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
Lifted from their forthcoming album, ‘Into The Blue’, slated for release this Friday (29th October) via Aviary Day on Aviary Bridge Records Ltd, laidback lo-fi duo ROCOMOCO‘s single, ‘Grooveshop’ features Denmark-based artist Hoffy Beats who is making himself at home in the sounds of chilled beats. He’s been featured on the Lo-Fi Girl Youtube channel and has earned just under 13 million plays on Spotify alone.
Berlin-based rocomoco have earned over 11 million streams across platforms, with features on vibe-maker Youtube channels such as nourish, Dreamy, Délicieuse Musique, College Music, STEEZYASFUCK, and The Jazz Hop Cafe to boot as well as appearing on Mr Suicide Sheep’s Favourites Spotify playlist. The duo were featured in Last Day Deaf’s Cool Smooth Chill playlist and received written support from the likes of CLASH Magazine, A Closer Listen, Stereofox, and Give It A Spin.
The pair have incorporate a collection of chilled vibes, jazzy guitars and dusty beats with a forward-looking left-leaning edge into their work, calling upon the likes of J Dilla, Nujabes and Jinsang as source of inspiration. In turn, their sound draws parallels to the likes of Potsu, Kruder & Dorfmeister, FKJ and Nightmares on Wax.
Speaking of the single, rocomoco says: “Our single is about when everything falls in place perfectly: Grooveshop serves liquid melodies from places of longing. Think about endless moments in Mediterranean beach bars where the time stands still. Hoffy’s Jazz chords and piano licks have been a good starting point for the atmospheric and chilled beat we ended up with.”
‘Grooveship’ follows previously released singles, ‘Years’ and ‘Warm Flicker’. Check out the accompanied colourful video for the feel-good single below…
Up and coming British R&B-soul artist, singer, and songwriter KEMI SULOLA is back with a glorious new single titled ‘IF’ as she continues to tease towards her anticipated new projects such as Room 3 coming next year. ‘IF’, which is produced by Brighton musician, DJ and producer El Train, who has worked with Pip Millet, Barney The Artist, IYAMAH and Jerome Thomas, among others, sees Kemi Sulola delivering an infectious UK R&B masterclass with catchy pop sensibilities and honest relatable songwriting, which also pays homage to the golden era of 90’s R&B with its lush melodies and vocal harmonies.
Speaking about the inspiration behind her new single ‘IF’, Kemi Sulola says, “The song is about a lady who is usually very sure of herself except for when it comes to love. To me, ‘IF’ is a song that speaks for people who may feel insecure about their lover or ultimately themselves. It questions if the one we need to be there for us in our hardest times would really be there. I suppose it was written in reflection of a time when I was in need and wondered the same. Essentially without saying the word, ‘IF’ inspires me to think about love and what the true meaning of it is”.
In the middle of a lengthy battle with Neurosarcoidosis that has seen her in and out of hospital for years, Kemi Sulola released ‘Raindrops’ at the start of 2020 to rave reviews from the likes of GUAP Magazine, SoulTracks and Verve Radio, after which, she also opened for R&B legend Teedra Moses at the renowned jazz club Hideaway. Bolstered by pop icon Janet Jackson sharing her music on Instagram and imploring her to keep singing, Kemi then followed up with the protest song ‘Justice’ in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and to raise money for the Black Learning Achievement and Mental Health Charity (BLAM UK), before closing out the year with the undeniable ‘New Form’ that was championed by DJ Target at BBC 1Xtra.
Check out the lyric video for Kemi’s single below…
I am so chuffed to have caught up with K-RIZ, one of the hottest Canadian artists around, to discuss latest critically acclaimed album, ‘Peace & Love’as well as his plans for the rest of 2021.
I don’t think there’s no need for a big introduction for this guy – by the time you finish reading this Q&A, trust me, you’ll love his music as much as I do…so let’s get down to it.
NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2021 treating you so far?
K: Thank you for having me! Y’all have been showing so much love over the past year, I’m truly thankful. 2021 has been good to me. Released a lot of music this year, and I’m finally feeling as close to 100% as I can from a car accident in 2020. Feeling good and looking forward.
NLM: You released your album, ‘Peace & Love’ last month (24th September). What is the public perception on the project so far?
K: The perception has been really cool, and surprising. I’m pretty surprised by the songs people are loving. “A City Too Small,” for example, is really hitting people. I don’t really expect much when I release music, so any love shown is always a plus.
NLM: How would you describe the album’s sound to potential fans?
K: The sound ranges from classic hip-hop to full out R&B songs with live instrumentation. I’m definitely a student of the game and I embrace all styles of music, from the old to the new. So I wanted that aspect represented throughout the album.
NLM: What inspired you to produce the album?
K: I wanted to make a happier and more conscious album, but there were so many negative things in my life that I never dealt with or maybe I avoided them. In order for the music to be authentic and genuine, I had to embrace what I was feeling. An album I was listening to was The Velvet Rope by Janet Jackson. She was very raw and emotional on that record. I heard the vulnerability and I felt that was the way to go.
NLM: What is/are your favourite single(s) from the album and why?
K: “A City Too Small” – love the darkness of the track and the bassline in the hook. “The View” – I loved how this song came together. It’s a song you can close your eyes to and drift away from start to finish. I always feel better after listening to it. “I Don’t Trust You” – it’s a song that gets me moving every time.
NLM: What message would you like the listeners to take away from your album?
K: I hope people hear a person who is human and healing. I’m sure we are all healing from something, so I hope the music heals and shows that it’s okay to go through these things, to feel and find a way to release these feelings and thoughts.
NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on the album, who would it be and why?
K: It would have to be Nas. That’s my favorite rapper of all time. That will always be my answer until it happens.
NLM: Do you have other project(s) for 2021?
K: We got some visual projects in the works, as well as features. I’m currently headed back to the studio to begin work on the follow-up. Staying busy, always.
NLM: How can potential fans find you?
K: The best place to find me is on my website at krizmusic.com and you can also find me on the socials.
NLM: Finally, any special shout outs to those involved in the production of ‘Peace & Love?
K: I want to shout out and thank the entire HonorRoll Music Collective. This album is a stamp on a great era for us musically. Also, everyone involved in making this album and encouraging me to release it. Y’all know who y’all are! Thank you to the people out there listening.
Night School, the hot new single from JOHNNIE FLOSS, will take you back to the height of golden hip-hop era. Possessing a real smooth chilled out vibe, the new single includes four New York City’s Mcs just effortlessly spitting bars and heat. .
So there’s not much to say, but to hit that button on that serious heat without delay, hosted By DJ Chase.
Following the release of the visuals for “Q.O.Q” with fellow MA artist King Fiya, DUTCH REBELLE is back with a new track called ‘Earthwormz’ – a bar-heavy banger riddled with growth and witty reflection over the cruise-friendly mafioso melodies produced by frequent collaborator Humbeats. ReBelle sets the tone with a bossy declaration of her position in music.
The veteran rapper seamlessly weaves in and out of multiple flows with a calm demeanor paired with a subtle aggression that peeks out behind the slick-mouthed sass.