Internationally celebrated, multi-platinum Nigerian music artist ASA released her latest, soul-stirring single ‘ODO’ (out now via Platoon), alongside must-see visual.
Building on the heartfelt song’s ode to the essence of genuine connection, transcending material pursuits and echoing the universal desire for meaningful love and companionship, the ethereal clip directed by Andy Madjitey and shot across Ghana is a beautiful and diverse depiction of love in its purest, myriad forms.
Written and composed by Asa, with production from P.Priime,’ODO’ is Inspired by Asa’s own experiences and observations, with the song’s lyrics painting a vivid picture of someone who values the intangible aspects of a relationship. The simplicity of ‘ODO’ combined with Asa’s soulful and emotive delivery creates a stirring, timeless piece that speaks directly to the human soul.
Speaking on ‘ODO’ Asa says: “’ODO’ is a tribute to love, beyond only romance. Friends and family lift you up when you’re down and heartbroken, celebrate your victories and cheer you on when you doubt yourself. It’s a reminder that love comes in various forms, and always having your back.”
In 2022, Asa released her fifth studio album ‘V’ which saw her taking cues from Pop, Afrobeat, R&B, Soul and electronic influences and mixing them with breathy, soulful vocals to create dreamy, ethereal soundscapes and embracing a newfound freedom which is demonstrated across the 10-track project. Produced by P.Priime, the album featured the singles ‘Mayana’ and ‘Ocean’ – and their dreamy music visuals – and collaborations with Wizkid, Amaarae and The Cavemen. The project received critical acclaim from music lovers and credible media outlets around the world including Rolling Stone, Billboard and The NY Times to name just a few.
Emerging from Essex, DREAM MCLEAN is a seasoned presence in the Grime scene, expanding his influence to leave an indelible mark on the UK hip-hop scene.
Dream Mclean persists in creating ripples within the music industry, demonstrating his enduring talent. His latest offering, the single ‘Ouch,’ is presently carving its place, reinforcing his stature as a versatile and dynamic artist within the ever-evolving realm of contemporary music.
‘Ouch’ was released last Friday (23rd February) across various music platforms…why not check it out below…
Produced by Dan Diggas – who has previously lent his talents to the works of Mahalia and Central Cee – MARIE DAHLSTROM‘s latest single ‘Nothing On You’, is anchored by a simple guitar motif and driven by the stunning powerhouse vocal combination of Dahlstrom and London afrobeats / R&B sensation Odeal, with the latter noting the song’s intention to exemplify “longing for a deeper connection with a significant other”.
Speaking more on the new single, Marie Dahlstrom said: “This song was made in the very first session Odeal and I had together. It was such a natural and smooth process. Daniel’s production provided the perfect foundation and it felt really natural to develop the song. The song is a true love song – feels like a nice way to start the year.”
‘Nothing On You’ forms part of Dahlstrom’s deluxe edition of 2023 album ‘A Good Life’, which includes a previously unheard track, ‘Glass’ as well as two new remixes and reworks of album tracks ‘If I Belong’ and ‘On My Own’, featuring new contributions from frequent collaborator London rapper Aligo.
The deluxe edition of ‘A Good Life’ is out 13th March via JFH Records. For now, listen to the soothing ‘Nothing On You’ featuring Odeal below…
The new titan of UK Rap NEMZZZ drops ‘PTSD’ yesterday ( 22nd February), the next taste of his forthcoming debut mixtape DO NOT DISTURB arriving on 15th March 2024.
The raw new single splices a haunting vocal flip with a laid-back production from frequent collaborator Zel, as Nemzzz turns teacher once more – speaking on how he uses his music as catharsis to process his feelings. The accompanying video was shot entirely on 16mm film by DonProd and features a series of lo-fi shots of Nemzzz in Manchester in his most textured visual to date. Building on the song’s theme of coping with anxiety and finding your own path, the visual splices footage of Nemzzz alone at home with shots of him surrounded by friends.
