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: Not Very Well – Tuff Bear

UK-based artist TUFF BEAR‘s single, ‘Not Very Well’ which combines ambient synthesised melodies and melancholic vocals that play out over a pulsing, funk-inspired groove, all with the intention of creating a feeling of optimism and joy in the face of a familiar sadness.

The upbeat, disco-charged buoyancy that dominates the song is designed to contradict the more introspective notions of anxiety and worry that are explored in the lyrics, thereby presenting a sort of defiance in the embrace of one’s shyness.

With a sound that draws on 70s disco, 90s dance and contemporary indie-pop, Tuff Bear – an alias for Theo Vernon – developed his sound and aesthetic over the course of the pandemic taking what had been a lifelong hobby. He started playing music from the age of five, learning the tuba, piano and cello before joining a choir – into something of a creative endeavor, writing and recording songs in his student bedroom. Work started on this first instalment of the Tuff Bear project back in April of 2020 before Vernon signed to Acrophase Records and began piecing together the collection with label mate, PWNT.

‘Not Very Well’ follows his bb sway-featuring debut single, “Talk To You” which found fans Stereofox, Dope Cause We Said, Also Cool Mag and more. Tuff Bear’s debut EP, Tuff Bear’s Picnic is set for release via Nashville-based label, Acrophase Records (V.V. Lightbody, PWNT, Ginger Root) on June 3, 2022.

Have a listen to ‘Not Very Well’ below…

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Rapper Trvi Drops Heartfelt Single, ‘Nah Never’ ft. Booka600

Atlanta-based rapper TRVI has joined forces with fellow rapper Booka600 for the new single, ‘Nah Never,’ where the pair exchange their childhood experiences right through their uncertainties into young adulthood over a piano-led melancholic production.

Dedicated to close friends who have experienced a lack of confidence and departed for various reasons, ‘Nah Never’ is a firm reminder of never being afraid of what life presents – no matter how hard it gets – and never comparing personal achievements to others.

‘Nah Never’ music video was released on 18th March via Infinitude Records. Check it out below…

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Song of the Day: You Can’t – FRYA

After racking up over 350,000 streams on her debut album ‘Balance’ in the first two weeks, as well as support from the likes of BBC Radio London, CLASH and Mixtape Madness, sensational Zimbabwean singer, FRYA (pronounced Fre-ya) shares R&B smash ‘You Can’t’, released on Johannesburg based record label Exodus Entertainment.

Tipped for major success by iconic international platforms including GQ, who recently interviewed Frya and identified her as a ‘vocal powerhouse’, the Zimbabwean born singer and songwriter is quickly establishing herself as an international star. Prior to the release of ‘Balance’, her debut body of work, 4 of Frya’s tracks were hand-picked for the soundtrack of Netflix hit series ‘Blood & Water’, all of which feature on the album. As an emerging artist, this is a monumental feat and one which can be attributed to both her music and character. Whilst her colourful life experience, emotion and feelings lend to the empowering, versatile and powerful soundscape that her music delivers, it is also her eloquence and fierce determination that open a world of intrigue in to discovering Frya’s world. Describing her sound as “The modern African woman: Versatile, powerful, bold”, it is clear why the world of music, style and culture are gravitating towards her with features across Notion Magazine, Earmilk and many more already scratching the surface of what is to be found from an artist like Frya.

As FRYA continues to build upon the momentum that she garnered last year, she shares her powerful album ‘Balance’. This project includes a variety of differing sonic styles that all merge to create an unforgettable debut. With songs such as Changes, Back It Up, Chandelier and Calculate already creating a cult-following, after featuring heavily on the soundtrack for ‘Blood and Water’, her captivating allure knows no bounds. Showcasing her versatility, FRYA delivers soul-stirring ballads in tracks like ‘For You’ and ‘Changes’, whilst in tracks like ‘Fire Fire’ and ‘BDE’ she demonstrates a party centric, reggaeton sound. Her debut project sums up the passionate singers’ approach to music, as she strives to create the perfect synergy. Have a listen to ‘You Can’t’ below…

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Watch Dax’s Video For Track, ‘Dear Alcohol’

Canadian artist DAX is back with the video for his new personal song ‘Dear Alcohol.’

“‘Dear Alcohol’ is a personal song I wrote,” Dax adds. “Share this with everyone and anyone and let’s make an impact. Somebody out there needs this.” Why not check out the emotive video below…

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Song of the Day: LETS GO (ReddTune Remix) – Flya Da Fame x DJ Hook Raida

Following the release of collaborative EP, ‘The Lone Ranger’ with Ads The Barbarian, producer REDDTUNE circles back and jumps right into today’s hot spot with his remix of Fya Da Flame’s and DJ Hook Raida’s track, ‘LETS GO.’

The track continues ReddTune ongoing collab with Fya Da Flame and DJ Hook Raida as the two rappers added their magic on ‘The Lone Ranger’ EP, which currently holds the blog’s Album of the Month title. Check out ‘LETS GO’ below…

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