New Music Video: Maybe We Land – Awir Leon

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Minimalist electronic composer and singer AWIR LEON reveals Maybe We Land, the second of a trio of single and video packages in the lead up to his forthcoming debut LP Giants. Set to drop on 14th October, the album will be released on the pioneering label of the burgeoning Parisian beat-scene Nowadays Records.

The latest offering relates to the artist’s move from Amsterdam (where he was part of the experimental trio UNNO) to Paris, and how the period of transition often felt destructive and chaotic.  AWIR LEON’s roller coaster journey is reflected in Ian Robinson’s mesmerising visuals. Footage of dancing silhouettes set against the late night city back drop of Tel Aviv was captured by a camera attached to a moving skateboard.

Building on the success of Sitting So High, once named Song of the Week by NEW LEASE MUSIC, AWIR LEON’s latest single draws comparisons to the most avant-garde elements of acclaimed works by James Blake or Nicolas Jaar.

Check out the video to Maybe We Land

Song of the Day: Friday Afternoon – Love Ghost

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Managed to find another dish of the day – that’s twice in one week, you lucky people! This time it’s from Los Angeles-based alternative/cinematic rockers LOVE GHOST.

Inspired by the 90’s grunge subculture, the five-piece band pays tribute to the most influential genre of alternative rock, while creating a unique and modern sound. Having grown up together, they’re able to poignantly express both the hardships and joys of suburban teenage culture within their music.

The band was formed by 15-year-old frontman Finn Bell,  who demonstrates maturity beyond his years with his soulful lyrics and arrangements. Despite the band all being teenagers, their raw musical skill creates a nostalgic triumph of distorted guitar melodies, heavy drums and emotionally stimulated lyrics. LOVE GHOST’s musical composition is inspired by a mix of old universal horror films meshed with iconic grunge artists such as Nirvana and Alice in Chains.

Smashing Pumpkins inspired Friday Afternoon aims to reflect the importance of standing up for oneself especially during a time of hardship in teenage years. Written in the Spring of 2015, Bell reflects upon his own experiences through creation, and actively urges his audience to do the same.

Lead vocalist and lyricist, describes his process as a continuous stream of consciousness, drawn from his emotional response. Bell expresses ‘It’s a shame that people tend to shy away from anything that feels too personal, because those types of things let you know who you really are.’

Despite only being together for a little over a year, the band has seen tremendous success, opening for such artists as The Tubes, Berlin, Ozomatli and Buckcherry. LOVE GHOST has also played several high-profile festivals including Make Music Pasadena and Echo Park Rising.

 

 

New Track: Falling – Lulu James

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Following up new single It’s the Time, with accompanied visual voted Video of the Week two weeks in a row by NEW LEASE MUSIC, LULU JAMES released the second track from taken her new EP – Falling, produced by DJ Simbad.

Her new releases so far have featured work with award-winning producer Ronni Vindahl, who has written and produced albums for MO and Kendrick Lamar, and a collaboration with DJ Simbad accompanied by a remix from Gorgon City.

Speaking of the latest effort, she said: “It’s is a song of power, courage and self-awareness. The words just rolled off my tongue, and it all comes from a very honest place. DJ Simbad pulled the magic out of this track by keeping the beat simple and allowing the vocals and harmonies to shine through. We had a great time jamming sounds, but both felt the most important thing was the self motivational message, that this 21st Century soul track offers.”

It’s the Time EP is now out on all major music outlets..before you go, listen to Falling.

Album Review: A Band On Hope – A Band On Hope

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Award-winning alt hip-hop duo A BAND ON HOPE have released their 13-track album of the same name last week…and you’ve been warned; it’s not your run-of-the-mill mainstreamer.

Producer/multi-instrumentalist Kristian Sharpe and lyricist Ill Literate do not present a single dull moment. The two cleverly fuse hip hop, rock, funk, soul, blues, electro and a hint of jazz with raging guitar riffs and infectious (80-ish) flying synths which gives a respectfully wayward and futuristic feel to each offerings in the collection.

A Band on Hope is just like Marmite – you’ll either love it or hate it; there’s no in-between with this one…but the only way to find out is to hit that play button on the four-track sampler.

Must Listens:  Dead Angels, Low Budget High Life, Phantom of Hipopera, Russian Dolls, Spaced Out Break Out

New Track: Numb My Mind – E-Thrilla (ft. Burnout Jack)

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For the first time this year, alternative spitter, E-THRILLA makes his way to NEW LEASE MUSIC with fellow Mancunian Burnout Jack for this highly emotive track – check it out!