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

Manuela Iwansson Shares Debut Album ‘Dark Tracks’ & Focus Single, ‘Strangers on the Train.’

Swedish new wave punkster MANUELA IWANSSON‘s debut album ‘Dark Tracks’, out now via Lack of Sleep Records, is a long-awaited effort that is the result of almost four years of work after unveiling her self-released EP ‘Dream Lover’ in 2018. Highlighted by the 80s-esque, gritty synth-pop anthem that is focus track ‘Strangers on a Train’, the album flaunts a musical journey that takes from the callous rock stylings of the late 70s and mixes them with the new wave evolution characteristic of the Blondie era, all serving to present an alluringly dystopian listening experience that lingers on the beauty of impermanence.

‘Dark Tracks’ is unrelentingly self-explorative. Iwansson wears her heart on her sleeve for anyone to see as she belts across the ten tracks, familiarizing listeners with a darkness stemming from unmet desire and lovers lost. The album plays like a jukebox with every song standing on its own as a vintage and vigorous tour de force.

Iwansson had this to say about the fabric of the project: “The album is basically a portfolio of me. It is very much a debut album – a little rough around the edges at times, but made with a lot of heart. I put a lot of thoughts into the lyrics, and a lot of emotion into the melodies. At times I play around with words a lot, and I constantly want to improve my writing … The whole project is about 80s aesthetics with 70s punk vibes; grit, rain, cities at night, neon lights, trains, and cars, and movement; leather and lace and rock ‘n’ roll. Nothing ever looks as good as a photo booth photo in black and white.”

The Stockholm-based artist once toured the world with punk outfit Terrible Feelings but now looks at her solo career as an opportunity to make timeless new wave hits, boasting a sound inspired by influences such as Pat Benatar and Suzi Quatro yet entirely her own. With ‘Dark Tracks’, makes a point of crafting earworm hooks and choruses that work in the middle of a rowdy yet heart-wrenching punk aesthetic.

Following the release of her EP ‘Dream Lover’, Iwansson served as an opener for Orville Peck on a full European tour in 2019, simultaneously releasing a series of singles and chipping away at her debut LP over the next couple years. While hard at work in preparation for its release, she has still found her way on stage this year, opening for Viagra Boys, Molly Nilsson and Current Joys this spring.

‘Strangers on a Train’ + ‘Dark Tracks’ are now available on all streaming platforms. Have a listen below…

Must Listens: Strangers on the Train, Loving Is Easy, Dead Weight

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Song of the Day: 444 – Ghalia

GHALIA can immediately draw in a crowd with her single, ‘444’ thanks to its intimate soulful punch packed with incredible vocals and harmonies.

Set in the often dark, lonely, and quiet time of day at 4:44AM, the track follows a melodious conversation between Ghalia and vocalist Rehana who plays the role of the ‘angel.’ Calling out to this figure through dreamy vocal layers and lyrical pleas, Ghalia asks for the angel’s presence and guidance to help her through sleepless nights, give her signs to keep persevering, and above all, provide reassurance that she should keep her faith in the ‘angel.’

With an undeniably ethereal sonic quality, Ghalia flawlessly delivers emotional lyrics that tell the story of the give and take in relationships, the importance of mutual faith and trust, and the risk we all take when we open ourselves up to someone. Following Ghalia and Rehana’s captivating conversation with one another, the track builds to a sharp and emotionally electrifying guitar solo, which perfectly contrasts against the mellow and soothing quality of the rest of the song. Describing ‘444’ as her “most vulnerable song yet,” Ghalia combines her seasoned storytelling skills and relatable lyrics with catchy and dynamic R&B production to perfectly encapsulate the complicated relationship between herself and the angel.

Following her signature formula for creating new music by starting with a beat and simple melody, ‘444’ initially started out as a solo project, but quickly became a duet and collaboration with Toronto-based vocalist Rehana when the two connected via social media during the pandemic lockdowns. The two talented artists then came up with the idea to turn the one-sided track into a dichotomous conversation between the pair in which they both express their desire to be needed and desired by one another. Although the two have never met in person, after sending various melodies, verses, and mixes back and forth, ‘444’ has truly become a collaborative sonic forum where Ghalia and Rehana have bared their deepest insecurities and emotions with one another.

