Tag: Britain’s Got Talent

A Quick Chat With… Nick Edwards

NICK EDWARDS dazzled his presence on NEW LEASE MUSIC with his 2024 EP, ‘Live At Yellow Arch Studio’ and went on to make history on NLM charts over on Instagram, claiming the Album of the Week title TWELVE times as well as currently holding the blog’s Album of the Month title.

So it was an absolute pleasure catching up with one of Manchester’s emotive singer-songwriter to talk about his brand new album, ‘Troubadour Soul Sinner’, out now across various music platforms.

NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2025 treating you so far?

NE: We are doing good. It’s been a hectic year so far on the music front, which is nice. This year is turning out to be the busiest we have had so far, with over 20 live shows scheduled around the UK, with more to be announced.

NLM: You just release your album, ‘Troubadour Soul Sinner’ (30th May). How would you describe the album’s sound to potential fans?

NE: Our sound is often labeled as country/soul, but it’s a blend of my diverse musical influences. Growing up in the 1980s, I was exposed to a wide range of genres, from Motown and rock to 90s pop. I’m sure on anyone’s first listen, these influences are subtly woven into the music.

NLM: What inspired you to produce the album?

NE: Following the release of my EP ‘1960’, which I released in 2023, I started writing a new EP. We got very close to finishing the EP, but we found that the collection of tracks we had was similar in style and time signature, and so we felt that whilst it was a good body of work, it wasn’t fluid enough for a release, so we quickly ditched that idea and began fleshing out the record into an album. It was a pretty nice transition, actually. It helped that I am always writing.

NLM: What is/are your favourite single(s) from the album and why?

NE: The album features some easy-listening tracks, along with some quite deep and meaningful songs to me personally, making for an eclectic mix. The first single I released was ‘Burning Love’. A simple love song touching on the way love used to be in the 90’s. When phones weren’t around, life was about mixing tapes, putting on a record, and living life with eyes wide open. I love the vibe of this song as it’s where I feel we found our ‘sound’. There is more of this type of sound to come. Other songs like ‘Letting Someone Go’ took inspiration from losing my dad and finally looking deep enough in yourself to know that moving on is the best way to move forward, but that moving on doesn’t mean forgetting. The opening track, ‘Where I Need to Go’, is a profound one for me, and it sets an honest tone for the record. My favourite track for the music is ‘Hometown’. I think it shows the talent I have.

NLM: What message would you like the listeners to take away from ‘Troubadour Soul Sinner’?

NE: My hope for ‘Troubadour Soul Sinner’ is that it resonates with listeners, providing a home within its tracks. I’ve delved deep into my personal experiences, flaws, and growth, and I’m proud to have translated them into this meaningful album.



NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on the album, who would it, be and why?

NE: I would pick an artist who is honest, down-to-earth and modest. Zac Brown Band are really special to me, so it would have to be him.

NLM: So what plans do you have for the rest of 2025?

NE: We are fortunate to be playing weekend after weekend around the UK for various shows, so we are fully booked this year. I’m also currently going into the studio to put down my next record. My plans are always to keep moving…

NLM: How can potential fans find you?

NE: In the usual place. We are on most social media platforms, although we are probably most active on Instagram. All of my music is also uploaded on almost every mainstream platform.

NLM: Finally, any special shoutouts to those involved in the production of ‘Troubadour Soul Sinner’?

NE: I’m incredibly fortunate to have good people around me. Thankfully, I have not needed to rotate band members regularly, as I have a solid crew, and the album wouldn’t have been made without them, but my wife is a gem, and she doesn’t often get the praise. I have my bag regularly packed by the door, ready for my next outing. Not an easy life to be involved with, but she does it with ease.

Listen to ‘Troubadour Soul Sinner right here.

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Former Britain’s Got Talent finalist Asanda Jezile Releases Self-Empowerment Track, ‘Photogenic’

ASANDA JEZILE‘s debut single ‘Photogenic’ may be a summer charged banger, but beyond the boastful R&B/trap arrangements, there is a serious message that we all need to take note of….

‘Photogenic’ was came to fruition after Asanda appeared on Britain’s Got Talent at the age of 11, when she came under criticism following her first televised BGT audition. Her cover of ‘Diamonds’ by Rihanna was praised by many including the star judging panel consisting of Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon & David Walliams…however some viewers criticised the performance for being too mature for someone who was so young, especially given the sexualised theme of the track. Despite the criticism, Asanda went on to capture the hearts of the nation with a series of show stopping performances on the hit ITV talent show. The young talent – who is now 18 years old – made it all the way to the live grand final attracting over 13 million TV viewers.

Speaking out on why the talent show inspired her the write ‘Photogenic’, Asanda said, “I had a lot of negative comments after my BGT performance, but I was just being real. At the time ‘Diamonds’ was one of my favourite songs, and Rihanna is an artist who I truly respect, so why wouldn’t I want to perform it on national TV? I totally understand why some people may have thought that I was pushed into singing that song by the TV company, but the negativity taught me that even if you do the right thing you’ll never be able to please everyone. ‘Photogenic’ is my way of saying “this is me, I don’t care what you think, I’m proud and I’m confident of who I am, I hope you like it, but if you don’t – that’s fine too.”

