Tag: Country music

MaryAiAnne & Me make their move with new single ‘CheckMate’

Checkmate’ is the latest release from duo MARYAIANNE & ME, which playfully compares love to a game of chess—make the right moves, win the heart, and its checkmate! Blending a vibrant fusion of country storytelling with a sparkle of bubble-gum pop, ‘Checkmate’ was released yesterday (8th February) on all major platforms.

MaryAiAnne & Me is a burgeoning collaboration between upcoming artist Me and seasoned music pro John Hewlett – whose impressive CV stems back to the 60s, with collaborations with iconic acts including The Beatles, T. Rex and Sparks. John also managed McGuinness Flint, Gallagher & Lyle, Sparks &The Dickies and produced their album The Incredible Shrinking Dickie. The pair met when volunteering for a charity where John was impressed by Me’s storytelling and began working on the MaryAianne project with her early 2025.

MaryAianne & Me began releasing singles in October 2025, committing to a bold schedule of one track per week for a full year. The project aims to build a diverse catalogue of original songs that will ultimately be brought to life in live performances. Every release features the duo’s own lyrics and arrangements, with AI production support courtesy of SUNO. United by a shared love of music, MaryAianne & Me embrace experimentation across styles while exploring relatable themes such as unrequited love, self-discovery, and personal growth.

Now MaryAianne & Me are ready to make a brave move in 2026 with new single, ‘Checkmate’, released yesterday (8th February) across all major platforms.

Connect with MaryAianne and Me via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581770475003
IG: https://www.instagram.com/maryaianne_and_me
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryaianne.and.me
YouTube: youtube.com/@itzafuni?si=RD5JVRPdkk1m4WRD

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Canadian singer-songwriter Gena Perala unveils her newest single, ‘Lucky One’.

Canadian singer-songwriter GENA PERALA unveils her latest single, ‘Lucky One’, the fourth release from her upcoming 12-track album ‘Somewhere New’.

Equal parts biting, vulnerable, and defiant, ‘Lucky One’ dives headfirst into the contradictions of being human—too much of everything, not enough of anything, and somehow still finding a way to laugh through it all. With brutally honest lyrics like, “Drink too much, smoke too much, fuck just enough, talk too much,” Perala captures that razor-thin line between self-destruction and self-awareness. It’s raw, it’s self-exposing, and it’s delivered with a dark wit that cuts deep.

The song’s cover art features a striking photograph of Perala’s mother and godmother, taken during their days on the carnival circuit in the 1970s. For Perala—who spent her own childhood traveling with her family from town to town under the lights of the carnival—this image isn’t just a nod to the past. It’s a metaphor. A reminder of what “luck” really means in a place where the games are rigged, the odds are stacked, and people still show up, coin in hand, hoping for a win.

That same tension—between hope, illusion, and survival—runs straight through ‘Lucky One.’

The chorus lands like both confession and anthem:
“I’ve never been a sad girl, turning into such a sad world / I’ve never been the lucky one, count my blessings zero to some.”

While Perala has always acknowledged her blessings, she’s not afraid to admit that optimism doesn’t come easy. In a world that so often feels tragic and unjust, holding on to any kind of hope means confronting grief, loss, and all the spaces in between. ‘Lucky One’ lives in that uneasy emotional terrain—where joy and sorrow coexist without cancelling each other out.

“I’ve never really been the lucky one,” Perala reflects. “But maybe that’s the point—there’s strength in still showing up, still playing, even when the odds are against you.”

Following the momentum of her earlier singles, ‘Lucky One’ further cements Perala’s reputation for fearless storytelling and for finding beauty in life’s hardest truths. It’s not just a song—it’s a statement. One that reminds us that sometimes, showing up is its own kind of win.

