Category: Interviews

Interview with: The Fireflys

Runcorn rockers THE FIREFLYS made quite an impression on NEW LEASE MUSIC with their single ‘Sever’ which stole the Song of the Month title in March. Frontman Lee Wylding took time out from his very busy schedule and jumped into the interview hot seat to give us the lowdown on the band’s plans for the year and more…happy reading!

NLM: Hey how you doing? Thanks for taking out the time to do an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC

TF: Hi Tracey! We’re fine thank you, and it’s our pleasure to be talking to you now. We’re incredibly busy rehearsing and recording our 5th We have 2 new members in Joe Forber and Phil Conway, who are filling out our sound a lot more with their guitars. Our rhythm section is tighter than ever too as Sam Bramhall and Andie Packer have such a great chemistry. Cannot mention our Keyboardist Chris Tann too, he’s there, keeping it all together.

NLM: How was The Fireflys formed?

TF: We formed waaaay back in 2007 initially just to play the songs I was writing to our friends. It’s our ten-year anniversary in May – but that’s not strictly true as I lived in Canada until 2009, so it’s more like 7 years of us being an actual fully –functioning band. The way I looked at it was – indie music wasn’t really saying anything or sounding like how it fundamentally should, I’m a sucker for verse-chorus-verse, not trying to reinvent the wheel or anything, if you’re an indie band then at least try to be one – that’s how we came about.

NLM: What’s the reason behind the band’s name?

LW: I was blown away by the Rob Zombie film “The Devils Rejects” how visceral it was, from the characters to the cinematography, stark sunlights and desert landscapes, everything about the film just kind of clicked with me, as I’m such a huge horror movie fan, I thought it fitting that I’d name our band after it. What does make me laugh is most people have said at one point or another that we’ve spelt the word wrong, but that’s how it was spelt in The Devils rejects and in turn “Duck Soup” by the Marx brothers who are name checked in the film. Also the thought of these cute little bugs seems nice – but in reality we’re named after a gang of psychopaths!

NLM: Your single ‘Sever’ (from the album ‘The Illumination of Everything’) went down a treat on NEW LEASE MUSIC. What’s the public’s reception on the track?

LW: That’s easily one of my favourite songs, and I’m very proud that you featured it. I think our fanbase like that song but we have maybe only played it live once, I need to put a bit more effort into getting back into our live set.

NLM: What’s your favourite track from the album and why?

LW: Well ‘Branches’ was the song that lifted us a few rungs up the ladder popularity wise, I think with Old Trafford Stadium, the Homeless Ashes movie, MUTV, That’s Manchester TV, Bay TV Liverpool, BBC Manchester, BBC Liverpool and literally hundreds of college radio stations playing it, we went from “Almost totally unknown” to “Cult Indie band” in the space of 6 months, so I’ll go with that song as my fave, in terms of what it’s done for us.

NLM: How would you describe your sound to potential fans?

LW: A lot of people say that you can hear many of our influences but we sound like none of them in our music, from City & Colour to Stereophonics to Gin Blossoms & Counting Crows, it’s a real melting pot of Americana & Indie music. I’d like to say we sound like R.E.M but I’m afraid they’re too legendary to be even considered in the same sentence as our band.

NLM: If you were to collaborate with just ONE chart-topping artist of today, who would it be and why?

LW: Great question! And I have a very quick answer because the charts and the top 40 are absolutely full of the same staid pop formula with all the fingerprints wiped away, if you’re a 14-year-old really getting into guitar music right now, the only hope you have is to rifle through your older brothers or dad LP’s. Search out Neil Young’s Harvest and The Beatles White Album and link them up all the way through The Smiths to Pearl Jam & Oasis, the charts now represents none of this I’m afraid, so my answer would be no-one! Guess that wasn’t such a quick answer after all. :)

NLM: So what other plans you have for 2017? Any upcoming gigs or album?

LW: Well we’ve just signed a record deal with the fabulous folks at Strawberry Moon Records, and they’ll be releasing our next single “Grace” in the coming months. We play Bowlers arena Manchester on April 14th and return to the brindley theatre in the Autumn. Basically we will be doing as many shows as we can, and trying to record our fifth. Very busy times.

NLM: How can potential fans reach you?

LW: Twitter mostly which is @thefireflys and facebook – facebook.com/thefireflys

NLM: Finally, if music didn’t exist, what would you do?

LW: Wow imagine if music didn’t exist! That would be horrible, no point living! When I was younger I was a cracking left back when I played football, so I think I would have really put the effort in to become a footballer for my beloved team –Manchester United!