Citing British urban powerhouse Stormzy and female MC Steff London as inspiration, Asanda hopes that the her inspiring, self confidence fuelled lyrics in ‘Photogenic’ will become the soundtrack to the lives of young people at a time when the “be kind” message has never more relevant.

“We love to capture every moment of our life and look back through the memories in years to come. We all want to look good on the outside, but being photogenic is about inner beauty and confidence as well. In today’s world of social media, you have to be confident in yourself as there’s so much negativity and judgement online”, she says.

Later this year Asanda is planning to take her “be kind, be you” message into schools as part of a nationwide initiative raising awareness of cyberbullying and online safety.

‘Photogenic’ is out now on all major platforms…check it out below…

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New Track: I Need You – Sakyi 4

 SAKYI 4 are back with their fourth official release ‘I Need You’.

For their latest offering, the quartet put a modern stamp on 90s-style after hours R&B, accompanied with a seamless soulful bass, which will undoubtedly strengthen their reputation as one of the most exciting R&B groups from the UK.

‘I Need You’ follows their 2017 R&B/Afrobeat fused single, ‘Simmer Down’ which received support from the likes of R&B Magazine, BRASH! Magazine and New Wave District. The music video for the ‘Simmer Down’ clocked up over 20,000 views, premiered via The Link Up TV.

Since appearing on Britain’s Got Talent in 2015 – where Simon Cowell said they have ‘great potential’ – SAKYI 4 have caught the attention of SBTV founder Jamal Edwards with track ‘Bad As You’ and featured the music video on his platform. To date, the music video for ‘Bad As You’ has generated over 36,000 views.

Exposed to various styles of music from a young age, the North West Londoners turned their hand to song writing, citing Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson as strong influences. With smooth and weak-at-the-knees lyrics featured in ‘I Need You’, these guys are definitely on their way to possess the lyrical standard plus vocal delivery of nineties/noughties R&B favourites Joe, Ne Yo and Chris Brown.

‘I Need You’ is now available on all major digital/streaming platforms – including Spotify and iTunes

Follow SAKYI 4 on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAKYI4/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Sakyi_4

Instagram: http://instagram.com/sakyi4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3heI9id9Fo&feature=youtu.be

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Song of the Day: Simmer Down – Sakyi 4

You have great potential… It’s just you guys need to work out what group you want to be – SIMON COWELL.

With that sound advice from one of the most respected music moguls on the planet, brothers Reece, Carl, Aaron and Eden Sakyi – aka SAKYI 4 – are determined to become UK’s next promising R&B group. 

For their latest single, ‘Simmer Down,’ the quartet switched it up with rich and bold presence of Afrobeats, fused with their laid-back R&B trademark. Since its release, the music video for the single has cranked up over 8,000 views on Youtube, gaining support from Link Up TV.

Their previous R&B number, ‘Bad As You’, received a seal of approval from SBTV’s Jamal Edwards MBE, clocking up over 31,000 views on YouTube.

Born in North West London into a mixed heritage (Ghanaian and British) , SAKYI 4 were introduced to music from an early age through their parents’ love for soul, pop and African music. The brothers share the same passion for singing and songwriting, crediting Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson as early influences.

Gaining praises from a string of UK’s biggest urban tastemakers, SAKYI 4‘s new offering is just the beginning of their very fruitful journey….check it the video.

https://youtu.be/7LLREmaf180

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New Track: Stop – Alesha Dixon (Ft. Wretch 32) – SRNO Remix

alesha dixon stop

ALESHA DIXON flashes back to her ro xp/so8yz7.ots on her latest video for Stop featuring the wordsmith, and one of the UK’s finest rappers Wretch 32.

Producer SRNO is on the buttons for the first remix to be heard of Alesha’s new single, which was given it’s radio premiere last week by Ras Kwame on Capital Xtra. He’s the man behind tracks with some of the UK’s hottest artists such as K Koke and TE DNESS.

Bringing a stand-out, effortless, R&B edge, Alesha mixes up the track as she drops her much-loved quicktime flow that stood her apart from any other female in the UK scene in the noughties. One of the original queens of UK R&B, Alesha has become one of the countries sweethearts and gained huge success in the pop world, however this track brings her home.

Starting off as one thirds of UK Garage group Mis-Teeq, Alesha was the rude girl rapper that no-one at the time could beat. She smoothly transformed into a judge to become Saturday teatime TV royalty to two of the Nation’s favourite programs; Strictly Come Dancing and Britain’s Got Talent, as well as beginning a solo career. She has become a style icon as well as an artist and a presenter that Britain cannot get enough of.

A singer of nine Top 10 singers and three platinum albums, she has received Brit Awards and MOBO Awards nominations. Her new, fourth studio album Do It For Love, where this single is taken from, is being released on Alesha’s own independent label Precious Stone Records. It’s an infectious, Summer R&B jam produced by DaBeatfreakz. Alesha opens the track stating her power, “You ready? I’m supersonic, bionic” which is partnered with a hot 16 from Wretch 32 who adds to the flavoursome track, bringing his powerful and confident lyrics.

Alesha continues to slay, this time on her own where she makes all of the rules.

 

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