open for Black Uhuru on their 2025 UK & European tour at London’s venues, Jazz Cafe on 30th June and Fox and Kirkin on 1st July.

Now Raphael Tate is getting ready to share singles ‘Is This Love’ & ‘All Of Me’ from his new album. With today’s society marred with so much division, due to cultural/region differences, so-called gender wars and unhealed traumas, Raphael gives a reminder, through his latest offering, that we can still choose connection over conflict. Through bearing his soul to the world, he hopes to encourage others to do the same.

‘All Of Me’ album is out today, 6th June, across various music platforms.

Connect with Raphael Tate via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/RaphaelTateofficial
X: https://x.com/TateRaphael
IG: https://www.instagram.com/raphaeltateofficial/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@raphaeltate3

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A Quick Chat With…Natty Boi Zoe

New York City’s self-proclaimed street poet NATTY BOI ZOE jumps into the NEW LEASE MUSIC’s interview hot seat to talk about his video for track ‘Black Renaissance’, which claimed the Music Video of the Week title back in April

NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2024 treating you so far?

NBZ: 2024 has been challenging lol but I love it thou,it’s been keeping me on my toes.

NLM: You released the video for single, ‘Black Renaissance’, back in March. What’s the concept behind the production?

NBZ: The concept behind the music video is Harlem Renaissance, idk… I feel personally that was an essential time for black people, pure vibes.

NLM: What inspired you to come up with the idea?

NBZ: Idk I just see how things is going on in the world, it’s like we forgot, where we came from. I’m just trying to bring back that feeling it was a great time for black people.

NLM: What is the public perception of the video so far?

NBZ: So far no complaints.

NLM: What message would you like the listeners to take away from ‘Black Renaissance’?

NBZ: The message behind black Renaissance, is to bring unity among each other, the awareness on how great we can be if we work together, I’m just trying to bring that Harlem Renaissance Vibes!!!

NLM: What plans do you have in store for 2025?

NBZ: I’m a drop my project “Black Renaissance” not to sure on the releases date yet, working on more music, videos and still being a full time dad but still staying forces on my goals…

NLM: How can potential fans find you?

NBZ: Nattyboizoe on all social media platforms, I’m almost taking emails zoegod@1987.com

NLM: Finally, any special shout outs to those involved in producing ‘Black Renaissance’ video?

NBZ: lol, I give thanks jah for everything but I made that music on my own, just trying different things right now…

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Song(s) of the Day: Destiny / Spiral – Cid Poitier x Sheba Q

The collaborative releases recorded between London and Tanzania, sees renowned junglist goddess SHEBA Q announcing her foray into 140 dubstep terrain by joining forces with Sub: Clef label boss CID POITIER to deliver two deep and soulful cuts that blend hypnotic vocals, stripped-back minimal dub and UK Sound System Weight.

Sheba Q treat us with her seductive storytelling skills. A combination with a unique blend, dubbed Sub: Soul, which provides a deeper exploration into the core of Sub:Clef ethos of Groove, Bass and Soul.

Let’s not forget the B-side which features two instrumentals for whose who like their meditation unguided…

‘Destiny’ and’ Spiral’ are now available for your pleasure across various music platforms. Why not check them out below…

Connect with Sheba Q via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/iamshebaq/

Connect with Cid Portier via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/cidpoitier/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/cid_poitier/?hl=en-gb

Source: Sub: Clef Records

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Song of the Day: House Wife – Emili

EMILI’s self-written/produced single, ‘House Wife’ – out now across various music platforms – started as a fun idea from a funky beat she made.
 
Emili’s former day-to-day life could be described as a dutiful housewife, spending her time cooking and cleaning while steadily growing her music career. She once joked to a friend: ‘What about go for a walk, quick coffee shop, no 9-5 but the work never stops’? The quick witted line formed the first verse of ‘House Wife’.
 
With a gleeful fusion of jazz, funk and pop, ‘House Wife’ evolved into a playful anthem about loving the ‘housewife’ lifestyle – but when producing the single, Emili was conscious of the fact, while she enjoyed being a housewife, the role may be viewed as outdated and sexist by today’s standards. This prompted Emili to look into the typical life of a 1950s housewife, which inspired her to add a bridge to reflect the 50s ideals, and the ending as a little nod to how it was sold as ‘the dream’.  Among the feel good vibes and humorous lyrics, there is an underline statement to the single: being a housewife is only a pleasant experience if it’s a choice.
 
