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

Nija Shares New Single, ‘Finesse’ + Video

Fresh off her stellar debut single, ‘Ease My Mind (Come Over),’ NIJA returns with a smooth, straight-talking new single, ‘Finesse.’ This time, she has a searing message for an ex who has a way of finessing his way back into her life, despite her best intentions.

In the provocative official video, Nija is entwined in an intimate slow dance with a partner as she delivers an emotional performance of ‘Finesse.’

Before she had even turned 21, Nija had written scores of Billboard Hot 100 hits. Now – at 23 – the three-time GRAMMY Award-winning contributor is gaining widespread acclaim for her own music and relishing in the freedom to fully express herself. The FADER named “Ease My Mind (Come Over)” as one of the “10 songs you need in your life this week” upon its release in August and noted, “Nija’s first foray as a solo artist is a booming, drill production-backed banger that finds her asking a lover to take her stresses away.” VIBE hailed her as “a vocal talent whose sultry tone brings her lyrics to life.” Billboard said, “With a whomping bass and edgy vocals, the star songwriter – who’s penned hits for Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Summer Walker, Chris Brown and so many more – now has a standout song under her own name.”

Here’s your chance to check out the Jay Weneta-directed video for the track, produced by Bregma and Jack Rochon.

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Song of the Day: Cutie – Deniro5ive & Taifunds

TAIFUNDS‘ and DENIRO5IVE‘s track ‘Cutie’ exploded onto the scene, quickly gained traction on TikTok. The duo’s second release together was further brought to life with a bubbly video, providing roaring energy with friends.

Growing up as childhood friends on the same estate in Clapton, Hackney, with their musical passion commencing in school, Deniro began home recording tunes, with no intention to put them out. Around the second lockdown in November 2020, the teens who are still in school made this single ‘Cutie’. The teens uploaded a snippet and video onto TikTok which stars their mutual friend Araloyin Oshunremi (a main character from Top Boy). The video received 100k views and over 700 organic creations.

Previously putting out a track and music video called ‘Kings’ on Mixtape Madness, the visuals accumulated 27k views for their first ever track. Their follow up track ‘Cutie’ is oozing with energy, a rolling piano that surfs across the rhythm created by the quick percussion and 808’s. A catchy chorus “this track here gonna be a movie”, which explains the fast growth on social media. Both artists bring their own flair and style to the track with inventive flows and memorable one-liners.

This highly anticipated track has all the components to form a serious anthem and this year it is very likely we will observe a loud arrival on the scene from these boys.

Check out the video below…

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Mixtape Review: Flymix Vol.2 – Fly Von

An attention-grabbing jittering sound comes piercing through first track ‘Automatic’, giving a bold introduction to FLY VON‘s latest mixtape, ‘FlyMix Vol.2’.

The prospective listener would be given if the seven-track set follows through with the jarringly-dope tone offered up in the intro track. However ‘FlyMix Vol.2’ changes direction and gives a smooth run of lack-laid slow jams vibing with a heavy bass that gives each arrangements that extra kick – with the exception of ‘Broke In A Minute’ which pretty much takes on a similar tone as ‘Automatic’, boasting a looping horn that goes rampant with fly’s flow oozing into the boisterous sound.

The mixtape eases down and concludes with ‘No Surprise’. With trance-like and hazy soundscapes, ‘No Surprise’ is a type of track that you kick back and roll up on your own or with some friends.

Fly Von always comes different and this mixtape is sure to ascend nicely on his ever-fly discography – get it? Oh never mind; Check ‘FlyMix Vol.2’ out below plus songs recommendations below…

Must Listens: Automatic, 24, All Your Fault,

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OUT TODAY: Obsidian Cane Releases Nostalgic Single, ‘I’m Good’ Ft. Lyriqé

‘I’m Good’ is the follow up single from OBSIDIAN CANE who debuted in August 2020 with his EP titled ‘RESET’, a three-track set possessing a punch of 90’s UKG with a hint of soulful R&B which was met with critical acclaim by major tastemakers.

