Category: Interviews

EXCLUSIVE Interview with: Wunda

Wunda

Take a good look at this face, because it’s going to be around quite A LOT in 2016! Star-on-the-rise WUNDA cause serious waves on NEW LEASE MUSIC with his super smooth effort, We On. So before his worldwide hype really kicks in, get to know this South African hip-hopper.

NLM:  I need to ask this question straight off – is Wunda your real name?

W: Yes & No. It’s a nickname my mom gave to me at birth & I’m currently in the process of putting it on my ID documents officially.

NLM: What’s the rap game like in South Africa? Is there anything you would change (or not)?

W: It’s on the rise, the quality of our music is definitely improving. The one thing I feel needs to change is our huge focus on pushing numbers. I get it, I know they don’t lie but what begins to happen is artists rush their albums because they’ve got one hit single that needs a follow-up. Which begs the question “what about making the classic album?”

NLM:  You dropped your track We On a couple of months ago on SoundCloud. What’s the reception been like since its release?

W: It’s been great! It’s beginning to heat up. I have high hopes for that single & once radio begins to spin it, I believe it will make big waves.

 

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

W: It’s new, It’s fresh & nothing like what they’re used to hearing.

NLM: You have pretty neat discography on SoundCloud. What’s your proudest work and why?

W: Thank you! Woah that’s a tough one. Well Night lights is one of my favourites but We On has this smooth & authentic bounce which I’m really proud to have achieved. I have to commend Gordo for his production on that record.

 

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

W: All I’ve ever wanted to do was to make music. Well & design cars & shoes… At the age of 5 I could recite entire songs and my sisters would be so shocked because they couldn’t, so they encouraged me to follow this dream. Ultimately it’s always been music & it’s always going to be music.

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

W: My mother. She has some pipes on her. But from a lyrical & performance stand point, Brenda Fassie, Michael Jackson, Teddy Pendergrass, Nwa, Nas, Kanye west… I’m a fan of a lot of music so list is really long.

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

W: Adele. Without a doubt!

NLM: What are your plans for 2016 and beyond? Do you have any upcoming gigs/projects?

W: In 2016 I plan to drop my debut album titled By Design; I plan to tour Brasil & to shoot awesome videos for some of the tracks on the album.

NLM: How can potential fans reach you?

W: They can follow me on twitter my handle is @wundaoftheworld also like and follow my band page on Facebook Wundaoftheworld & for more music they just search for Thewunda on Soundcloud.

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

W: Wow It’s difficult to imagine a world without my first love but I would most definitely design cars & shoes.

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EXCLUSIVE Interview with: King Faro

king faro interview pic

KING FARO made it to the interview seat this month, as his track Auto Love was a big hit with you guys! The RnB/hip-hop experimentalist has since dropped another track, Ballroom X…it’s the perfect time to check out the latest masterpiece…and to get acquainted with the man behind those out-of-sight beats!

NLM: Hey how you doing? Please introduce the person behind King Faro.

KF: Hey, I’m doing well! Thanks for having me, I appreciate the opportunity. I would say King Faro is more of an idea rather a person.(lol) That might come off as strange but ideas are the only way to shift the culture. I look at life as if I’m painting. I could have all the colors of paint in the world but if I don’t have an “idea” what’s the point? I want to be remembered as more than just another musician who came and went. Music is all about feeling and being able to relate to certain situations which is why I never hold back on a record. I say the things that most people are too afraid to. I speak vicariously through the lonely hearts of the youth.

NLM: You recently released your track Auto Love. What’s the story behind that track?

KF: First off, much love to Amir Abbassy over at AllDefDigital for believing in the idea and posting the video. It’s currently sitting at over 20K views so yea much respect to him. Also shout out to the team UltraCulture. AutoLove is a story of letting go. I know personally how hard letting go of someone or something is but, if you don’t let go, you’re only hurting yourself and them. That track is basically for everyone who has ever felt that way.

NLM: What’s the reception been like since its release?

KF: Mostly positive which is a blessing because people are actually relating you know? I’ve had fans DM me saying how I inspire them. That alone is why I chose to make music so as far as I know, my dreams are coming true. I mean you will always have those people who don’t understand or maybe just don’t want to but I appreciate that as well. Someone wise once told me that ridicule is just curiosity most of the time. As long as people are giving an opinion I don’t mind at all. At least they’re listening.

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

KF: LIT (lol). I think myself and the team have figured out how to deliver great production along with catchy melodies but still continue to tell a story and get out a certain POV. I like to dance so that’s always a goal when it comes to a record. If you consider yourself a dope individual then we should have no problems vibing out haha.

NLM: You have pretty neat discography. What’s your proudest work and why?

KF: Well, I just recently released a song on Spotify titled “Ballroom x” which is a really special song to me but as of right now Auto Love remains my proudest work just because it exceeded the plans we had for it. But, I have a lot of unreleased music that I love and am very proud of.

 

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

KF: I used to attend Kean University is Union NJ. I was studying to be a graphic designer which was cool but I always felt like I could be doing something much more important and plus college is crazy (lol). I went for a full year before I left and ended up at a community college which wasn’t any better. I left there after a semester and just decided to focus on music.

