Category: New Albums

Pollena Offers Optimism In Dark Times With EP, ‘Rising.’

Following earlier tips from the likes of BBC 6 Music, Line of Best Fit, Notion, Radio 1/1Xtra, Under the Radar, Beats Per Minute, Earmilk – to name a few – London-based artist formerly of neo-soul outfit Girlhood – POLLENA returns with her debut EP ‘Rising’ on Team Talk Records.

Pollena isn’t afraid to tackle a darker world in her debut EP, finding power in the fight for a better life. ‘Rising’ stands out by giving us a reason for optimism even – especially – in challenging times. Featuring raw and honest themes delivered with Pollena’s signature rich, smooth vocals, the EP blends genres, from neo soul to house, electronica and RnB, in an accomplished celebration of individuality, resilience and vulnerability and a call for hope.

Co-written and co-produced with Barney Whittaker aka Footshooter, following the success of their previous collaboration ‘Stand Up’, ‘Rising’ reveals a fresh and rejuvenated sound for Pollena that melds together elements of neo-soul, house and RnB.

The leading ‘Black Holes’ is an exploration of spacey synths, glowing keys, and commanding bass lines accompanied by powerful yet ethereal vocals. “I’m searching for a way out of the darkness, trying to hold on to a glimpse of light through connection. ‘Black Holes’ speaks to our innate desire to feel whole and an understanding that good times shared together are the answer.” Pollena.

The following ‘Diamonds’ is a glowing house and UK garage-inspired bop with a powerful message. “I’m sick of society pressuring us into lives we don’t want. We blindly follow the paths set out for us and do what’s expected, we simply don’t have to. I want ‘Diamonds’ to encourage listeners to fight for a better life.” Pollena

‘Lemons’, the first release prior to the EP’s launch, reveals waves of sun-kissed harmonies accompanying glowing jazz keys and a rich, Latin-inspired rhythm to create a summer vibe full of hope and optimism. “I want to celebrate living a life that feels true to me and inspire others to do the same. ‘Lemons’ is all about slowing down and connecting with what makes you happy.” Pollena

Rounding up the EP is the hazy, lo-fi ‘Bask In Blue’. A mellow R&B beat blends warm, soulful harmonies with balmy keys. “Bask in Blue tells a story of letting uncomfortable feelings in and embracing sadness whilst holding onto the hope that things can change.” Pollena

So if you’re suffering from the January blues, I reckon this mini EP will offer up some comfort. Have a listen below…

Must Listens: Black Holes, Lemons

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Jovaan Comes Through With His Highly-Anticipated Album, ‘Drafted.’

Puerto Rican urban rising singer JOVAAN‘s (pictured on the right) highly anticipated solo album’ Drafted’ features the focus track ‘Embustera,’ a collaboration featuring Puerto Rican reggaeton superstar Wisin. The upbeat urban/Latin track song showcases Jovaan and Wisin’s rap styles in a catchy rhythm that transports you to the club and puts you in the mood to dance and have a great time.

Jovaan opted to define his sound through the release of ‘Drafted’, with nine unique tracks including a bonus track, ‘Bape Remix’ that features his recently released collaboration with some of the hottest names in Latin urban music like Brray, Jon Z, Kevvo, Yovng Chimi, and Nengo Flow. ‘Drafted’ shows what a complete artist Jovaan is, delivering performances that range from intense and emotional.

In this album, Jovaan plays with the Latin urban genre, mixing a lot of reggaeton, drill, and trap, creating an experience that is perfect for going to the club, listening during long drives, or just blasting to yourself.

Jovaan began his music career at the age of 18, when he came to the realization that music was his passion. It wasn’t much later, when he gained recognition for the spanish version of ‘Woopty,’ which garnered over 400k+ views on YouTube. This up-and-coming artist’s main style emphasizes Drill & Trap, a subgenre of hip hop music that originated in the Chicago streets in the early 2010s. However, he does not limit himself from exploring all types of music genres. In 2021, Jovaan released ‘Umaga’ in which he solidified Drill and then continued to do so by introducing ‘BAPE’ alongside Brray, which was praised by the public.

