Tag: Canada

Toronto Musician Alex Beraldo Releases New Single, ‘Southern Heat + Video

A year ago, Toronto musician and guitar builder ALEX BERALDO released his new album, ‘Freaktone Sessions’ to exactly zero fanfare, since it was right at the beginning of the COVID pandemic. This isn’t a story that is unique to Alex, in fact, it’s a story that many musicians releasing music last year have. But what is unique, is that he decided to shine some light on his overlooked album by re-releasing the single ‘Southern Heat’, along with a new live video filmed in his luthier workshop, on the anniversary of the album’s release.

‘Southern Heat’ is one of those songs that takes you by surprise. It seems like a sweet, romantic love song at first, but then it straight up hits you with an emotional punch that sits with you long after the song has ended.

Alex has been making music since 2006 and describes his sound as “a uniquely weird take on folk, blues, rock n roll and country music. Think John Prine trying to be Bob Dylan, but he hung out with Bradley Nowell.

Alex has fronted several bands and been a solo act, touring Canada multiple times from coast to coast. He’s independently recorded and released ten albums as the frontman of bands The Breaks and The People, including five solo efforts.

‘Southern Heat’ is available now on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, and other digital retailers and streaming services…why not check out the bitter-sweet single below…

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Song of the Day: Sad Boys – Tamara Grace

Canadian singer-songwriter TAMARA GRACE‘s shimmering pop anthem ‘Sad Boys’, expertly combines her empowered attitude, bold lyricism, and stunning vocals with an immaculately bright, catchy sound.

Tamara was drawn to music at a young age and would describe herself as “shy girl with a big dream”. As a toddler, her parents recite her constantly tapping her fingers over a paper piano she came across in a magazine and reciting jingles played on the television. Her love for music was a natural development. She grew up surrounded by various music styles such as Pop, R&B, Hip Hop/Rap, Jazz, Country and Classical, all of which have hugely influenced her sound today.

Using her music as a platform to maintain a conversation on mental health, Tamara Grace frequently finds solace in song writing and is not afraid to address and share her own personal aperture. Speaking more on this, Tamara Grace states:

“I was often bullied as a child, which made me grow up with insecurities and developing anxiety and depression. Rather than hanging out with friends, I would find myself alone in my bedroom. I’d write my feelings and thoughts down in my journal. It was a safe place, where I had full control of what was around me. I never spoke about my feelings to anyone, including my family and friends so writing was my way of coping with my emotions. Journals quickly evolved into songs and poetry at the age of 8. It started with me using my hands to create a simple beat. And with that alone, I would write a melody.”

After years of jotting down her emotions into her journal, Tamara began taking her song writing craft more seriously at 11, when she wrote her first song ‘Rainbow’. Using music to help acknowledge her emotions, heal anxiety, depression and discover who she is, Tamara hopes that her music will have the same effect on others.

Now, returning with ‘Sad Boys’, Tamara showcases the crafty and mature songwriter she has become. Speaking more on the release, Tamara explained:

“Sad boys” is a part of a miniseries called “Welcome Class of 2005”. This song is the first part of the 3-part song series. “Sad Boys” speaks about a girl who has quite a reputation for being the girl that every boy wants. For amusement, she enjoys flirting and seducing boys she finds she can take advantage of. Whenever she comes out empty, she stomps on their hearts and moves on to the next boy in line. One day, the boys overheard each other’s conversations and realized they’ve all gotten their hearts broken by the same girl. They start to hang out, compare notes and all decide to plot a revenge scheme on her. They agreed the best way for her to learn her lesson is to use her own plan against her. The scheme is a huge success, and she suffers as a result. Broken-hearted, she exits the school grounds and heads home to her bedroom. She grabs her teddy bear, Stella, and spends her days and nights screaming and crying till she feels emotionally numb.“

Tamara looks to 2021 with positive energy as it’s set to be a huge year for the young singer songwriter. Check her out below…

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‘Reflect’ With Jessie Lee’s Brand New Single

JESSIE LEE eases us into the beginning of the week with her brand new soft pop ballad titled ‘Reflect’. Greeted with magical strings and harmonies, ‘Reflect’ is all about trying to process what’s happening internally while going through difficult times.

The latest offering is designed to release any life’s troubles, encouraging all of us to transport to a happy place.

“For me that means being submerged in nature, ” says Jessie of her single. “A safe space to be reflecting on my thoughts and feelings. Whether that’s through journaling, meditation or anything you do to ease your mind, I hope it inspires you to reflect.”