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

KF: Drake is a big musical influence for me (go figure, right? Haha). Just his wordplay and confidence on a track are to be admired. I’m also a big Travis Scott fan. His production and stage presence are remarkable. King Krule is another. I know weird right haha. He’s just so believable and authentic. It’s amazing. outside of music I would say my mom is a big influence. She’s probably my biggest fan which is great. I’ve disappointed her a lot in the past but she continues to believe in me no matter what.

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

KF: Justin Bieber has been making some pretty dope music lately! I would definitely be honored to work with him.

NLM: What are your plans for the rest of 2015 and beyond? Do you have any upcoming gigs/projects?

KF: I have a show coming up December 11th which is going to be great as well as a lot more music dropping very soon. The official video for “Ballroom x” which we shot in Puerto Rico is dropping soon. I have another video shoot next week for a track called “Primadona” and a couple of college radio interviews on 90.3FM and 97.5FM December 5th so yea, we should be pretty busy haha.

NLM: How can potential fans reach you?

KF: Follow me on twitter.com/KingFaro_

Also on Instagram.com/KingFaro_

As well as Soundcloud.com/KingFaro

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

KF: I would definitely be a chef. I love food haha. And once I learn how to cook 5 stars meals, you can’t tell me anything!

Thanks again for having me, I definitely appreciate it!

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Interview with: Gena Perala

gena perala

Her singles Superstar Supernova and Hoopla were one of the most listened tracks on NEW LEASE MUSIC this year. Now GENA PERALA recently released the music video to her single, Fat World…but before you check it out, come and get to know this Canadian singer/songwriter. 

NLM: You just released the video to single, Fat World (very cool production btw!). Although your effort has the fun factor, it also has a message of reckoning and accepting your personal insecurities. Are you hoping that Fat World will be the anthem for young girls to overcome society’s idea of the ‘perfect body image?

GP: Yes the Video was fun! And thanks for the props! Keep in mind though that the song is as much about sex as it is about body image. I think it’s important that we as a culture get more comfortable hearing women talk about sex but I wouldn’t say the song is anthem worthy especially for young girls. It’s also about being honest with yourself and accepting who you are, bad choices and all. I fear the sarcasm and irony might get lost on some people as well. Having said that, if this song helps anyone overcome society’s pressure to look a certain way then I’d feel great about that.

NLM: The single is coming from your 2014 album Exactly Nowhere. What’s the reception been like on the album so far?

GP: I’d say the reception has been really good. Unfortunately it’s been quite small. I’m pretty unknown but my experiences touring the album were amazing. It appealed to all demographics and genders, which was a huge measure of success for me. Some people have a hard time understanding the scope of the album thinking I’ve combined too many genres and I get that. I personally hear a cohesiveness but it’s definitely more conceptual cohesiveness than every song having the same sound. So that’s been a bit of a challenge. I would like to see Canadian radio supporting it more as well as my own city of Vancouver. I’m enjoying making videos for all the songs that’s for sure! And the videos are being received really well however small the scope.

NLM: Out of interest, what’s your favourite track on the album and why?

GP: I don’t think I have a favourite track. I like to say “they’re all my children” but there are certain things that I really love about certain songs. Fine is so simple and hauntingly pretty and the opening verse is quite perfect if you know the story behind it. Hip Hop and Cartoons means a lot to me. There’s the shock value of course but it also expresses my respect and gratitude to Hip Hop and to shows like The Simpsons and South Park for speaking hard truths in a way people can hear. Life is hard is one of my favourites lyrically and of course Exactly Nowhere, for many reasons, one being that it brought me my album title.

 

 

NLM: You’ve been described as a cross between country singer/songwriter Jewel and electro punk singer/producer Peaches (personally New Lease Music think you’re the 21st century version of Tori Amos). Have you had any other comparisons?

GP: Wow, thank you. I’m honoured to be compared to all those talented women and yes I’ve been compared to a lot of people actually. None of which have been insulting. I think the Jewel meets Peaches description just communicates well. The lyrical singer songwriter meets the shocking unapologetic conceptual artist.

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

GP:Many many influences. From Folk artists to Pop and R&B, Trap, Soul, Hip Hop – So many influences. Poetry is also a big one.

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

GP: Ok so I had to go to the billboard charts to see what my options were and the stand outs that I would want to collaborate with because I think we could make the best music together are: Shrillex and Diplo, Drake, Ed Sheeran and The Weeknd. I think I’m going to go with Shrillex and Diplo but if Drake calls, I’m ready.

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

GP: I am currently in the studio recording my next album. I also have an electronic collaboration I’ve been working on that I’m loving and my band Tomgirl is probably going to work on a new EP as well. I’m also going to continue making videos so expect to keep seeing those.

NLM: How can potential fans reach you?

GP: I am on all the usual social medias and it’s great to hear from fans!
Website: http://www.genaperala.com/
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/genaperala
Twitter: https://twitter.com/genaperala
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GenaPeralaMusic
Instagram: http://instagram.com/genaperala/
Join Mailing List: https://tinyletter.com/genaperala
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/exactly-nowhere/id655239649

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

GP: Dancer. Or Public Defender probably.

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Interview with: Sticky Blood

Sticky blood 2

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

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EXCLUSIVE Interview with: Sir Basstoven

sir basstoven pic

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.

 

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