Laid over 11 tracks, DO NOT DISTURB is set to be Nemzzz’s most expansive drop to date, an exploration of how the young artist is shaped by his upbringing and his fame. ‘PTSD’ will be joined on the tape by recent drop ‘L’S’(recently named Song of the Day on the blog). The shimmering, jazz inflected single arrived last month to acclaim from the likes of The Observer, Fader, CRACK, NME spins across BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra and more. Last year’s massive single ‘MONEY & VIBES’ will also appear on the tape, the cut topped the A list at 1Xtra and racked up over +1 million streams a week. DO NOT DISTURB will be available in physical format on CD & cassette in a first for the Mancunion.
MUSICBYMERCY has earned a spot in the NLM interview seat for his latest EP, ‘MichaelMyers’, which is currently the blog’s album of the month. I probed the South Florida upcoming rapper about his inspiration for producing a horror-themed project plus his plans for 2024. So are you ready to find out more about this hot lyricist? Good, let’s get to it…
NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2024 is treating you so far?
MBM: So far, so good. The family good. My peoples are good. New music is coming. Just staying the course. Taking one day at a time. Life never slows down and time waits for no man. It’s about embracing every moment that’s presented. It’s all about creating new memories…doper ones.
NLM: You released your EP, ‘Michael Myers EP’ back in October. What is the public perception on the project so far?
MBM: Yes sir! The public perception was well received for what it’s worth. It was an appetizer or sampler for a special occasion. Keep the fans connected.
NLM: How would you describe the EP’s sound to potential fans?
MBM: The sound is a perfect Hip Hop playlist for Halloween. It’s very eerie, very moody, very hardcore for any horrorcore rap fan. If Christopher Nolan was to make a horror film, ‘Michael Myers EP’ would be the soundtrack.
NLM: What inspired you to produce the EP based around Halloween, in particular Michael Myers?
MBM: My boy also my A&R Jorge told me I should do a project based on Michael Myers, since I am currently working on projects that represent or have the moniker ‘Michael’ since it’s my first name. So, we wanted to carry on that tradition. Michael Myers, was a perfect outlet to present darker music during Halloween. I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to provide some dope horror rap for the listeners.
NLM: What is/are your favorite single(s) from the EP and why? MBM: My favorite song changes each time I play the EP. Haha, it can go from “The Shape”, “Scary Hours”, “Evil Vs Good”, “Death Note” or even the “The Boogeyman”. However, I keep playing “Evil Vs Good” or put it on repeat. It’s something about the beat and the transition of it from grimy to uplifting.
NLM: What message would you like the listeners to take away from your EP?
MBM: I just want them to have a great listening experience. Enjoy the beats, the skits, the bars, the storytelling. All of it. Be a hip hop fan, a rap junkie and just enjoy the music and not be a analyst about it.
NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on the EP, who would it be and why?
MBM: It would have to ultimately be, Prodigy of Mobb Deep. Unfortunately, rest in peace, but P would’ve murdered every single rap song on there. He really help inspired the flow and energy on that project. However, Conway the Machine, Pusha T, and Stove God Cooks deserve honorable mentions.
NLM: So what plans do you have for the rest of 2024?
MBM: Keep doing music. Keep pushing. I got a lot of incredible music in the works and looking forward to releasing throughout the year. I am just trying to leave my footprints in the game. Stay connected and make new connections.
NLM: How can potential fans find you?
MBM: You can find me on most of the social medias under “MusicByMercy” altogether. I’m not hard to find and what you’ll find is a goldmine.
NLM: Finally, any special shoutouts to those involved in the production of ‘Michael Myers’?
MBM: Huge HUGE shoutout to my main man, SlimRock, who produced “The Shape”, “Myer’s Theme” and “Smith’s Grove Sanitarium”. He also help mixed and executive produced the project with me. I recorded the whole EP at his studio. We were on our Snoop and Dre shyt on this EP. Also shoutout to Homage, LIVIN’, KuBo, Flowers In Narnia and JQ for giving me the soundscape to scare the shit out of your stereo, haha. Yeah, it was a solid team effort across the board. Much love to my guy, Jug The iLLest for his insane featured verse.
New Lease Music 