Song of the Day: How Long – Grete

Following on from first single ‘With u’, a romantic, emotional ballad, singer-songwriter GRETE progresses into a darker, more twisted space with latest single, ‘How Long’ . This is created by dissonant chords, biting and distorted guitar leads and a crescendo towards the end of the track laced with heavy drums, rhythmic bass and Grete’s soaring vocals. The track is punctuated with glitchy details and electronic sparkles, complimenting the instruments and contributing to the cosmic scale of the song.

The song lyrically encompasses the feeling of being stuck behind a wall put up by the other person in a relationship, and painting a fantasy of what could be if the wall was broken down, instead of turning around and walking away. Throughout the song, the anger and tension is growing, culminating in a
release at the very end of the track – eventual acceptance.

Grete was born and raised in a little Eastern-European country called Lithuania and started singing when she was only three years old. She began her young artist and performer career in small ensembles and bands and was quickly spotted and drawn to the biggest stages in the country, such as tv competitions, musical theatre, international concerts and contests, and even the finals of The Voice of Lithuania. Grete chose to leave Lithuania and start fresh in the UK. Now she is studying pop music vocals in RNCM. Influenced by artists like Jazmine Sullivan, The Weeknd and Yebba, she began writing vocally colourful and harmonically intricate songs with strong messages and old R&B references.

‘How Long’ is the second of three singles planned for release prior to the release of her debut EP. Have a listen below…

Showtime Ramon Returns with album, ‘Abominable Snowman’

Mexican/American artist, SHOWTIME RAMON, has been on a tear as of late releasing banger after banger that include features from the likes of Mark Battles (Jet Lag) and Sir Michael Rocks (Clyde Drexler). His EP, ‘Venom Dripp’ claimed the #7 spot on NEW LEASE MUSIC’s Top Ten Albums of 2023. Now the gem spitter drops his ‘Abominable Snowman’ album to open up 2024 bringing along his clever word play filled with his love for pop culture, sports, cars and exotic women.

Weighing in at ten tracks with features from Freetown (DDP) and Chuuwee (Pam Grier), Showtime enters the ring ready and willing to take on the world with his raw talent and flows filled with nitro as he continues to smackdown any competition that tries to tangle with him in a singles match. With raps like “I’m breaking barriers I’m like a Lisa Leslie dunk/I ain’t trying to hear it/I’m sparking up in a Tessie truck” and “I spit that type of dope that Stevie Nix took up her nostril/now I need a JLO with a castle that’s colossal/going worldwide I’m reaching shit that’s impossible” it’s hard not to give the artist the attention he deserves as he continues to put on for himself and the Latino people.

Per usual, Showtime does a fantastic job picking and choosing production that fits him to the tee, aligning his bars perfectly with the drums, snares and bass provided to him by the cast of producers he called upon to create Abominable Snowman. In his own words the artist says “the cover art of the Abominable Snowman depicts my feeling through out the process, cold and alone on my pursuit of greatness as I improve my skill set to survive as the last of a dying breed, a rare breed. The Abominable Snowman is mythical, his actions are unknown just like my word play abilities”.

Showtime Ramon isn’t new to the rap scene as his discography features albums, EP’s and singles with over thousands of streams but this latest set of sounds could be the game changer that solidifies Ramon’s place above other artists trying to reach where he currently is. In turn separating himself even more from the crowd of regulars while he sits on a throne of his own. Showtime Ramon is the lights the camera and the action in his movie titled Abominable Snowman, in the words of Rob Van Dam, Showtime Ramon is the whole effin’ show. Have a listen below…

Must listens: Crossface, JLO, Pam Grier.

New Lease Music’s Top Ten Songs Of 2023

Finally, here’s the top ten singles of 2023!

On this list, you’ll find some epic gems from around the globe – from the UK, US and South Africa, keeping you entertained throughout the weekend.

I hope you like this year’s list…and if you so happen to enjoy these releases, why not give it a like or make a comment below.

I’ll be back on Monday with more fantastic releases for 2024! Until then, have a great weekend!

10. Mirroring – Illerstate

9. Spark It Up – Ctt Beats x Ruby Gold

8. I Will Praise Thy Name – Michael Upshaw ft. Lejuene Thompson

7. Low – Zaneita

6. Nubian Farlow – Varnish La Piscine

5. Snow Angels – Steve Balsamo

4. Here Without You – Raphael Tate

3. Infected Memories – Dan Sheriston

2. Summer Of 69 – The Hoodies

1. Jersey Luv – Groovy

New Lease Music’s Top Ten Albums Of 2023

OK, as promised, here are the top ten albums of 2023.

If you fancy some UK R&B, or maybe some afrobeats fused with smooth R&B, futuristic/dreamy pop or some good old hard-hitting bars, well you’re definitely in the right place! Just get to it and hit play on each beauties below! If you’re feeling any of the collections, please like, or better still, leave a comment below.

Be sure to check NEW LEASE MUSIC’s Top Ten Singles of 2023 tomorrow. I hope you enjoy the albums below…

10. A Late Bloom – Eleanor

9. Jovian 2000 AD – Jovian

8. Diary Is A Waste Of Paper – Nia Chennai

7. Venom Dripp – Showtime Ramon

6. Die Wurzel – Neak

5. 7:05 – 705

4. Rivalry – Samuel Vincent

3. Man Myth Legend – Mike Body

2. Lucid Dreampop – Thyra Hilden

1. Once Upon A Melody – T. Fernandez

New Lease Music’s Top Ten Music Videos Of 2023

Hey, Hey, Hey! Happy New Year guys! I hope you had an eventful festive period.

It’s that time of the year NEW LEASE MUSIC ramage through and pick out the top releases of 2023! Today, we start off with the best music videos featured on the blog in the past year. So why not sit back and check them out – oh and if you’re really digging these videos, why not leave a comment below.

Be sure to look out for NEW LEASE MUSIC’s Top Ten Albums of 2023 later today!

10. Sometimes Relax – LLAMAN x Pitch 92

9. Freak Out – Jessica Wilde

8. Face Off Part 1 – Quincy

7. PTSD – Dax

6. Iron Right – DJ Drama, Boosie Badazz & OMB Peezy ft Trouble

5. Podium – Ez Mil

4. The Rain – Bullet Brak

3. Love Tap – Tito Ft. Keet Kolbang

1. Grey – Holy Coves