In 2022, Jovaan signed on with urban record label WHITELION. Just wait to see what is in store for this new blood artist this year as he sets a new precedent for the future of Urban music. Have a listen to the sizzling hot project below…

Must Listens: BBSIMONS, Embustera, Oscar, Mas Na

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New Lease Music’s Top Ten Albums Of 2022

As promised, here are the top ten albums, which received the most streams/views throughout 2022.

There’s an eclectic mix on this list – so expect some UKG, alt R&B, drill and a little something totally left-field! Enjoy!

If you missed the blog’s Top Ten Music Videos yesterday, not to worry, you can check it out HERE.

10. RESET II – OBSIDIAN CANE

9. HALF EMPTY/HALF FULL – TILLY VALENTINE

8. GREEN ROSES – SAMSON

7. CHRYSALIS – BENNY BIZZIE

6. L.I.F.E: THE CAUSE – J.A.S

5. AUDIOCITY – RAYNE STORM

4. OLÚWAMÁYỌ̀WÁ – OLOYE COLDMAN

3. TREPAC – JUICE CANNON X DICE CANNON

2. CHILL PILL – DIOR ASHE

1. I, THE COLLECTOR – 5TASH

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BeKreative Closes 2022 with Album, ‘King of Time.’

After his lengthy hiatus away from the scene, BEKREATIVE kept his promise to deliver a stream of music.

Well here it is…his full-length album titled ‘King Of Time’ released last Monday (12th December) across all music platforms. Whilst most artists dish out tracks that are suited for the festive season, BeKreative went a different direction and slams down 16-tracks that are suited for a playlist of a house party.

Featuring previously released tracks, ‘Roadtrip’, ‘Fenin’ and ‘Slowjamz’, the electric project bounces between variations of hip-hop and afterhours R&B with pop and tropical afrobeat influences. Before disappearing from the music scene in his hometown (Houston), he was quickly becoming known for his straight-up R&B/Hip-hop cuts. Now experimenting with various styles, he’s hoping his name would reach a wider audience with his new album…Why not check it out and the song recommendations below…

Must Listens: Bag Race, GoGetIt, Fenin, Still

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Paige Bea Melds Spiralling Pop Hooks, Boundary Pushing Instrumentals And Timeless Songwriting On EP ‘Goodbye, Then!’

London-based singer, songwriter and producer PAIGE BEA‘s EP ‘Goodbye, Then!’ – self-released via The Orchard – re-establishes her within the alternative pop landscape after a 2 year hiatus from releasing music. To date, the EP has received wide acclaim and support from BBC R1 (Jack Saunders), Spotify (Fresh Finds UK & IE), COLORS, The Line Of Best Fit, CLASH Magazine, Wonderland, The Rodeo, New Wave Magazine, enfnts terribles, The Pit LDN, Wordplay Mag and more.

Influenced by acts such as FKA Twigs, Tirzah, Caroline Polachek, Jockstrap, James Blake and Sampha – those sonic touch points are evident within Paige’s avant-garde, unpredictable productions as she melds spiralling pop hooks and boundary pushing instrumentals, with timeless songwriting and self-aware lyricism. ‘Goodbye, Then!’ sees the artist uniting with producers Leo Wyatt (aka KINDER) and Jonjo Keefe (Park Hotel).

The six-track EP explores the obsessions and projections that come with all relationships. From lustful beginnings (“4×4”) to shaky middles (‘Autopilot’ and ‘Melt’), bitter ends (‘Stay Still’) to rose-tinted re-imaginings of the past (‘The Quiet Of The Hours’ and ‘Goodbye, Then!’) – the music aims to chart how warped perceptions of romantic relationships directly lead to their downfall. Part catharsis and part warning signal – the songs are an attempt to take back the narrative and add some much needed glamour and thrill to the tricky process of letting go.

“The production, lyrical themes and aesthetics surrounding ‘Goodbye, Then!’ are a slow sharpening of my sense of self,” Paige explains. “It starts dark, murky and jagged and eventually reaches a place of clarity and peace. The maximalist approach to the EP is a significant contrast to how small I was made to feel – and that was important. These songs are about making myself the main character again and I want this EP to make those who listen feel empowered, sexy and resolute in stories of their own heartbreak too.”

‘Goodbye, Then!’ is out now for your inspection…have a peep below…

Must Listens: 4×4, Autopilot, Melt

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