Interview with: Sticky Blood

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After leaving Arctic Monkey members Andy Nicholson and Jamie Field started up their project, STICKY BLOOD last year and since then, it’s been full steam ahead. The production duo have worked with a list of heavyweights, including Clubs and Spades as well as dropping tracks from their debut EP I.D…and since they’re a massive hit with you guys, I think they deserve the interview seat this month.

NLM: You guys released your debut EP Professional last month Tell us the story behind this project?

SB: We wanted to create a body of work which encompassed the various genres of music we like. Working with Hekky, Snowy & Ajay Carter this was achieved.

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

We feel blessed that so many BBC Radio 1 & BBC Radio 1xtra presenters played our debut EP, and then there’s regional radio too. Considering we were unknown artists and all our featured artists were unknown, it’s amazing how well our music was received.

NLM: What’s your favourite track on the EP and why?

Andy – Professional;  Jamie – I.D.

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

SB: Listenable. It’s a difficult one this, how we may describe our music may be very different to how its heard by one of our fans.

NLM: Let’s take a look into your early life…what did you do before getting involved in the music industry/Arctic Monkeys?

We have both always been involved in music. Our lives started here…

NLM: What’s your proudest project outside Arctic Monkeys and Sticky Blood?

We are working on a secret project at the moment with other well-known artists. You will have to wait for the answer on this one. Its staying top-secret for the time being!

NLM: You work with a string of creditable artists, including Terri Walker…but If you were to collaborate with just ONE more chart-topping artist of today, who would it be?

Andy – Kwabs;  Jamie – Fetty Wap.

NLM: So What are your plans for 2015 and beyond? Do you have any upcoming gigs?

SB: We have our next EP – Blood is Stickier than Water out on Nov 20th. This EP was recorded down at Red Bull studios in London with Hekky, Terri Walker, a special guest, Coco & Snowy.

NLM: How can potential fans reach you?

wwwstickyblood.co.uk
http://www.facebook.com/StickyBlood1
http://www.twitter.com/stickybloodUK

EXCLUSIVE Interview with: Sir Basstoven

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I lost count the amount of times that Devon Burch appeared on NEW LEASE MUSIC as Rnb/hip-hopper FLY VON and Dubstep/EDM producer SIR BASSTOVEN. However the Beethoven of Dubstep made it to the interview seat this month as his self-titled EP went down a treat with you guys…I think it’s about time we find out more about the man behind those crazy beats!

NLM: You released your debut self-titled EP. Describe the story behind this project?

SB: The story behind Basstoven is a giant metaphor. I’ve compared the long and rough journey of getting into the EDM industry to that of an alien landing on earth. He is confused, paranoid and a little afraid. Each song on the project represents a feeling or emotion that Basstoven wants to convey. He isn’t the best with words so he lets his music speak for him.

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

SB: So far people love it! Its almost at 3,000 streams and well past my Lone Wolf project and it’s only been out for 2 months. I’ve gotten new record contracts and more singles heading for iTunes due to the release of Basstoven. The Intro seems to be the crowd favourite, I’m guessing it’s the Spongebob sample, classic lol.

NLM: What’s your favourite track on the EP and why?

SB: Sigh……this is a really tough choice. Each song on this project means a lot to me as the project took me over 3 years to finish. But if I had to pick a favorite it would be a tie between Diligence & Sometimes I (One)der. Diligence is the one track that really sums up my work ethic and approach to music. Working hard has many rewards but diligence is the consequence. Sometimes I (One)der was made when I was going through a really rough time in life. Listening to that record got me out of a dark place, I still play it anytime I need motivation.


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

SB: It’s Raw energy. Whether I’m trying to get you jumping out your seat or telling a story to move you; it’s all about energy and vibes. I make the soundtrack for the emotions you’ve forgotten about and I make the statements others are afraid to.


NLM: Let’s take a look into your early life…what  did you do before getting involved in the music industry?

SB: Before music I was just a typical high school kid. Working at the mall, playing basketball, chasing girls, you know the everyday life. I was getting bored. Music made life fun again.

NLM: At what point did you want to become a dubstep/EDM producer?

SB: From the very beginning I knew EDM and Dubstep was home. Many people don’t know but this is where I started producing. The rap & RnB production came years after. From the very first bassline I made, I got chills. It’s a feeling I almost cannot even describe.

Who are your musical or non-musical influences?

SB: Skrillex, Zomboy, Figure, Krewella (before they broke up) and most recently Porter Robinson & Keys & Crates

NLM: Would you compare your sound to these musical influences?

SB: I get my grittiness and heavy bass sounds from years of listening to skrillex & Zomboy. Krewella taught me how keep beautiful melodies without sacrificing the heavy bass I love.


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

That’s easy, Zomboy. That dude is insane! Sometimes I don’t even believe he is human lol.

NLM: What are your plans for 2015 and beyond? Do you have any upcoming  gigs?

SB: I have my next Rap/Hip-Hop project scheduled for release in March of 2016 titled Rawest.

I have 2 new EDM singles that will be available on itunes in 2016 through Living The Dream Records out of New York

NLM: How can potential fans reach you?

Twitter: @SirBasstoven

Reverbnation: Sir Basstoven

Itunes, Beatport, Amazon Music : Sir Basstoven

Soundcloud.com/sirbasstoven

NLM: Oh BTW, how is Fly Von these days?

SB: Fly Von is doing pretty good these days. His production and vocals are both getting better. Rawest drops on his birthday 3.6 and it’s a Fly Von you’ve never heard.