Inspired by a diverse group of talent that ranges from The Weeknd to Kehlani to Justin Bieber, Ghalia has used their work as a launching pad for her own – weaving melancholy lyrics with invigorating R&B style beats to craft her own unique sound.

Ghalia’s ability to capture the attention of listeners with specially-selected beats, complex drops and arrangements have set her apart from the rest. Her new single ‘444’ will be sure to delight her current and future fans, alike. Check it out below…

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Nicki Wells Delivers Stunning Ballad, ‘A Little Christmas Of My Own.’

As we enter the season of goodwill, most of us look forward to spending time with love-ones and perhaps catching up with friends we haven’t seen for some time. British singer-songwriter NICKI WELLS reminds us that festive times aren’t a celebration full of family and friends for some in her new self-penned single, ‘A Little Christmas of My Own’.

Much like her recently released single ‘Carry On’, Nicki Wells’ takes to the piano on which she first learned to play as a child to add a rich and inviting timbre to this steadily paced acoustic number.

Nicki explains the inspiration behind the new single: “It’s a bittersweet song about Christmas because for some, it can be a lonely time, not everyone has a family to go to. But by the end there is a sweet acceptance of a quiet and calm Christmas.”

In keeping with the intimate sound of this single, the accompanying video was created by Tarq Bowen and presents a beautiful and cozy visual.

‘A Little Christmas of My Own’ was released last Friday (2nd December). Watch the video for the single below…

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Song of the Day: Headphones – Leo Kelly-Gee

London-based singer/songwriter LEO KELLY-GEE‘s catchy single, ‘Headphones’ evokes that explosive feeling you get when you have your favourite song playing in your ears and you can’t help but dance along and imagine you’re the main character in your own music video.

The chirpy piece takes you through an euphoric journey of evocative verses, uplifting choruses, before transporting you to another planet in the ethereal bridge and a blistering guitar solo to see the song out.

Inspired by artists like John Mayer, Paul Simon and George Ezra, Leo was a semi-finalist in the Isle of Wight Festival’s New Blood competition in 2020, and continues to perform to sold-out audiences across London. An accomplished guitarist, Leo takes centre stage in his live performances, possessing the energy of Tommy Emmanuel, Jon Gomm and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Now here’s your chance to get your happy on and have a listen to ‘Headphones’ below…

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14-Year-Old pop Artist Zeigh-V Shares New Anthem For Loss Of Young Life, ‘Gone Too Soon’

Up-and-coming pop star, ZEIGH-V‘s new single, ‘Gone Too Soon, ‘memorializes young people lost too soon to tragedy, addiction, and battles with mental illness. Zeigh-V says, “This song is to encourage young people to refrain from taking substances because we have already lost too many lives.”

Hailing from Atlanta, Zeigh-V is the first artist to be signed to A-POP ® Entertainment for a good reason. Zeigh-V is the embodiment of what A-Pop Entertainment represents: youth making a positive impact on society. Under direction by A-POP® Entertainment creator Jim Joyner and other musical influences, Zeigh-V has created a distinct, unique sound for herself, having a rich and mature vocal presence even though she is only 14 years of age. Zeigh-V is captivating, down to earth, and positive – she is something the music industry needs in this day and age.

When asked what she wants to accomplish with her rising music career, Zeigh-V states, “I want to be able to help my peers who feel alone. I want to be able to lift their heads up when they feel like they can’t.”

Expressing the issue of rising youth issues of today, the founder of A-POP ®, Jim Joyner says: “Over my life, I have seen many issues that are affecting our youth. I knew a girl who was my friend in 8th-grade art class who was self-harming. Today, we are losing one teen every 10 hrs to fentanyl-laced pills. I asked myself :“What could be done about it?” I am the owner and president of Allstar Video Pitching Simulators, so in 2017, I began to pour my heart and financial resources into a brand new genre of music which I named A-POP ®.”

‘Gone Too Soon’ was released last Friday (2nd December). Have a listen below…

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