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
After release of their well-received single, ‘Checkmate’, which is currently #1 on CHBN Radio’s The Playlist chart, MARYAIANNE & ME make a quick return with single ‘Benched’ out now across various music platforms.
‘BENCHED’ may be a bright, summer-ready pop bop, but it explores the hidden pressures many young people face. It tells the story of a girl juggling the demands of school studies, a part-time job, and the expectations of being part of a sports team she loves. From the outside, she seems capable and driven, but the repeated feeling of being benched — not chosen, not good enough — slowly begins to take its toll.
At her lowest point, she reaches out to the one person she trusts most — her mother — and begins the first step toward getting help. While she is fortunate to have someone to turn to, the song also acknowledges that many people suffer in silence, isolated and unsure where to find support. Professional help does exist, but it often comes at a cost that many cannot afford.
‘BENCHED’ captures that fragile moment when pressure threatens stability — the tipping point where something has to give — shining a light on the importance of support, understanding, and speaking up before the struggle becomes invisible.
MaryAiAnne & Me is a burgeoning collaboration between upcoming artist Me and seasoned music pro John Hewlett – whose impressive CV stems back to the 60s, with collaborations with iconic acts including The Beatles, T. Rex and Sparks. John also managed McGuinness Flint, Gallagher & Lyle, Sparks & The Incredible Shrinking Dickies and produced their album The Incredible Shrinking Dickies. The pair met when volunteering for a charity where John was impressed by Me’s storytelling and began working on the MaryAianne project with her early 2025.
MaryAianne & Me began releasing singles in October 2025, committing to a bold schedule of one track per week for a full year. The project aims to build a diverse catalogue of original songs that will ultimately be brought to life in live performances. Every release features Me’s own lyrics and arrangements, with AI production support courtesy of SUNO. United by a shared love of music, MaryAianne & Me embrace experimentation across styles while exploring relatable themes such as unrequited love, self-discovery, and personal growth.
On the back of his headline show at Hoxton’s Folklore last month, the rapidly acclaimed powerhouse AMITY has unveiled his latest single, ‘City Of Stars’. The single adds to his impressively expansive discography, boldly confronting topics that are often considered taboo or uncomfortable.
‘City Of Stars’ stands as the ultimate self-liberation anthem confronting the abuse of coercive control. Driven by a compelling yet ominous bassline, the track gradually builds through a tense, murmuring atmosphere before giving way to a reinvigorating orchestral swell. The sonic progression captures a powerful sense of release, embodying the idea that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Anchored by the 18-year-old’s raw and emotionally charged vocal performance, it’s almost impossible to believe that ‘City Of Stars’ was written during the final 40 minutes of Amity’s Physics GCSE exam.
The song quickly became a key moment in Amity’s live sets; its pulsing crunchy chords and gut spilling lyrics have moved listeners to tears in scores of shows up and down the country, notably both on the main stage at The Royal Albert Hall and on Elton John’s red piano at Amity’s sold out solo concert in The Royal Albert Hall’s Elgar Room in July.
‘City Of Stars’ is Amity’s first offering of 2026, which follows a explosion of support in 2025. From November’s iTunes pop chart success with the viral TikTok hit, ‘To Make A Man’, which was also featured in the prestigious industry insider bulletin, Record of the Day, to December’s success in the Future Hits Radio Top 40 of The Year and current double nomination by Radio Wigwam as ‘Breakthrough Artist 25’ and ‘Best Solo Act 25’, Amity’s rapid rise shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, after making it into the top picks of 25 for taste makers such as Jeff Thomas (FMOF) and Nick Tann (Fresh Music Fix), Amity’s also a current top ten finalist for Record Store Day’s Unsigned Artist competition and a current shortlist contender to play at The Musos.
With all the accolades rushing in all directions, it would be a very wise to keep Amity on your radar. With an EP on the horizon, ‘City Of Stars’ offers an very intriguing glimpse of what’s to come — and sets the stage for what could be a striking run of releases this year.
Swedish DJ and producer HANDSHAKE IN SPACE returns with a powerful and emotional single ‘Love Rises’.
The track carries a message that feels more relevant than ever — it can feel like hate is everywhere, but love is stronger. If we hold on, love will win in the end.
