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

EP Review: Reset II – Obsidian Cane

In the midst of unprecedented times brought by Covid-19 pandemic back in March 2020, London producer OBSIDIAN CANE was about to throw in the towel as the uncertainty of the music industry took its toll; with clubs and music festivals shutting down one by one. As he was about to turn his back on the music industry for good, his manager gave him one piece of valuable advice and that was to: keep releasing music. After all, people will be listening to music more than ever, now they were effectively in complete isolation. Following the advice of his manager, Obsidian produced a collection of music and his debut EP Reset was born.

Released on August 2020, Reset EP signifies the rebirth of his musical direction under a new alias. In his former life, Obsidian Cane scored a club hit, ‘I Need a Rhythm’ as UKG duo KP with fellow acclaimed producer Paul Benjamin. He also produced music for BBC1, BBC2, amongst others. As his new direction in the music industry goes from strength to strength, Obsidian released his second EP Reset II, where he called upon three promising upcoming singers/songwriters who are holding their own in London’s music scene: Joy Ami, Ferraz and Stacey Pierre – all of which their featured tracks signifies the EP theme of regrowth.

Joy Ami’s ‘Mr. Creep’ and Ferraz’s ‘Shine’ both tell the story of breaking away from the overbearing and controlling partner, feeling completely freeing themselves from the language that was set upon them, thus feeling renewed. Stacey Pierre concludes the mini project with a different perspective of renewal with ‘Secret Place’: the message of this single is that it’s OK to step into your personal to regained your yourself in order to fight another day.

Sonically, the EP possesses that familiar sound of UKG, that’ll be most welcomed to the nostalgics of the 90s version of the genre, while simultaneously sitting well with the younger generation thanks to its fresh spin.

Released on Christmas Eve, ‘Reset’ II EP was perfectly timed for release into the new year, as subconsciously it provokes all of us to release ourselves from all the luggage that’s weighting us down and look forward to be a better (and revitalised) version of ourselves.

Take a listen now…

Must listen: Shine, Secret Place

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Song of the Day: Where I Left You – Chynna Lewis

Taken from her forthcoming debut EP ‘What Are Friends For’, CHYNNA LEWIS’ single, ‘Where I Left You’, showcases the Toronto-based singer-songwriter’s heart wrenching vivid lyrics and vocals, which leaves a lingering impression of a love once lost.

“I wrote this song during a time when my heart felt so broken that I thought I would never move past it,” says the captivating Taiwanese-Canadian Pop/R&B artist who was recently invited to sing the Canadian national anthem at a Toronto Raptors home game. “I had it in my head that love meant fighting through the rough patches, and when things ended I found myself still craving that dysfunction as a mode of comfort. At my lowest I went back to that ex, knowing that seeing them would set me back from all the healing I had done, but I didn’t care.”

She adds: “I wrote this song to capture how I felt at that time, like ‘fuck it, I’d rather be in pain than be alone.’ That was also when I had to face the fact that I was lacking in self-love; not an easy thing to come to terms with. It’s a very cathartic experience for me to release this song. It reminds me that sometimes we have to play with fire to learn our lessons, and that was a big one for me.”

Renowned for being an ultra versatile and skilled vocalist, Chynna has supported artists such as Ed Sheeran, Jessie Reyez, Charlotte Day Wilson, and Jully Black as a backup singer for the past decade.

Why not check out the video for the emotive ballad, co-directed by Mark Klassen and Petit Common…

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Johnny Kulo Unveils His New Single, ‘Poseidon’

Berlin-based, Indian artist and producer, JOHNNY KULO is the bridge between old-school soul and modern R&B. The son of a reverend, he was inevitably playing drums in church before he could form sentences, exploring several other instruments until eventually realizing his love for songwriting and production. He uses his sultry-smooth voice to tell personal and perceived stories of love, heartbreak and unsettled identity.

An ode to choosing ignorance, his latest single, ‘Poseidon’ revolves around asking questions about past relationships, through a rhetorical sentiment. It explores the feelings of arrogance and confidence that arise after one gain’s hindsight overtime in regards to their past. The track also portrays an overall sense of apathy for the future stemming from exhaustion. Have a listen below…

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Song of the Day: Keepsake – Handbook

One decade after his debut album ‘Handprints’, HANDBOOK returns with ‘Keepsake’, featuring two sublime tracks, instrumental ‘Keepsake’ and ‘No End’ featuring rapper, Supreme Sol who gets into the lush hip-hop cooking with the finest chill spicy soulful ingredients.

For the single Keepsake, Handbook says: “This track conjures up feelings of security. There is a feeling of being centred that anchors the piece, as well as a feeling of being content and happy. A keepsake is a memento, a reminder of someone, or somewhere, one has left behind: this is how music can work sometimes – it takes you back to a certain time, and a certain place.“

So go on, have a listen to ‘Keepsake’ and ‘No End’… and if you like what you hear, be sure to look out for his full length LP coming out this spring.

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VX Mob Drop Their New Single CHOPPA + Visuals

South London Trio, VX MOB are ready to change the game in 2022 with first release of the year, ‘CHOPPA,’ produced by the Grammy nominated MG.

Along with their single, which offers an incredibly unique and fresh sound, combining their Latin heritage with UK drill and alternative R&B, the young drillers also unveiled an accompanied video, shot in the refreshing scenery of Snowdon Mountain in Wales, directed and filmed by @filmbytod.

VX Mob was formed including VX Raff, VX Duse, VX Ells, and later joined by Grammy nominated producer MG and creator Film By Todd to complete the phenomenal creative squad. A project initially founded as a clothing brand, they began to create sounds and experiment with a hip hop style; infused with the groups native tongues and Latin/afro rhythms and influence.

Duse was noticed by Grammy award-winning producer and composer Kurtis Mckenzie, a multi-platinum producer. Also a songwriter and musician, Kurtis Mckenzie has worked with some of the biggest names in the game such as Chris Brown, Shakira, Kendrick Lamar, Doja Cat, Iggy Azalea, Selena Gomez, Khalid, Childish Gambino, and Rita Ora.

VX Duse debuted his single ‘PRISM’ in August, which truly replicates his alternative R&B style infused with his Latin heritage and notes of UK drill. The dramatic video was directed by Otis Dominique and was shot on the late night streets of South London – Streatham, Croydon – where VX Mob call home. Shortly after his Spanish release ‘PARAISO’ dropped and truly displayed his diverse music abilities and bi-lingual tongue. Both tracks produced by MG Grammy nominated producer MG with credits for co-producing two tracks on Doja Cat’s album.

So it’s time to check out these guys below; not to be missed…

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