 

Interview with: Jai Love

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She poured all of her emotions through her debut offerings, L.O.V.E – and it paid off !!! The five track production is one of the most popular albums here on NEW LEASE MUSIC, earning this R&B/hip-hop songstress a place in the interview seat. I think it’s high time we get to know her…

NLM: You released your debut EP L.O.V.E (Letters Of Various Emotions) earlier this year. Describe the story behind the project?

Jai Love: My story behind my EP L.O.V.E is everything I have experience in life. From being hurt in a relationship to grinding for my family. It’s just the story of my life.

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

Jai Love: Oh my gosh! Everyone loves it. I honestly did not think I would receive so much love from it but I did.

NLM: What’s your favorite track on the EP and why?

Jai Love: My favorite track would have to be Love because it’s something I am actively dealing with. For many years I have been hurt, lied to, cheated on, mislead, and used, so for those reasons I almost gave up on relationships. Holding in too many emotions really just keeps you down. I am a very private person, therefore, only speaking with close friends and family about my struggles with love but when I finally wrote that song I absolutely felt a sense of release. I understand now that it takes a lot of patience to love and because of that I’m at a peaceful place in my life, I realize that it will eventually come.

 

NLM: Let’s take a look into your early life…what did you do before getting involved in the music industry?

Jai Love: My early life was normal, I attended school while working a 40hr 9 to 5 job but I can never say I wasn’t doing music. Because even with everything I had going, I was still writing and recording it just took years for someone to recognize my talent and start acknowledging me as an artist.

NLM: At what point did you want to become a hip-hop/RnB artist?

Jai Love: The first time I stepped into a booth, which was in the early 2000s. I was always singing though, my parents were gospel singers and growing up I use to attend their programs and rehearsals. So singing was always a part of me, I just didn’t take it serious until my first studio experience. Shout out to my brother Lil Ced who also produced my song Love.

NLM: Who are your musical or non-musical influences?

Jai Love: I am blessed to have been born into a musically inclined family. My family was my first influence but as I got older I started meeting people such as DJs, producers, and other artists who all gave me advice about the industry. I mean, of course, I grew up listening to Mary J., Brandy, Monica, and Whitney Houston who motivated me as an artist but as for credit, it goes to those I actually sat down with, people who took the time to inform me on my dos and don’ts in the industry, and my number one influence, my beautiful mother.

NLM: Would you compare your sound to these musical influences?
Jai Love: Honestly, yeah to a certain degree I would and I love their music but I am my own individual so I like to be as original as I possibly can. I enjoy stepping out the box to be different.

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

Jai Love: My music is me and life situations I have experienced. I try so hard to send positive messages while sharing my life story. I write my own music for a reason and in doing so I gain the respect from others who have been through that exact situation.

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

Jai Love: If I had the opportunity to collaborate with anyone, it would be Nicki Minaj and J Cole. Someone I have been listening to lately who isn’t chart-topping just yet would Tink. I have actually been listening to her music for years and I salute her for not giving up. Now that’s someone I would love to work with because our mind frame is very similar. We both think positive and try to give positive messages.

 

NLM: What are your plans for 2015 and beyond? Do you have any upcoming gigs? When can we expect another project (s) from you?

Jai Love: As for the remainder of 2015 I’m just finishing up projects such  as the movie “The Last Disciple0″s directed by Jurian Isabelle, Promoting my EP L.O.V.E (Letters of Various Emotions) and working on visuals. As for any gigs I don’t have any lined up right now and im working on my album but I set the release date back due to the shooting of the movie. Keep an eye on my social medias to keep up with Jai and my next moves lol!

NLM: How can potential fans reach you?
Jai Love: I can be reached on Instagram and Twitter @love_always_jai. Facebook .com/jailove0818. My EP can be downloaded at jailove.bandcamp.com. For booking contact my manager Chenequa Farrar at chenequah@gmail.com or jailovebooking@gmail.com.

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Back in March, this young emcee was featured on NEW LEASE MUSIC with Loyalty Is Rare…now she’s back with a rather smooth offering, Get Some Money, which is available as a free download via SoundCloud…but wait !!! Before you rush off to get your copy, why not stick around a moment and get to know her?

NLM:  Hey how you doing? Please introduce yourself and where you from.

RGD: I’m great. Wassup, I’m RGD that stands for RudeGyalDejah. I’m from Nashville, TN.


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

RGD: I’m working on my debut mixtape 2.Die.4 dropping at the end of the year.

NLM: At what point did you want to become a hip-hop artist?

RGD: Middle school. I started with poetry first tho. I finally started recording December of last year.

NLM: Were you in a group before you flying solo?

RGD: Always solo. I tried starting a group back in high school that was a FAIL lol. My friends weren’t into it
as much as me.


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

RGD: I  would describe it as honest. It shows all sides of me. Me in a vulnerable state. My fears, insecurities, aspirations, everything.

NLM:  What do you think of the female role in the hip-hop game today?

RGD: I feel the female role is getting bigger with all these female artists getting the recognition they deserve. We’re prospering right now.
Girl power all day.

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

RGD: Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, Kid Cudi, D’Angelo’s The Black Messiah is my favorite album right now. I listen to R&B more than Rap believe it or not.

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

RGD: Erykah Badu. I love her so much. She’s one of my favorites of all time. I feel like we could make a dope record together.  I enjoy her honesty in her music and the vibes.

NLM:  If you were granted three wishes, what would it be?

RGD: Infinite wealth & knowledge, peace on Earth.

NLM: How can potential fans make contact with you?

RGD:  My soundcloud, twitter, IG are all @RudeGyalDejah