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’.
songwriter AUTUMNMUSIC AKA Rosi Croom revealed the impassioned lead track ‘Pedestal’, from her debut EP ‘Dreams&Fears’.
Kicking off with buoyant synth bass and Croom’s assertive vocals, ‘Pedestal’ is a minimal tale of sudden attraction and desire for human touch. As the track develops, her ethereal vocals soar above the enchanting production – embroiled in both anguish and desire. Inspired by Odysseus’ perilous maritime journey, ‘Pedestal’ begins the musical lovelorn voyage destined to end in emotional turmoil.
The debut EP sees Rosi put aside her usual themes of feminism, politics and mental health, to create a deeply personal body of work, taking listeners on a journey of sensuality, lust, loss and violence. These rich narratives are further brought to life on stage using a loop station and live sampling, weaving her stories and their accompanying motifs into a complex tapestry.
Behind the scenes Rosi has established herself as a formidable artistic talent, gaining a sync with Harvey Nichols and collaborating with American music producer Mark Endert, whose impressive discography has seen him work on Madonna’s Grammy Award winning album ‘Ray of Light’, as well as collaborating on numerous projects with Maroon 5, Rihanna and Miley Cyrus. Most recently, Rosi has worked as a choral arranger for Stu Larsen and American singer-songwriter Jesca Hoop, continuously diversifying her musical career. Choosing to create under the alias Autumnmusic, the elusive project explores the depths of the human heart and psyche through deep poetic craftsmanship – winning her 4 awards at The UK Song Writing Contest and support from Tom Robinson on BBC 6 Music.
AUTUMNMUSIC reveals ‘Dreams&Fears’ at her EP launch show on 8th May at Servant Jazz Quarters in London, where she’s set to display her innate penchant for vivid storytelling in an intimate environment.
London-based JARETH has unveiled the next cut to be lifted from her debut solo EP, her new single ‘Bit By Bit’ premiered online via COMPLEX and on-air with DJ Ace at 1Xtra.
Having previously lent her commanding vocals to collaborations with Rene LaVice, Bashy, Lioness and Ghetts, this year’s release of ‘Kaleidoscope’ and it’s Hybrid Minds remix picked up strong support from the likes of CLASH, Trench Magazine and UKF, alongside multiple spins on Twin B’s BBC 1Xtra show and a playlist addition from Spotify Denmark. ‘Bit By Bit’ continues to showcase JARETH as a master of her craft, as her voice glides effortlessly above lusciously orchestrated strings. Championed by will.i.am and having penned tracks for Cheryl and Chris Lake, the singer-songwriter is due to release her EP, ‘Moonchild’, later this year through new label Moonshot Music.
The new single sees JARETH working with producer Charlie J Perry (Jorja Smith, Maverick Sabre, Samm Henshaw) again and building on the blissfully soulful soundscape that made ‘Kaleidoscope’ so intoxicating. Telling a personal story of having to put ‘yourself back together again in the dark after being broken in the light’, JARETH has found strength in her vulnerability and only truly began to understand herself when she was at her weakest.
With JARETH’s expressive vocal at the core of the track, mirrored by delicate piano and washes of cinematic strings, ‘Bit By Bit’ is undoubtedly a standout from the forthcoming EP and really celebrates her unique talent…so start your Monday right and listen to ‘Bit By Bit.’
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