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

Song of the Day: Special Moves – Dubby Blanco (ft. SofaKing)

New York hip-hop artist DUBBY BLANCO‘s latest single, ‘Special Moves’ is one smooth boom bap joint accompanied with dream-like lo-fi vibes that can easily put you in a trance. Featuring fellow New York rapper SofaKing, ‘Special Moves’, is a reminder to be thankful for small blessings, that comes out way, and also encourages us to live life to the fullest.

With Colombian roots, Blanco begin his career in entertainment, working as a music promoter for DJ Star’s Chub Ent, and eventually started his own promotions team called FlyBoii Ent back in 2001. Alongside running his company, Blanco also performed as a rapper, creating significant buzz in his hometown and internationally.

In 2011, he dropped his debut mixtape, ‘Blancolombia’, followed up with his 2014 EP ‘Family Trees’. 2022 saw Blanco working alongside with DJ Chase, founder of New York City-based production company Worldwide Soundz Records and the founder of DJ Chase Publishing, LLC.

According to New York City’s own DJ Chase, “Dubby Blanco is a super dope Latino Hip Hop artist with dope bars and dope beat selection; you want to get on the wave early.” Hear for yourself…why not check him out below..

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Jason Griff & Alaska Team Up For First Release of 2023 ‘Pop Songs for the Apocalypse’ (Album)

Following the success of the critically acclaimed ‘Human Zoo’, JASON GRIFF and ALASKA are back with a new release, ‘Pop Songs for the Apocalypse’. released on Saturday (14th January), the new EP is 12 songs spanning just over 15 minutes and plays as one long track blended seamlessly together.

The EP was conceptually birthed from a youth spent obsessed with nuclear scares, satanic panics, revolutionary hip-hop and anarchist punk, Pop Songs for the Apocalypse drips with sarcastic cynicism and a fatalist distrust that can only come from Alaska and Jason Griff. Propelled by the breakneck neck pace of early 80s punk and the humorous venom of Ice Cube, no one is safe from being skewered, even the artists themselves. ‘Pop Songs for the Apocalypse’ is the perfect blend of “Fuck you, get off my lawn” and “We’re all gonna die so we might as well enjoy it.” These sentiments quickly become apparent on the opening song “Blowhards,” where Alaska repeatedly proclaims “I ain’t trying to hear nothing that nobody says,” and continues throughout the EP taking shots at politicians, trust fund kids and doomsday preppers alike.

‘Pop Songs for the Apocalypse’ is not on any streaming platforms and is available exclusively via insubordinaterecords.com and Bandcamp. In addition to digital downloads, the EP is also available on cassette. Check out the tracklist below:

  1. Blowhards
  2. No Nothing
  3. Cool as Johnny Gill
  4. Ya Uncle is a Crackhead
  5. Relay Race
  6. C & C Music Factory
  7. Welcome to Interrotron
  8. Hazmat Suits
  9. Rebel Smell
  10. Same Song
  11. Let’s Play Bohemia
  12. See Inside

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Pollena Offers Optimism In Dark Times With EP, ‘Rising.’

Following earlier tips from the likes of BBC 6 Music, Line of Best Fit, Notion, Radio 1/1Xtra, Under the Radar, Beats Per Minute, Earmilk – to name a few – London-based artist formerly of neo-soul outfit Girlhood – POLLENA returns with her debut EP ‘Rising’ on Team Talk Records.

Pollena isn’t afraid to tackle a darker world in her debut EP, finding power in the fight for a better life. ‘Rising’ stands out by giving us a reason for optimism even – especially – in challenging times. Featuring raw and honest themes delivered with Pollena’s signature rich, smooth vocals, the EP blends genres, from neo soul to house, electronica and RnB, in an accomplished celebration of individuality, resilience and vulnerability and a call for hope.

Co-written and co-produced with Barney Whittaker aka Footshooter, following the success of their previous collaboration ‘Stand Up’, ‘Rising’ reveals a fresh and rejuvenated sound for Pollena that melds together elements of neo-soul, house and RnB.

The leading ‘Black Holes’ is an exploration of spacey synths, glowing keys, and commanding bass lines accompanied by powerful yet ethereal vocals. “I’m searching for a way out of the darkness, trying to hold on to a glimpse of light through connection. ‘Black Holes’ speaks to our innate desire to feel whole and an understanding that good times shared together are the answer.” Pollena.