‘House Wife’ serves as a teaser to Emili’s work-in-progress album set for an early 2026 release, and marks new chapter of incorporating humour in her music, bringing her closer to her quirky retro sound.

Counting Sabrina Carpenter, Adele, Michael Bublé, and Silk Sonic as her biggest Influences, Emili’s passion for music started in high school musical theatre in her native Australia, where she fell in love with storytelling and performing. She continued with acting after school, until her husband encouraged her to pursue music—despite feeling nervous she might not be good enough.
 
Emili quickly banished her nerves aside and went on a mini tour in Australia in 2024 called Wacky Wonderland. In the same year, Emili released her debut single ‘Vanity’ which she produced entirely on her own. The easy listening ballad was the second song she’d ever written; ‘House Wife’ is the third song she’s written.
 
First generation Australia, ethnically Macedonian/Serbian, Emili moved to the UK in 2025 to pursue a music career. She’s currently working with Hot Vox and War Child UK to combine music with meaningful causes. Her tour profits went to charities that support children in unfortunate circumstances.     
 
A graduate in Theatre and Music, Emili is becoming force to be reckoned with. A true powerhouse, she has done everything herself—from designing posters and merchandise to writing and producing her songs, and even directing and editing her own music videos.  Emili’s other passion are chickens—so much so that her logo is a chicken. She has a chicken tattoo, and her chicken mascot, Steve, features throughout her brand.
 
To date, Emili’s tracks have accumulated approximately 30,000 streams from building her fanbase through open mic nights and from the firm support of family and friends sharing her music.
 
As Emili is currently finalising her album for an early 2026 release, she teases us with the infectious single ‘House Wife’, out now for your pleasure across various music platforms.

Connect with Emili via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/emilimilo/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/emili_milosevska/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emilimilosevska

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Song of the Day: LLaw – 101 Mix – 9Bach

9BACH has deservedly earned their flowers as one of the most acclaimed acts to come out of Wales. Known for fusing traditional Welsh musical heritage seamlessly with a contemporary, cutting edge feel, the band quickly gained popularity beyond their native borders, performing across various countries, including Spain, Holland, Canada, Aotearoa, Vietnam, Australia and the Middle East.

After taking a five-year hiatus, the band enters new grounds and collaborated with artist/producer Andy Gangadeen – who has worked with leading bands, among them, Chase & Status and Lava La Rue – for their single, ‘LLaw – 101 Mix’, exclusively available on Bandcamp. Inspired by Lisa and Martin’s love for the acid house movement from the 80’s and 90’s, ‘LLaw – 101 Mix’ immediately draws you in with a mesmerically smooth electronic drive, with Lisa’s vocal performance in Welsh adding the ultimate euphoric and liberating touch to the production.

9Bach was formed in 2005 by lead vocalist Lisa Jen and guitarist Martin Hoyland, followed by bass guitarist Dan Swain, vocalist and pianist Mirain Haf Roberts and producer Andy Gangadeen. The band name is a play on numbers and words: 9 is as in Nain, (pronounced nine), which means grandmother in the North of Wales; Bach means little and is also a term of endearment in Welsh. In one language 9 is something so mundane as a number, but in Welsh Nain is a cozy, family-orientated, lovely thing – all the qualities that’s associated with a grandmother.

As well as being the lead vocalist and founding member from one of Wales’ most innovate band, Lisa is also a long-term vocal collaborator with Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals: she featured on the Candylion album, and sang live on the Candylion/Hotel Shampoo tour dates. Along with fellow 9Bach vocalist Mirain, Lisa also featured on Gruff Rhys’ albums, Seeking New Gods and Bablesberg. In addition to her extensive work with Rhys, Lisa also lent her voice to Public Service Broadcasting’s Every Valley album.

Now they’re back from a lengthy break, 9Bach enters a new chapter, exploring even more innovative sounds. Their collaboration with Andy is sure to solidify position in the Welsh and international scene.

‘LLaw – 101 Mix’ is out available on Bandcamp. Have a listen below…

Follow 9Bach via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/9BachMusic/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/9bach
Website: https://www.9bach.com/

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