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: Essence – Coops

Produced by Greatness Jones, ‘Essence’ is an inspiring cut of positivity from the talented North London rapper, COOPS, ruminating about life across trademark boom-bap drums and a rolling bass line. Essence is taken from Coops’ new album, ‘Lost Soul 2’ – released last Friday (23rd September) via Lost Soul Records.

‘Lost Soul 2’, the seventh full length release from the prodigious talent, was recorded at Coops’ studio in Hackney and serves as the sequel to his seminal Lost Soul mixtape, which still commands huge admiration nearly a decade since its release and is widely seen as a cult UK hip-hip classic. The new album sees a welcome return to the creative partnership with producer Talos that flourished on ‘Lost Soul’.

In support of the new album, Coops has announced details of his debut UK headline tour. The ‘Lost Soul’ tour will see Coops on the road in October and November with a special hometown show at London’s XOYO on Friday 4th November. Full dates can be found below while tickets are on sale now here: https://diplomatsofsound.org/coops-lost-soul-tour-2022/.

While the original reflected the uncertainty in his teenage years, ‘Lost Soul 2’ explores the navigation of adult life against the backdrop of the precariousness of the world in 2022. It’s a tale of progression and growth: Coops’ emotional capacity has matured, as has the soulful melodies he is crafting. It demonstrates evolution without compromising the important message in his music. 

‘Lost Soul 2’ is Coops at his truest, purest, and most effortless and, having flown under the radar for far too long, is set to cement his status as one of the UK’s foremost lyricists. Check out the video for ‘Essence’ below…

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LESS KILLJOY Brings On The Energy With Track, ‘My Parade.’

LESS KILLJOY‘s brand new track, ‘My Parade’ brings along that much-needed energy to the blog to ease those Monday blues. The single is the second offering from her forthcoming debut EP titled Pink Grenade.

Inspired by a search for happiness for herself and everyone around her, ‘My Parade’ shines with a bratty and boisterous vocal energy, dreamy synthesizers, lo fi guitar loops and in your face drums, where she talks about feeling underestimated and judged by the people around her and throwing it back in their faces.

Through sharing her experience, LESS KILLJOY hopes to build a community of people who feel safe around one another, despite their race, gender, sexuality, age, or socioeconomic status, her raw honesty and true passion for inclusivity makes her one to watch. Having received humbling praise from the likes of Earmilk, Record of the Day and Ones to Watch, you can expect a lot more from this exciting new Toronto talent. Have a listen to ‘My Parade’ below…

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OUT TODAY: Eva Rawlings Shares Single, ‘5 Steps’

Following her singles ‘LIKE ME’ and ‘Tell Me What You Like,’ Pop/R&B artist EVA RAWLINGS returns with her empowering breakup anthem, ‘5 Steps.’ Inspired by an ex’s bad post-breakup behavior, ‘5 Steps’ showcases Eva’s passionate vocals set to a driving trap beat. Crafted with 11x platinum producer Ian Kimmel, the track delivers a catchy, danceable chorus while tapping into the bitter experience of seeing an ex move on.

Eva says of the track, “My idea was to write one of those counting down songs that went viral, but make it not corny. I liked the idea of writing a snarky song to your ex who got over you way too fast, spelling out what they must have done to be doing fine so quickly after the breakup. So many great producers and writers helped make this song what it is, and we finished it that day, so from the inception of the concept to it being mixed and mastered was less than 24 hours.”

A passionate social activist and feminist, Eva’s’ latest single, ‘LIKE ME,’ was created entirely by women, with streaming proceeds from the single pledged to U.S. abortion funds. She also organized and performed in a fundraiser show with other Berklee acts raising money for an organization to end gun violence. Eva continues to empower listeners with her latest single, ‘5 Steps,’ which is out now across platforms. Have a listen below….

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Song of the Day: Bob N Bits – Anticalm

Rising rapper ANTICALM is ready to make himself known as one of the most distinctive voices from the UK with his ferocious debut single, ‘Bobs n’ Bits’. The destructive blend of raw and playful storytelling delivers a fresh take on modern rap alongside his production partner Samuel D. Samuel recently worked with Mogwai’s Stuart Braithwaite who had a number 1 album with the band in 2021.

As soon as the track begins, it demonstrates the influences of hip-hop, grime and punk. ANTICALM is assured as he delivers his tongue-in-cheek lyrics, whilst the futuristic production hooks in the listener with a caustic blend of heavy bass and piercing synths, which gives the track its distinct edge.

Discussing the playful nature of the track, ANTICALM shares: “I walked past a discount shop called bits n bobs when I was living in Manny! Walked home, flipped the chorus and recorded the track that day. Everyone talks about doing bits round here, me, I don’t do bits, I do bobs and bits. Simple!”

The talented rapper tackles his own performances with a similar carefree vigour and passion as his influences Scarlxrd, Slowthai, Plan B, Yungblud and Rage Against The Machine. It’s forward thinking, it’s chaotic, it’s rowdy, it’s powerful. Simply put, ANTICALM just may be the rap scene’s long-awaited answer.

Check out the official video for ‘Bobs n’ Bits’ below…

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FerQuan Shares Heartfelt Ode To Black Love With ‘Calling For You’ Video.

On the heels of the release of his long-awaited King Quan Project: Barz & Balladz, Quan (aka FERQUAN) shares the official music video for the album’s heartfelt standout ‘Calling For You’. Dedicated to his wife, the soulful song’s video plays out during a romantic evening between the self-proclaimed “Rap-Sing King” and his partner, exemplifying wholesome Black love.

“Dedicated to my wife, this song is about Black love at its finest. When you find that special someone that completes you, the hard work and success that follows can serve as an example for our people to learn from and relate to.” – FerQuan

Check out the steamy video below…

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