New Track: Gurl – 2U4U

Multi-instrumentalist hip-hop collective 2U4U release their second track ‘GURL’, mixed by acclaimed studio engineer Aaron Ahmad (Adele, Mark Ronson), ahead of their ‘Butter’ EP release on 6th July.

Upholding their distinctive sound by blending rap, jazz and RnB, 2U4U have created a relaxed texture-rich track with hints of old-school hip-hop. Reminiscing about respective love stories in the hazy summer months, ‘GURL’ sees rappers cal and My Rugema combining lyrical ambiguity with aspects of neo-soul to detail their previous love affairs. Newcomer Majella also contributes to the track, lending his mellifluous vocals to a hook peppered with astrological symbolism. Whilst fusing a Wurlitzer and an electric piano, the group’s producer Ranbir unifies pacifying bass riffs with crisp, evocative drum beats, enabling the mellow tune to create a warm, summery vibe.

2U4U

The three founding members, all hailing from Rugby and South London, met during their school years having bonded over a joint love of music. Citing various influences including Erykah Badu, Ty and Madlib, the group spent the summer of 2016 honing their craft of thematically-driven rap; it’s this dedicated nature that has gained them support by the likes of Dummy, The 405, Dazed as well as Jamz Supernova on BBC Radio 1Xtra.

Since releasing singles ‘Home’ and ‘Fall’, the group have found themselves on Spotify’s ‘Alternative Hip Hop’ and XL Recording’s ‘XL Play’ playlists, proving that 2U4U are transforming fame with their unflawed, soulful sounds.

Song of the Day: 0300 (Human) – D.A.N

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.

Have a listen…

New Track: Space – Phebe Edwards (ft. Cameron Bloomfield)

PHEBE EDWARDS graces her presence on NEW LEASE MUSIC with her latest single entitled ‘Space’.

Laced with a feather-light combo of chillwave and R&B, the track showcases this London-based singer/songwriter’s well poised and soulful instrument, yearning for freedom from a trapped relationship.

This songstress is firm fixture in the music scene who has performed and toured with heavyweights including Liam Gallagher, Stormzy, James Brown, Adele, Jessie J, Donna Summer and Rita Ora, She was also featured on Craig David’s track ‘Focus’ from his latest album ‘The time is now’ which went straight to number 1 on Spotifys ‘New music friday’

As a solo act, Phebe scored some success with debut single ‘Say Suttn’ charted at number 14 in the iTunes R&B chart within hours of its release. To date her most current releases and tour support for renowned artists Gabrielle, Sam Bailey and Louisa Johnson have pushed her fan base to over 12k.

With comparisons to Mary J Blige, Fantasia Barrino and Aretha Franklin plus praises from Jessie J, Gabrielle and the legendary James Brown – hailing her ‘A beautiful lady’ – you know you’re in great company here…so don’t leave this post until you listen to ‘Space.’

If you like what you hear and you’re in the London area, why not show your support and see Phebe perform at Jazz Cafe on 8th May, where she’ll be opening for Gabrielle’s new album launch.

‘Space’ is out now all major digital download sites, including iTunesApple Music and Amazon

New Track: Hold You – Sophie Longshaw

sophie-longshaw-hold-you

As a follow-up to her ’emotive and stunning’ debut single releases in 2016 – which include ‘In The Morning’, ranked #8 on NEW LEASE MUSIC’s Top Ten Songs of 2016 list, 20-year-old singer-songwriter SOPHIE LONGSHAW returns with ‘Hold You’, a beautiful and soulful acoustic electronic track recorded last summer.

The London-based student’s amazing voice attracted attention last autumn when her melancholic cover of Muse’s ‘Supermassive Black Hole’ crashed Gigwise. After signing to TWIN, her debut AA single ‘In The Morning’ and ‘Let’s Go To The Beach’ became Editors Picks and gained very positive reviews from many indie playlists and ezines.

Produced by TWIN founder and BAFTA nominated composer/producer Chris Mann, Sophie’s unique stripped back and emotional sound is built around her vocals. Influenced by a range of artists such as Noah and the Whale, Lianne la Havas, Elbow and Lucy Rose her downtempo blend of indie and pop has been compared to Birdy, Lorde and Adele.

Go on, have a listen.

 

 

Song of the Day: In The Morning – Sophie Longshaw

Sophie Longshaw In the Morning

Today’s song comes from the adorable freckled redhead SOPHIE LONGSHAW. Fresh to the music scene, the London-based songstress released two original tracks under international music agency/record label DEFDISCO (UK/Dallas) in collaboration with Chris Mann’s Twin Records, which includes the stunningly emotive, In The Morning.

With such delicately soulful vocals, this 20-year-old clearly has what it takes. After leaving BBC’s The Voice, she recorded a heart wrenching acoustic cover of Muse’s Supermassive Black Hole was premiered on Gigwise…so if you can spare five minutes, check it out – but before you head off, I highly recommend you to stick around and listen to In The Morning.