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

Rocky Questions The Ups And Downs Of Relationships With Debut Single, ‘How Will I Know’

Drawing comparisons with greats such as Nina Simone, Erykah Badu, and Billie Holiday, as well as future legends like Janelle Monae and Macy Gray, South Korea-based songstress, ROCKY has released her exquisite new offering ‘How Will I Know’, the first taste of her anticipated debut project – set for release early 2020 – with a second single coming next month.

Produced by Defnelson and written by ROCKY herself, the single tackles the common question “are they into me?” as it explores the good and the bad of relationships and situationships, the song lets you know when to cut the person you’re dating off. ROCKY’s raspy jazz vocals are offset by dark hip hop instrumentals, creating the perfect mood for a song about love in the dating apocalypse.

Alongside her exciting new music, ROCKY recently published her first poetry book titled ‘Blue Bird’, which saw the Montreal native exploring themes around blackness, womanhood, freedom, self-love, and their intersectionalities, to rave reviews. However her creative outlets don’t end there, she also appeared in Korean TV drama series WWW earlier this summer, and has performed in three burlesque plays, produced by Starlight Burlesque, including last year’s WWC Superstars and Open Letters, and last month’s acclaimed P.U.S.S.I Whipped.

You don’t want to miss this one…Have a listen to ‘How Will I Know’ below…

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Song of the Day: Lost In My Dreams – Zab Samuels

‘Lost in my Dreams’ is the first single release taken from the highly anticipated debut album ‘Hope & Light’ from Deep Heads label boss, ZEB SAMUELS.

The track is drenched in delicate pads and low end that give the recording an abundance of warmth, where you’ll hear the Londoner switch from spoken word on the verses and then to singing the choruses. His talents for this offering are on full beam and a joy to immerse yourself in.

Zeb’s music has already been supported on BBC Radio 6 Music, Clash Magazine, XLR8R, Kid Fonque’s 5FM, by Belgium Tastemaker Lefto, Soulection Radio’s Joe Kay and as a producer he has worked with some of the most prestigious names in the music industry. As a label manager, he has released works from Ash Walker, Synkro, Djrum, Escapism Refuge, Lewis B, DFRNT, Congi, Geode, Versa & Rowl and Vivek.

Go on, relax on your Humpday for once and have a listen to ‘Lost In My Dreams’…

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J. Kas Gets ‘Reckless’ In Brand New Visual

J. KAS returns from his second home – Portugal – and bounces right back with brand new video for latest track, ‘Reckless’, featuring Breana Marin.

Filmed in Portugal’s Coastal City, Porto J. KAS had the pleasure of performing at an event at ‘Hard Club’ venue.

The three-and-a-half minute Dreamlife production, features a host of Portuguese, including Salama from the UK spitter’s track and video ‘Madness’.

Hit the play button on ‘Reckless’ below…

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Song of the Day: Linger – Fred Lessore

London-based songwriter and musician FRED LESSORE – of Anglo – French and Malagasy descent – has released his stunning record ‘Linger’.

‘Linger’ is written from the perspective of a woman facing doubt. Produced by Pete Boxsta Martin (James Arthur, Jessie J), the stirring ballad pulls on the shadows of a past love, confronting the burning question many of us have to ask ourselves: Am I ready to try again?

Speaking on the release Fred says “It took me less than 20 minutes to write and record the demo for ‘Linger’. It was easy to pull inspiration from the strong women in my family; I’ve seen each of them carry their battle scars with grace, dignity and acceptance. At the crossroads of love and loss, ‘Linger’ is a drop in the ocean of what it might take to build a strong woman, and I only hope that I’ve done them justice.”

Whilst recording new music, Fred has been emerging through London’s live circuit, including bookings at Proud Camden & Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club.

Have a Listen to ‘Linger’ below…

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C BOY Releases New Single ‘Off Di Light’ Alongside Impeccable Fashion Short

London based Nu-African artist C BOY drops off his brand new single ‘Off Di Light’, alongside short fashion film celebrating the true essence of black beauty through sound, movement and art.

C BOY’s passion for the arts and fashion tug at the heartstrings of Nu Africa in this new single. Premiered by Wonderland ‘Off Di Light’ is a smooth, indulgent track giving nods towards contemporary afro-swing but truly in a class of its own. The track and fashion short alike celebrate the beauty of black culture with C BOY opening the film with “Black is beautiful”. Black is forever”. It is truly a work of perfection while also paying homage to the world’s universal language and the art cemented into his roots, music.

With the short fashion film in collaboration with creative content agency THRDS who specialise in weaving digital content and subcultures together, the imagery is glossy, hypnotic and polished giving us a look at the scene through auburn-tinted lenses. The spellbinding film is a stunning execution of black beauty and Nu-Africa and an excellent representation of C BOY ’s musical trajectory.

Alongside his musical feats and interest in the arts, C BOY also runs his own independent brand TWALE Records which puts an emphasis on celebrating Nu-Africa. Twale Records pays tribute to its origins and hones-in on the beauty of life through fashion, music and movement while completely encapsulating creativity.

“In a time where their world was being turned upside down, music has served as an escape and form of communication/expression for early black communities. The ability of music to act as a binding factor provides all cultures with a strong sense of connectivity.” – C BOY, Twale Records

This is a truly outstanding first release from C BOY and with a strong and solid team around him, an incredible eye for art and sound as well as unshakeable drive to create a life for his family – we can only dream of what’s to come next.

Check out the video for ‘Off Di Light’ below…

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