So have a listen to ‘Reflect’ and delve deep into your thoughts…

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Album Interview: HomeBody – Bill Jr. Jr.

Introducing East Vancouver’s musician Russell Gendron into the blog’s interview hot seat. He’s the frontman and songwriter for indie folk band BILL JR. JR. whose third album, ‘Homebody’ was released back in January. So I spoke to Gendron about the eight-track project and whether the pandemic impacted the production of the album.

NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2021 treating you so far?

BJ: My pleasure. 2021 has been great thus far. I’ve definitely had to adjust some plans and be at peace with the uncertainty around me but all in all, I’m good.

NLM: You released your album HOMEBODY back in January. What is the public perception on the singles so far?

BJ: It’s been going well thanks. The press’ thoughtful reviews we’ve received for Homebody has been fun to watch roll in and I’ve been packaging up vinyl to post every other week since the album’s release. It sure would have been nice to play some shows however.

NLM: What inspired you to produce the album?

BJ: The idea to make the album was borne from a collaboration at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity during an artist residency. I had a bunch of finished and unfinished songs about Vancouver and the idea of “home” and I joined forces with Dan Nettles and Daniel McNamara in order to bring them to life.

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

BJ: I like “Run Home” because it’s fun to play live and it goes on for a long time.

NLM: So how would you describe the album’s sound to potential fans?

BJ: Hmmmm, pleasant, expansive, emotional and pulsing.

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

BJ: Is Sufjan Stevens available??? His voice is magical and devastating and I’d love to hear
it blended into this record.

NLM: Did the Covid pandemic present any drawbacks in the production of your
album?

BJ: Covid disrupted the tour we had planned so that was tough to let go of. At this
point, I don’t think that this album will be what we all feel like playing by the time
shows are happening again. Is what it is, we pivoted and I’m happy with how it
went despite the challenges.

NLM: Do you have other project(s) for 2021?

I’ve been tucking myself away in a little cabin this spring to give myself space to write
songs. I’m not sure what that will end up looking like but I’m enjoying the process.

NLM: How can potential fans find you?

BJ: Bandcamp is a great place to listen to and support our music. Otherwise, we’re all over
the internet in all the usual places.

NLM: Finally, any special shoutouts to those involved in the production?

BJ: Daniel Mcnamara and Dan Nettles!

Bill jr. Jr’ s ‘Homebody’ is available now on download and streaming sites.

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Hip-Hop Artist K-Riz Unveils New Video for ‘A Place Where Love Is’

Before closing the door to his The Room EP, Edmonton hip-hop artist K-RIZ unveiled a new video for the potently blended jazz-rap track, ‘A Place Where Love Is.’ Elevated by the swinging coos of Calgary soul singer Yolanda Sargeant (of Sargeant X Comrade), the song is a declaration for choosing to love in a time of fear.

The video stars K-Riz, Yolanda Sargeant and fellow Alberta rapper Lyrique, and serves as a hopeful antidote to the bleakness of the past year. Filmed from Calgary’s Sunnyside neighbourhood and the city’s iconic Peace Bridge, the black and white video is punctuated by meaningful symbols. “Imagine life where colour doesn’t matter/Imagine peace where murder doesn’t happen…Under God’s blue sky, we all bleed the same you and I,” K-Riz spits, illuminating the possibility of a better world.

“This is the message that I wanted to close The Room out on,” said K-Riz. “I think this is a message that people need to hear right now—and over and over again. It’s time for people to open their hearts to peace and love.”

The Room EP was written by K-Riz while recovering from injuries sustained in a June 2020 car accident. The title signifies the room in which the album was conceived and the mental space and time he was given to reflect and create. The five-track collection is laced with smooth R&B grooves, jazz flourishes, lyrical atonements, and a near-death clarity, tracing the wrongs of past relationships (‘What a Shame’), faith (‘God First’), and a profound sense of gratitude for life (“A Place Where Love Is” feat. Yolanda Sargeant).

In the time since the EP’s release, K-Riz has been hailed by Complex for “quietly establishing himself as one of Alberta’s deftest lyricists; was named as a Black Canadian artist you need to know by Angeline Tetteh-Wayoe of CBC’s The Block; and was listed among the Canadian artists you need to hear by Exclaim in January of 2021. The EP follows his debut full-length album, Fresh Air (2016), which garnered the rapper a spot on Hip Hop Canada’s list of the Top 40 Canadian Hip Hop MCs.

The Room EP is now available on all streaming platforms. You can also look for K-Riz’s sophomore full-length, Peace & Love, set for release this summer. For now, check out the video for ‘Where Love Is’…

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