With his signature progressive and melodic house sound, Handshake in Space blends emotional harmonies, driving rhythms, and a strong vocal presence. The result is a track that lifts the dance floor while also resonating on a deeper, more personal level.
“I wanted to create a track that reminds us not to lose hope – that love always rises, no matter how dark it feels,” says Handshake in Space.
‘Love Rises’ was released all major streaming platforms last Friday (6 March 2026). Check it out below…
Welcome to the first NEW LEASE MUSIC’s New Music Round-up of 2026, where you can discover your next favourite track at a flick of an eye!
If you do happen to find a new favourite, why not let us know in the comments below!
NEW LEASE MUSIC’s New Music Roundup is featured on Mondays or Fridays. If you are a indie or an unsigned artist and would like your music featured on the list, send your music links and a short info about the release to submit@newleasemusic.com, with NEW MUSIC ROUNDUP in the subject line.
INDIGO SYNDICATE– DND
Nashville-based trio INDIGO SYNDICATE steps into 2026 with ‘DND’ (Do Not Distrub), a sleek, R&B-leaning departure that trades their usual alt edge for something darker and late-night ready. Built on a pulsing groove and moody production, the track moves through mixed signals and emotional stalemates, anchored by the hook: “You haven’t heard a thing I said / I’ve been getting left on read / I’m stressing, now you’re messing with my head, I’ll come around so wait on me.” The repetition of “wait on me” becomes the heartbeat of the song — a phrase that feels equal parts defensive and desperate, capturing the toxic push-and-pull at its core.
Comprising of Preston Pospisil, Samantha Sanford, and Jharyss Granger, Indigo Syndicate became quickly known for their genre-fluid blend of alternative, pop, indie and soul. The band continues to carve out a distinct space within the modern alternative music landscape.
Their rapid rise includes multiple placements across Apple Music’s New in Alternative and New in Indie, along with several singles featured on Live Nation’s Ones to Watch playlist.
Why not check out ‘DND’ below…
XO SOUNDTRACK – TALK ABOUT ME
Nashville-based pop-rock/alternative outfit XO SOUNDTRACK‘s latest single, ‘Talk About Me’ sits in that familiar grey area where feelings linger longer than commitment. XO Soundtrack keeps things grounded sonically, with production that echoes glimmers of Walk the Moon, The 1975, and other indie rock darlings, pairing a clean synth line with a subtle pop-rock edge that lets the emotion while keeping intentional polish.
“Talk About Me” is inspired by the all too common “situationship.” The song tells the story of a couple who have been seeing each other off and on, and when the breakup happens, one person keeps talking about the other, even though THEY were the one to end it. I think everyone can relate to a “what are we?” kind of situation, and this song describes the emotions that come from it all.” – XOS
Renowned for high-energy, emotionally immersive live performances, XO Soundtrack – comprising of drummer Kai Clark, guitarist Austin Henderson, and vocalist Rock- has captivated audiences at notable Nashville venues including The End and The Basement. With a clear vision and a modern, emotionally driven sound, the band continues to carve out its place in the pop-rock/alternative landscape.
Check out ‘Talk About Me’ below…
BEKRATIVE – LET IT BREATHE
New Orleans–born artist BEKREATIVE returns with his new single, ‘Let It Breathe,’ a slick R&B offering that reflects a period in which he stepped away from the music scene to spend more time with his family.
With over 11 million streams across all music platforms, the Houston-based artist has built an extensive music career, writing more than 300 songs and releasing five albums to date.
Now back on the scene, BeKreative plans to release a new single every week, so be sure to keep an eye on his latest work…and why not start by checking out ‘Let It Breathe below…
CLARITY LIAO – LIKE I DO
Written as an English assignment before evolving into a fully realised studio release, ‘Like I Do’ captures the ache of unrequited love through the vivid metaphor of wandering endlessly through a desert. Stripped back and intimate, the track places Clarity’s delicate yet commanding vocal performance at the forefront, allowing her lyrical maturity and emotional nuance to shine.
“‘Like I Do’ was a song written just as homework given from my English tutor at first. The song really brought out my emotions from the current situation I was in at the time, also exploring a genre I’ve been liking but never really got to pursue, so I decided to take it to the studio. This song has so far been one of my favourite tracks to sing and listen to, also being one of the best expressed in my lyrics.” – Clarity Liao.
