K-Riz brings optimism into 2024 with video for latest track, ‘Come & Go’

K-RIZ returns with a new video for ‘Come & Go’ that illuminates the artist’s infectious optimism. The hip-hop and R&B-infused single, which appears on the Birthday Cake Records-released album, ‘One Way Ticket’, is an affirmation to overcome negative thoughts, move through hard times with ease, and embrace the lessons that can be learned from adversity.

On the track, the multi-talented Alberta artist expresses the liberating power of having grace and letting go of the past, while using forward movement as an encouragement to listeners. “Tough times are temporary; they’re teaching lessons,” says K-Riz. “Problems come and go as long as you’re always working towards moving forward. When you look at the storms from that perspective, you can see them for what they are – here today, gone tomorrow – and weather them with more resilience.”

Featuring many of K-Riz’s past collaborators (horns from Octavio N. Santos, violin from Tina Sol, and Deppisch on the flute), swirling arrangements complement producer Theo’s spacious beats. Emerging Calgary filmmaker Gbohunmi lends his directorial talents, taking viewers on a tour through elevated spaces and mindsets, moving from one transitory place to the next, from train stations to rooftops, culminating in K The Chosen rapping contemplative verses as he walks through Calgary at night. The video also features cameos from rappers Tea Fannie and La Tytan.

The release of ‘Come & Go’ follows praise for K-Riz’s latest album, One Way Ticket, from various outlets. RANGE Magazine included the album on its list of the Top 50 Canadian Albums of 2023, and Bandcamp featured the LP as a New & Notable album upon its release, while Complex Canada included singles ‘Middle Finger U’ and ‘Inside Your Love’ among its Best New Canadian Tracks. Look for more visuals from the album soon, and listen to One Way Ticket on all streaming platforms now.

Check out the video for ‘Come & Go’ below…

New Lease Music’s Top Ten Albums Of 2023

OK, as promised, here are the top ten albums of 2023.

If you fancy some UK R&B, or maybe some afrobeats fused with smooth R&B, futuristic/dreamy pop or some good old hard-hitting bars, well you’re definitely in the right place! Just get to it and hit play on each beauties below! If you’re feeling any of the collections, please like, or better still, leave a comment below.

Be sure to check NEW LEASE MUSIC’s Top Ten Singles of 2023 tomorrow. I hope you enjoy the albums below…

10. A Late Bloom – Eleanor

9. Jovian 2000 AD – Jovian

8. Diary Is A Waste Of Paper – Nia Chennai

7. Venom Dripp – Showtime Ramon

6. Die Wurzel – Neak

5. 7:05 – 705

4. Rivalry – Samuel Vincent

3. Man Myth Legend – Mike Body

2. Lucid Dreampop – Thyra Hilden

1. Once Upon A Melody – T. Fernandez

New Lease Music’s Top Ten Music Videos Of 2023

Hey, Hey, Hey! Happy New Year guys! I hope you had an eventful festive period.

It’s that time of the year NEW LEASE MUSIC ramage through and pick out the top releases of 2023! Today, we start off with the best music videos featured on the blog in the past year. So why not sit back and check them out – oh and if you’re really digging these videos, why not leave a comment below.

Be sure to look out for NEW LEASE MUSIC’s Top Ten Albums of 2023 later today!

10. Sometimes Relax – LLAMAN x Pitch 92

9. Freak Out – Jessica Wilde

8. Face Off Part 1 – Quincy

7. PTSD – Dax

6. Iron Right – DJ Drama, Boosie Badazz & OMB Peezy ft Trouble

5. Podium – Ez Mil

4. The Rain – Bullet Brak

3. Love Tap – Tito Ft. Keet Kolbang

1. Grey – Holy Coves

OUT TODAY: Annabel Gutherz shares self-empowering single, ‘Eclipse’

Canadian singer and songwriter ANNABEL GUTHERZ reveals her new single, ‘Eclipse,’ out today, 15th December, for your pleasure! Blending classic rock influences with modern pop sounds, ‘Eclipse’ is a vivid and textured song that showcases an artist who has found her voice. The new single was co-written with and produced by Mikal Blue (OneRepublic, Jason Mraz, Colbie Caillat) and Bret “Epic” Mazur (Crazy Town, Prince, The Black Eyed Peas).

“‘Eclipse’ is about my tendency to compare myself to others and the impact this has on my self-esteem,” Annabel says. “I would rather be concentrated on purpose than consumed by comparison despite how challenging it may be at times, especially given the ubiquitous nature of social media. This single showcases my desire to focus on my own path and nurture my inner confidence.”

Since the release of her 2021 album, Loose Ends, Annabel has continued to develop her sound by working with an array of esteemed collaborators, including Bleu McAuley (Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Jonas Brothers) and Bonnie Hayes (Bonnie Raitt, Bette Midler, David Crosby). Fiercely committed to her craft, Annabel also holds a baccalaureate and a master’s degree in songwriting from Berklee College of Music. With her undeniable talent and more music in the works for 2024, Annabel Gutherz is certainly an artist to keep on your radar. Listen to ‘Eclipse’ below…

Song of the Day: Wonder – Classified 

Canadian rapper and producer CLASSIFIED‘ single ‘Wonder,’ which features fellow Canadian native singer-songwriter Ian Janes, paints a picture of an individual grappling with personal loss, societal challenges, substance use, and questions about identity and existence. It’s a profound reflection on life, questioning the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of reality and trying to find meaning amidst struggles.

“I’ve had a lot of time to think over the years…really any time I’m not on the go my mind is usually racing. I think a lot of people are like that too…just wondering about things,” says Classified. “It’s like when you go to bed at night and all of your thoughts come at once, this is what that song reflects. Thinking about various personal what-ifs, questioning society, wondering why things are the way they are. The things we wonder can feel personal, but really, we aren’t that unique. This song connects my personal thoughts to what everyone else might wonder about too, giving a glimpse into both my life and our shared experiences.”

This track (penned, crafted, and captured by Classified) skillfully illustrates an individual wrestling with intimate sorrow and daily contemplations. It offers a deep introspection on life, inquisitive about the mysteries and mechanics of this world, while endeavoring to unearth significance amidst life’s trials.

‘Wonder’ is out now via HalfLife Records and Big Story Entertainment, why not check not the compelling video below…