The following ‘Diamonds’ is a glowing house and UK garage-inspired bop with a powerful message. “I’m sick of society pressuring us into lives we don’t want. We blindly follow the paths set out for us and do what’s expected, we simply don’t have to. I want ‘Diamonds’ to encourage listeners to fight for a better life.” Pollena

‘Lemons’, the first release prior to the EP’s launch, reveals waves of sun-kissed harmonies accompanying glowing jazz keys and a rich, Latin-inspired rhythm to create a summer vibe full of hope and optimism. “I want to celebrate living a life that feels true to me and inspire others to do the same. ‘Lemons’ is all about slowing down and connecting with what makes you happy.” Pollena

Rounding up the EP is the hazy, lo-fi ‘Bask In Blue’. A mellow R&B beat blends warm, soulful harmonies with balmy keys. “Bask in Blue tells a story of letting uncomfortable feelings in and embracing sadness whilst holding onto the hope that things can change.” Pollena

So if you’re suffering from the January blues, I reckon this mini EP will offer up some comfort. Have a listen below…

Must Listens: Black Holes, Lemons

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OUT TODAY: Espacio Dios ‘Collapse All Rules’ With First Release Of The Year

Boasting a wonderfully askew bassline, ESPACIO DIOS‘ brand new single, ‘Collapse All Rules,’ can be interpreted as a holistic submission to the significant other.

Speaking on the tenets of this song, Espacio Dios said “Collapse of All Rules was inspired by the beautiful ideas in life that were coming to me and in that moment; I was in a space where I felt like I could submit to the process and be vulnerable. Whether the outcome was/is bad or good, I still embraced it and took them as liberating moments where I was living in the now, the moment.”

The Pelo singer and producer goes on to describe the making of his newest single from his upcoming album; “I was in studio and I started with the beat first. I was trying to grasp on what I wanted the song to be about so I just freestyled. I played around a lot and I was super happy with the result. That’s when I solidified the verses and eventually, the song came together.”

Espacio Dios fans can look forward to more singles ahead of his album release later in the year – following the release of Pelo featuring Maglera Doe Boy…but for now, listen to ‘Collapse All Rules’ below…

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Jovaan Comes Through With His Highly-Anticipated Album, ‘Drafted.’

Puerto Rican urban rising singer JOVAAN‘s (pictured on the right) highly anticipated solo album’ Drafted’ features the focus track ‘Embustera,’ a collaboration featuring Puerto Rican reggaeton superstar Wisin. The upbeat urban/Latin track song showcases Jovaan and Wisin’s rap styles in a catchy rhythm that transports you to the club and puts you in the mood to dance and have a great time.

Jovaan opted to define his sound through the release of ‘Drafted’, with nine unique tracks including a bonus track, ‘Bape Remix’ that features his recently released collaboration with some of the hottest names in Latin urban music like Brray, Jon Z, Kevvo, Yovng Chimi, and Nengo Flow. ‘Drafted’ shows what a complete artist Jovaan is, delivering performances that range from intense and emotional.

In this album, Jovaan plays with the Latin urban genre, mixing a lot of reggaeton, drill, and trap, creating an experience that is perfect for going to the club, listening during long drives, or just blasting to yourself.

Jovaan began his music career at the age of 18, when he came to the realization that music was his passion. It wasn’t much later, when he gained recognition for the spanish version of ‘Woopty,’ which garnered over 400k+ views on YouTube. This up-and-coming artist’s main style emphasizes Drill & Trap, a subgenre of hip hop music that originated in the Chicago streets in the early 2010s. However, he does not limit himself from exploring all types of music genres. In 2021, Jovaan released ‘Umaga’ in which he solidified Drill and then continued to do so by introducing ‘BAPE’ alongside Brray, which was praised by the public.

In 2022, Jovaan signed on with urban record label WHITELION. Just wait to see what is in store for this new blood artist this year as he sets a new precedent for the future of Urban music. Have a listen to the sizzling hot project below…

Must Listens: BBSIMONS, Embustera, Oscar, Mas Na

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