 

 

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Interview with: Brooklyn

brooklyn

Come and meet BROOKLYN – a newcomer who’s tearing up the underground pop music scene with her out-of-sight track, ‘Cupid’. It’s only right to invite the eccentric songstress into the interview seat…so come on and get the lowdown on a star-on-the-rise.

NLM: First of all, thank you for agreeing to do an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC.

B:It’s my pleasure, thank you for having me !

NLM: you your single ‘Cupid’ came out late last year. What’s the story behind the single and what’s the public’s reception since its release?

B: So basically the story behind it is that my best friend got cheated on by her boyfriend at the time, with one of the girls that were in our circle so it was kinda deep ! The reception has been more than I could have ever asked, the support and love for it is just crazy and I’m so grateful!

NLM: How would you describe your sound/signature to potential fans? Would you compare yourself to any of your music influences of today?

B:I don’t like to compare myself to other artists cos we’re all doing our own thing u know.. but my sound is very mixed.. the core is very R&B but then definitely has influences of Grime, Hip Hop, etc..

NLM: What mainstream (or even indie) artists you’re into at the moment?

B: Angel – I’m still hooked on his ‘Her’ EP, Yxng Bane aka captain wave lol, Nadia Rose is a boss, Big Tobz I’ve really followed his journey, oh there’s an Afro Beat act I’ve just discovered called Yemi Alade she is awesome!! JA=KI Wolfe ‘the wizard’, Lady Leshurr, Stefflon don, obvs Stormzy too many to mention the UK scene is really producing some great music right now!
NLM: If you had a choice to collaborate with just ONE mainstream artist, who would it be and why?

B: Chris breeeezy.. I’ve been a fan since day I just love his music, his voice just does summmmmin to me, I could literally marry his voice

NLM:  If you were granted three wishes to change the music industry today, what would they be?

B: I’d probably not change anything as whatever negative issues exist contribute indirectly to the organic creation of great music anyway. Sometimes politics lead people to go above and beyond and think outside the box

NLM:  So what are your plans for 2017? Any coming gigs?

B: Yessss, I got some festivals lined up which I’m super excited about I love the vibes at festivals and the vodka tonics certainly go down well.

NLM: How can potential fans make contact with you?

B:They can @ me directly on Twitter @artistbrooklyn the same for Instagram and my website is artistbrooklyn.com you’ll find all my socials on there :)

NLM:  Finally, any shout outs?
My family, my team Actually Music, Tenletter and seriously EVERYONE supporting big up!

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with: Becalli Bruh

becalli-bruh

Chase Kephart, otherwise known as BECALLI BRUH, made his entry on NEW LEASE MUSIC back in November with track, ‘Leanin’. As his offering was a big hit with you guys, I’ve invited the upcoming emcee from Nashville back into the hotseat…so sit back for a few minutes and read all about this new contender who’s ready to take underground hip-hop scene by the balls…

NLM: Hey how you doing? Thanks for agreeing to do an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC

BB: I am doing great thanks for asking, and no problem it’s my pleasure

NLM: First off, I have to ask you: what’s the reason behind the name Becalli Bruh?

BB: Ummm… that’ s a good question! My reason behind the name was to pick a state that best suits my reckless high-spirited personality, and the first thing that came to mind was California or Calli, as I call it. The Be part of the name is just saying be in the moment and be who you are and don’t change for anyone, so I came up with Becalli and it sounded pretty legit so I went with it.

NLM: You released your super slick single ‘Leanin’ last November. What’s the public’s reception since its release?

BB: ‘Leanin’ got some great reception. There were a lot of people who enjoyed the free-spirited lyrics and the uptempo beat.

NLM: You have a pretty dope discography! What’s your favourite track and why?

BB: My favorite track would be ‘Haven’t Had Enough Of It’ because it really tells my story and how I am maturing over the years and how people and music have really brought it all together for me.

NLM: How would you describe your sound to potential fans?

BB: My sound is definitely unique and kinda has a raspy tone to it and I think can be really awesome with a lot of new and bright tunes

NLM: If you were to collaborate with just ONE chart-topping artist of today, who would it be and why?

No doubt, it would be G-Eazy. That man has inspired me to start doing my own stuff. I have been a fan of his since his early mixtape days. I have seen how he has really grown into the music he makes over the years, and how he really brings his fans together while doing something he loves. He is definitely someone who inspires me to be the best and most creative one out there.

