3AM is known to some as the witching hour; the time when our minds drift between consciousness and dream; our thoughts as running wild horses; our anxiety as shadows in the night. D.A.N knows this insomniac nature all too well, as he sits up late into the early hours, waiting for a message from a distant lover, one that will perhaps never arrive. Rising up through soothing piano and hushed production, D.A.N’s lyrics show an emotional honesty.
‘0300 (Human)’ is the long-awaited follow-up to the South London-based/Northern Irish independent artist’s debut ‘Clothes Off’, which garnered almost two million streams on Spotify. Produced by D.A.N and Dave Okumu (Jessie Ware, Jamie Woon, Rosie Lowe), the track also features mixing by Dan Parry (Adele, Loyle Carner).
After a busy year of studio time and shows, including Bestival 2017, graduating from Goldsmiths University in Popular Music (James Blake, Rosie Lowe), D.A.N presents this delicately crafted sophisti-pop work.
Produced by Sillkey (Wiley, Jacob Banks, Vanessa White) ‘He Ain’t Me’ takes you through a real journey with Ricardo’s mellifluous vocal. The peak is reached at the bridge where his effortless harmonies demand the attention of anyone who is listening. Sillkey’s contemporary beats balance perfectly with Ricardo’s naturally nostalgic vocal style and the song truly displays him as arguably one of the brightest current R&B artists from the UK.
Talking about the meaning behind the song, Ricardo says “I wanted to write a song specifically for the ladies. I’m not going to lie, women have it hard. A lot of the time it’s us men that do not make it easy, so I wanted to write something to remind women that there are good guys out there. I want women to know that they are special, beautiful, valued and more than enough, despite their past experiences and what they’ve been told or shown!”
‘He Ain’t Me’ follows Ricardo’s last single ‘Come Over’ which was featured as DJ Ace’s Track of The Week on BBC 1Xtra. He partnered with fellow R&B peers J Warner, Jordan King and Mark Asari for the remix which premiered on BBC 1Xtra. Support was also received from Manny Norte on Capital Xtra, The Beat London, Pulse88 Radio, Reprezent, Westside FM, Mi-Soul and more.
Overall 2018 is going to be a big year with the release of new music and performances as Ricardo looks forward to supporting Faith Evans on her upcoming London, Birmingham and Manchester tour dates on 20th-22nd July.
The big man is back with some serious force…check out ‘He Ain’t Me’.
Following up on February’s single ‘More’, supported by the likes of BBC Introducing London, TMRW magazine, The Line Of Best Fit and BuzzFeed, ZOEY LILY returns with another unique pop offering in the shape of ‘Last Goodbye’.
This song immediately taps into the heart, unfolding Zoey’s delicate vocals at its rawest. The Instinctive wordsmith tells the story of rather letting someone go than staying close enough to keep getting hurt. Complementing the vulnerable feeling of Zoey’s vocals, the track opts for ambient piano, with soft electronic elements and distant drumming, alternating with male shouts which gives off a dark atmosphere that is both intimate and anthemic.
ZOEY LILY (née Zoe Lily Lewis) may be a relative newcomer to the world of left-field pop, but for this 20-year-old talent, musicianship is no passing fancy. The Hackney-based artist first delved into creative expression at age 13 when she began playing piano and her first wide-eyed forays into songwriting. Later, at age 17, Zoey found herself drawn to her father’s acoustic Martin guitar, the instrument which she still writes most of her songs with today.
This promising youngster has set out to become a highly independent and original songwriter, singer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, co-producer and dancer, drawing cues from a wide-range of essential artists, including Lana del Rey, Kendrick Lamar, Frank Ocean and Vince Staples.
Almost three years after being interviewed by NEW LEASE MUSIC, it’s an absolute pleasure to have Canadian singer/songwriter GENA PERALA back in the interview seat to discuss her new musical direction through her latest single, ‘Good Girl’, named Song of the Month in March.
NLM: Hey Gena, welcome back to NEW LEASE MUSIC! How’s life treating you?
GP: Hi! Thank you so much for having me back. Life is busy. I’m still in the studio recording my latest album. I just finished shooting a video for a new single that is about to come out. I have a live studio video I’m about to release and a few live shows coming up as well.
NLM: You released your single ‘Good Girl’ plus visuals in February. What was the public reception of both productions?
GP: The public reception has been pretty mixed. Both praise and rejection. It is a down-tempo minimal track especially for a first single so I understand, but I do have a longer term plan and I think Good Girl will make more sense in the context of the whole album.
NLM: The video for the single looks great! How was the filming process?
GP: This was the first time I’ve worked with professional dancers so that was really exciting and basically a dream come true. As for the water scenes, they were interesting to shoot. I’m an independent artist so it’s not like I have a budget. Myself and the DOP (Director of Photography) shot in my parent’s carport in December, it was snowing. We filled an industrial sized kiddie pool with lukewarm water, from my parent’s washing machine and shot until we were too cold to shoot any more. I’m really happy with the way it turned out so totally worth it. It’s always extremely satisfying to take visions in my head and make them realities.
NLM: What was your inspiration for writing ‘Good Girl’?
GP: I was inspired by a friend of mine who was stuck in a bad situation.
NLM: ‘Good Girl’ marks the change of your musical style. What’s the reason behind the change?
GP: I would say it’s less of a change in musical style and more of an expansion. I’ll always play acoustic guitar and piano but it’s nice to incorporate some synth sounds and drum machines. I’m in the process of sorting out my live shows with these additional sounds which I think will really add to the performances but again it’s more of an addition than a change. I’ll still always be a singer songwriter at my core.
NLM: So how would you describe your new-found sound to potential fans?
GP: The Good Girl EP is a downtempo minimal synth sound.
NLM: You will be releasing your EP later this year. What kind of themes/stories can we expect from this project?
GP: The EP is three songs and moves from powerlessness (Good Girl) to uncertainty in the second song and perseverance in the third song.
NLM: Besides the release of your EP, what are your plans for the rest of 2018?
GP: The EP is part of a larger concept album I’m rolling out so still busy in the studio as well as playing live. I’m working on adding the electronic element to my live shows as well. I’m also interested in working with another female vocalist. Basically, lots of new music.
NLM: Finally, how can potential fans make contact with you?
GP: I love hearing from fans and other musicians and people in general!
You can find or follow me here:
Layered with soft electronic tones and alternative rock, inspired by cinematic and classical sounds OMER MATZ‘s debut single ‘Hold’ has scooped today’s hotspot.
The newcomer from Tel Aviv had led a nomadic lifestyle which heavily Influenced his musical direction and creativity. After studying music in London and Israel, Matz set up a business for hobbyists to play in bands, guided by musicians, in which he sold three years later, and took a job at an international start-up. It was here he discovered a strong passion for innovation and entrepreneurship and decided to venture down the music route once more.
Now kitted out with state-of-the-art home equipment and the burning desire to invite music back into his life, OMER MATZ is currently working on his EP which he describes as ‘an interesting blend of intimacy vs.grandiose.’
It’s a great way to start your weekend on a smooth note; listen to ‘Hold’.