San Francisco-based singer-songwriter CLARITY LIAO continues to establish herself as one of pop’s most promising young voices with the release of her latest single, ‘Like I Do’. The mesmerising piano-led ballad follows the poignant alt-pop debut “Hurt My Heart” and further cements Clarity’s transition from award-winning band songwriter to compelling solo artist.
Listen to ‘Like I Do’ below…
BELLA WOOD – DIRTY CHERRY
Rising pop artist BELLA WOOD returns with her most defining release yet in the intoxicating new single ‘Dirty Cherry’, a lust-fuelled, sharp-edged alt-pop statement that announces her arrival as one of 2026’s most compelling emerging voices.
Bella learned early that “home” isn’t always a safe word. At just thirteen, she was forced to leave behind instability and move in with her grandparents in Kelowna, trading chaos for quiet nights and the hum of crickets. But even in the stillness, music never stopped playing in her mind. By seventeen, determined to carve out her own future, Bella packed a duffel bag and moved to Vancouver with one goal: make it in music.
“I wrote this song at a time when the gap between who I was and who people said I was felt like a really big jump,” Bella explains. “Instead of internalising my frustration, I write – it’s kind of like keeping a diary for me. Songwriting is the only way I really know how to process my emotions. Me and my producer Nic Charuk explored several iterations before landing on the final version.” – Bella Wood
‘God Is There’, the latest single from MICHAEL UPSHAW, featuring Raquel Britton, serves as a comforting reminder to all believers that, regardless of the challenges we encounter—be they positive or negative—He is consistently present, aware of every circumstance. He stands alone as the one who can aid and guide us through the obstacles, trials, and situations we may face in life.
Michael pulls together yet another top-notch line up who brought the single to life. With long term collaborator Mark A. Walker on bass guitar, Rakim Harris on Drums and Austin Woodlin on Keyboards and String arrangements, ‘God Is There’ blooms with breath-taking soothing soulful textures that’s soothing and comforting to the soul. Backing vocalists Gabrielle Jackson (Soprano), Gwen Jackson (Soprano), Brittany Pleasant (Soprano), Juanita Harvey (Alto), Tashanna Logan-Garrett (Alto), Janay Wilson (Alto), Jenée Shawnice Batts (Tenor), CJ Price and (Tenor), Christopher Paul Freeman (Tenor) adds emotional depth to the offering, reinvigorating for anyone in a place of darkness.
Born into a family with a rich heritage and legacy of singing and preaching the Gospel, Raquel began singing in church at the tender age of two; leading and singing solos regularly. Raquel went on to become the director of the youth choir at The Galilee Baptist Church – at the impressive age of 12. Under her leadership, the choir grew to over fifty members. Showing such achievements in her formative years, it was clear that the future was very bright for Raquel…
A firm pillar in the church community across several US states, Raquel also has a fruitful singing career. Releasing her 2018 debut single ‘I Do Worship’, Raquel has been a backing vocalist for gospel greats including Vickie Winans, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Charles Butler. Her sweet, harmonic vocals are also a firm fixture across TV and theatre: Raquel has sung in Broadway play Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat and provided background vocals for Tyler Perry’s I Don’t Want to Do Wrong. She also guest starred in his movie, Love Thy Neighborhood.
Michael Upshaw has an extensive career as a singer/songwriter and producer. As a featured artist, Michael soulful baritone vocals could be heard on more than 60 recording projects internationally.
In 2012, Michael started his record label MiParis Music, which covers Smooth Jazz and Inspirational music. With regular collaborations with multi-Grammy Nominated musicians, saxophonist Gerald Albright and Producer Chris “Big Dog” Davis, the Philadelphia-based label has produced a number of well-received singles, including Mark A Walker’s instrumental ‘Duke’s Walk,’ featuring multi-Grammy award–winning trumpeter/arranger Paul Lassiter and, ‘I Love Me Too’, featuring acclaimed soul songstress Carol Roddick. A smooth jazz instrumental dedicated to the legendary George Duke, ‘Duke’s Stroll’ topped the CHBN Radio’s Playlist chart for four consecutive weeks. ‘I Love Me Too’ was met with acclaim from soul and jazz stations across the globe. For more information, please MiParis Music.
Now Michael Upshaw join forces Raquel Britton to offer solace in difficult times with ‘God Is There’, out now Apple Music and Spotify.
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