NLM: So what other plans you have for 2017? Any upcoming gigs or album?

BB: I have a couple of new releases coming up around the summertime and will definitely be something different and new that I hope the fans enjoy.

NLM: How can potential fans reach you?

BB: Anyone that needs or wants to reach me can contact me by my instagram which is @becallibruh

NLM: If music didn’t exist, what would you do?

BB: Well damn I don’t even want to answer this question, but I would probably go with something that involves being creative and unique through a type of art

NLM: Finally, any shout outs?

BB: A shout out to Liveassmemphis, true friend of mine that has a song coming out on soundcloud february 10th, so go check that out!

Listen to Becalli Bruh’s latest track, ‘Misconceptions.’

 

 

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Interview with: Kyle Lettman

kyle-lettman-1-2

It’s been almost a year since KYLE LETTMAN graced his presence on NEW LEASE MUSIC with his epic EP, When It Rains. So it’s an absolute privilege for this smooth R&B crooner to take time out of his busy schedule and give us the lowdown of his near future projects – and more. So I hope you guys are ready!

NLM: First of all, thank you for agreeing to do an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC.

KL: Thank you for showing an interest in what I’m doing, it means a lot.

NLM: Tell us what projects you’re working on at the moment?

KL: Right now I’m in the process of recording an album, whilst also working with my team on promotional music and material that introduces a dance & versatility aspect to my artistry. There’s also some special features coming up to look out for…trust me we have a lot going on at the moment!

NLM: What is your favourite project to date and why?

KL: Hmm.. I love all the projects I’ve done so far because I feel like they’ve all taught me something and I’ve grown from each musical experience, so I couldn’t just pick one haha. However, I could pick a favourite song…which would be Matter Of Time from the Under Construction project. I feel like it’s one of the best songs I’ve written in my short career.

NLM: You were in a R&B/pop group called Fundamental. How does being in a band compare to flying solo?

KL: No comparison, it’s like you’re using a completely different muscle set altogether. With the group, I had my brothers on stage with me and that made performing easier. Going solo means that I have to cover all the bases on my own whilst also doing all the entertaining. Although being in a group is easier, flying solo forces maturity and has more personal rewards.

NLM: You’ve written some lyrics for some of the credible artists in the industry – Frank Ocean, Ne-Yo, Nicole Scherzinger, Kele Le Roc, Varren Wade. What’s it like working with these heavyweights?

KL: I wouldn’t say for, working “with” is more accurate, lol! I could definitely tell you some stories but all in all, each credible artist is just a normal person who happens to be well-known. Frank Ocean and Fundamental 03 practically grew up together while we lived and worked in LA. Neyo is actually a pretty respectful person and really easy to work with -his songwriting skills are a lot better than people think. Kele Le Roc is a beautiful woman inside and out, our duet was the 1st time I was granted a chance at songwriting without the guys from Fundamental… and she was lovely enough to allow that to happen. Varren Wade & Jermaine Riley will be my Brothers for EVER haha.

NLM: How would describe your sound to potential fans? Would you compare yourself to any of your music influences of today?

KL: Hmm… I wouldn’t compare myself but I am definitely a reflection of the artists I love, i.e Usher, Ginuwine, Janet & Michael Jackson. My sound is heavily based in R&B & Soul, but not exclusive to those genres.

NLM: What mainstream (or even indie) artists you’re into at the moment?

KL: I’d love to work with Emeli Sandé and I’m pretty sure that’ll happen in the not so far future.

NLM: If you had a choice to collaborate with just ONE mainstream artist, who would it be and why?

I’d work with Chris Brown or Drake as the truth is whoever they co-sign gets noticed lol. But apart from the obvious, I’d love to work with Lela James, Pixie Lott, James Bay or Ed Sheeran.

NLM: If you were granted three wishes to change the music industry today, what would they be?

NLM: Bring back how music felt in the 90s, unfortunately nowadays there’s literally nothing like that feeling. Bring back Hip Hop too, I miss the Busta Rhymes, DMX, Lisa Left Eye Lopez and the Eve’s. Finally to bring back proper artist development, more raw, real and unique talent such as Prince. Rather than those who have been almost formulated by the music industry to look and sound a certain way.

NLM: How can potential fans make contact with you?