Although ‘Reset’ was his debut, Obsidian Cane is a seasoned music producer with a career spanning over 20 years. As well as composing music for TV shows on Channel 4, BBC1 and BBC2, he scored a club hit, ‘I Need A Rhythm’ as UK Garage act KP with music producer Paul Benjamin.

‘I’m Good’ is the first track that marks the beginning of Obsidian Cane’s burgeoning collaboration with upcoming Birmingham singer/songwriter Lyriqé – and their mission is to bring UK R&B to the forefront with a fierce makeover.

With a sensual spin of early noughties R&B accompanied by a rhythmic soulful bounce inspired from the eighties, ‘I’m Good’ has the perfect elements to generate crossover appeal beyond die-hard fans of R&B and soul. Lyriqé, who is often compared to noughties R&B favourites Ashanti and Aaliyah, creates a euphoric feeling of nostalgia through her silky vocal performance, bringing those summer vibes into the coming autumn and winter months.

Appearing in a school talent show at the tender age of four, ignited Lyriqé’s strong interest for music. Fast forward to 2015, she released her EP ‘What The Game Needs’ before taking a five year hiatus to garnish and reinvent her sound.

Lyriqé returned, armed with a fresh spin on soulful R&B in 2020 with her single ‘Mine’. Subsequent to the release, she has collaborated with fellow Birmingham artist ‘ChromeZ NeutroN’ on his ‘Silky’ EP (W.A.R.M, C.O.L.D) and has been working on a number of tracks with Obsidian Cane.

Speaking of their working relationship and single: “I met Obsidian Cane on Instagram in 2020 he asked me to sing & song write for R&B tracks he was developing. Initially I missed a message in 2018 so I’m so glad he reached back out! “I’m Good” came from us starting to work on a collection of tracks that bring together his amazing production and my nostalgic R&B vibe.”

‘I’m Good’ was released today (4th October) via Obsidian Cane’s label, Reset Records UK. Check it out below…

Obsidian Cane: https://www.instagram.com/obsidiancane/

Lyriqé: https://www.instagram.com/officiallyriqe/

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Keisi Shares Sensuous Single, ‘Body On Ice’

The rising star of R&B, KEISI delivers her new single ‘Body On Ice’ as she lures listeners in with smooth and mesmerising vocal tones, harnessing an enigmatic aura for the seductive bedroom jam. In an irresistible fusion of R&B and Pop, seasoned with a dash of jazz-influenced island vibes which comes with production courtesy of Odysi, ‘Body On Ice’ captures the magnetic connection between two people as the fantasies of intimate connections are vocalised with both charm and confident conviction. Keisi’s seductive lyricism is both sexy and enticing as she lays bare this fine example of a modern day love song.

Keisi’s career trajectory is both clear and expansive. Her musical journey begun at the age of fifteen taking part on the BBC show ‘Glee Club’. Reaching fourth place in the competition she was highly regarded by judges Carrie Grant, David Grant and Sisco Gomez. A year later she joined the lineup on The Voice of Albania and reached the knock out stages. Continuing to build her profile both in the UK and in Albania she worked further on her craft and earned a place at the ACM Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford. During this time at ACM Academy she took the opportunity to hone her live skills by performing at charity events, whilst also developing her solo music. Keisi went to release her single ‘Sa Larg’ in Albania where it reached Top 10 in the Albanian charts. Going beyond the territories of the UK and Albania by the age of 20 she travelled to America and met producer, songwriter and artist Sir the Baptist who she was taken on tour with, opening for August Alsina.

With experience beyond her years, her talents for singing and songwriting up her sleeve and the excitement beginning to build around her name, Keisi’s major breakthrough is undoubtedly moments away and ‘Body On Ice’ looks set to be a sure fire shot at bringing that to fruition.

Check her out below…

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