NLM: My Instagram & Twitter is @KyleLettman
Website is KyleLettman.com

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EXCLUSIVE Interview with: The Optical Illusion

Kieth Cousins from The Optical Illusions

Rock duo THE OPTICAL ILLUSION have made their presence known here on NEW LEASE MUSIC. Their latest single, See You In The Stars, is currently the Song of the Month – and has subsequently stolen the Song of Week hotspot for five consecutive weeks! Frontman Keith Cousin takes the interview seat this month, revealing the band’s near-future plans and the reason behind their latest effort.

NLM: First of all, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC

OI: It’s my pleasure. I think you’re doing great work, and you’ve always been very kind and supportive to The Optical Illusion. We’re big fans.

NLM: Thank you! Your stage name – THE OPTICAL ILLUSION – is really cool! What’s the reason for choosing the name?

OI: Thanks for the compliment! The Optical Illusion came to me in a dream. I always wanted to be a rock n roller, and I woke up one morning and muttered to myself “Optical Illusion, Optical Illusion”. For some reason, it has stuck with me to this day. I placed a “The” at the beginning because so many great bands had it: The Beatles, The Doors, The Who, The Kinks…etc. So, you could consider me a rock and roll traditionalist.

NLM: You’ve released your single See You in the Stars in June. Describe the story behind your latest effort?

OI: David Bowie was a legend. He touched so many lives and, in my opinion, was a musical genius. I’ve been a lifelong fan of his work. When he died, I was in shock for several weeks. I felt I had to do something about it. Since I don’t like to write about a subject without doing some serious research, I committed about a month to watching various documentaries, and interviews (the Heathen interviews in particular) about the man. When I was finally ready, I penned “See You In The Stars”. It was a serious labor of love. I put in over 15 lyrical references about Mr. Bowie. I even sang it the way I felt he would (without the British accent, of course). I wanted OI fans to feel as if David was actually telling the world about his life through me. I hope I’ve done him justice. I’d like to believe he would enjoy the tribute.

NLM: What’s the public’s reception on the single since its release?

OI: The reception has been awesome. I’ve gotten some really positive feedback and I’m very humbled and appreciative for anyone who has listened. These days, there’s so many ways to spend your time, and so many distractions on the Internet. Anytime someone selects “See You In The Stars” to listen to, over a cat video, or the latest Beyonce/Taylor Swift/Cold Play stuff that is most prevalent in the mainstream, I am honored.

NLM: How would you describe your sound to potential fans?

OI: The Optical Illusion is a power/pop/rock band. We also have some elements of progressive rock. Wayne and I make a great song writing team. I’m usually more of the structured, straight up rocker (influenced by The Beatles, The Cars, The Kinks, Rick Springfield, Joe Jackson), and Wayne is the more progressive force (influenced by RUSH, Spock’s Beard, Porcupine Tree). I never try to have the same type of sound, which can be a blessing and a curse. You can’t listen to one of our songs and immediately know who is singing, because I try to change things up so often.

NLM: If you were to collaborate with just ONE chart-topping artist of today, who would it be?

OI: Dave Grohl is the man! If I could collaborate with any rocker, it would be him. He has a huge respect for the greatness of rock past, and the vision to make new explosive rock in the future. Plus, he seems like a really nice guy; someone I could bounce ideas off of; and he plays every instrument. He’s just a really great, all-around rocker!!

NLM: If you were granted three wishes to change the music industry, what would they be?

OI: Good question.

1. I wish radio stations would have a wider variety of music. Regular radio (air waves, not satellite), has such a narrow rock format. In New York, there’s only one or two stations that play rock at all, and I can only stomach The Rolling Stones so much…I need to hear some new stuff.

2. I’m hoping for a rock resurgence. I think overall, unfortunately, rock music is a dying breed. I think it needs to make a comeback in a big way.

3. Streaming services need to pay artists more than .0001 cents per stream. At this rate, I can retire in the year 2500. Ha!!!

NLM: What are your plans for the rest of 2016? Do you have any upcoming gigs/other projects?

OI: The Optical Illusion is going to do a little more studio work (a couple more singles to be released in the near future). After that, we may have plans to do some stripped down shows. If they go over well, a larger scale project could be in the works. If that happens, you’ll be the first to know.

NLM: How can potential fans reach you?

OI: Fans can always reach us at OIRocks@aol.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheOpticalIllusionBand/. We also have a presence on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/oirocks

I try to answer any fan mail as quickly as possible and I invite anyone to contact us. You can discuss our music, any music, or anything you like.

NLM: Finally, if music didn’t exist, what other profession would you do?

OI: A sports announcer! I’m a huge sports fan (baseball, basketball, football).

 

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