Have a listen below…

Connect with Gena Perala via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/GenaPeralaMusic/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/genaperala
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@genaperala
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@genaperala

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James O’Hurley Shares Stripped-Back EP ‘A Moment Alone’

NEW LEASE MUSIC has unearthed some of the raw talent from true Troubadours of late – first with Nick Edwards, whose 2024 EP ‘Live At Yellow Arch’ currently holds the blog’s Album of the Week title over on Instagram. Then there’s Ben Reel whose single ‘I Will’, offers a rich fusion of indie rock, soul and disco, with an intimate, singer-songwriter feel.

Now the blog introduces the remarkably robustly raw talent of South London’s singer-songwriter JAMES O’HURLEY. His rich authentic fusion of folk, blues, rock and country roots, which echoes some of his idols, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones has earned him over 50K streams on Spotify alone with single ‘Red’.

To keep the fiery glow going, James O’Hurley shares his live EP, ‘A Moment Alone’. Recorded at The Factory Studios, the latest collection includes stripped-back and compelling versions of some of James’ favourite singles from his well-received debut album ‘A Certain Stranger’. From the very beginning, you’re greeted with the warm grit of guitar plucks, which serves as a perfect platform to really home in and take in James’ soul-drenched vocals – reminiscent of a more rugged Michael Hutchence of INXS. No embellishments are needed here; the simple pairing of voice and guitar hits that rare balance of vulnerability and strength.

It’s hard to believe that, after extensively touring and performing in various different bands and working in the live events industry, James was ready to hung up his guitar and turn his back on music for good. Burnt out and creatively stagnant, he hit a personal low. But at that breaking point, he found something deeper—his true voice.

‘A Moment Alone’ is now available on all leading platforms. Why not have a listen below…

Must Listens: Four Long Days, Lighthouse, Wolves, Red.

Connect with James O’Hurley via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559155961934
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamesohurley/

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Song of the Day: Place To Be – Sarah Louise

The idyllic runs of the piano keys in SARAH LOUISE‘s latest single, ‘Place To Be’, immediately transports you to a place of warmth and familiarity. Within an intimate, meditative setting, the Suffolk-based singer-songwriter’s soothing vocals offers a comforting reminder to pause life’s chaos and seek solace – whether it’s under a cuddly duvet or immersed in the quiet beauty of nature. It’s a gentle invitation to breathe, reflect, and just be.

Sarah Louise understands that need deeply. During a moment of feeling completely overwhelmed, she took a spontaneous drive to a peaceful spot in nature, where she parked her car and watched the sun slowly dip below the horizon. In a moment of stillness, inspiration struck—and the first verse of ‘Place To Be’ was born. Although the song wasn’t finished, she knew she had captured something truly special.

That belief was reaffirmed when someone discovered a rough version of the track on YouTube and reached out to share how much it meant to them. Their heartfelt message reminded Sarah of the power of her music, and how deeply it resonated. Encouraged and inspired, she returned to the song and crafted the polished version we hear today.

Now, ‘Place To Be’ is available on all major streaming platforms—a compelling piece that captures the essence of who Sarah Louise is as an artist: honest, heartfelt, and healing.

Connect with Sarah Louise via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/watch/SarahLouiseMusicOfficial/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sarahlouisemusicofficial/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahlouisemusicofficial

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Ross Flora shares ‘Cornerstone’ – a song displaying power of faith, community, and the unwavering love

From an early age, ROSS FLORA showed strong signs of becoming a musical prodigy. His father cultivated his musical journey when he overheard Ross – who was just 12 at the time – performing along a Van Halen CD— he signed Ross up for guitar lessons that very day! Throughout his teenage years, Ross went on to perform at various venues and festivals. At 19, he joined The Kings on tour in Roanoke, Virginia, as a guitarist and vocalist.

The big decision of moving from his hometown Virginia to Nashville to take his music career to another level, had paid off fruitfully For Ross. His gutsy soulful fusion of Country and Folk along with compelling storytelling has earned him a dedicated following. Ross’ debut single ‘Cannonball’, released in 2002, was met with glowing reviews with fans hailing him ‘The Golden Age of Rock ’n’ Roll with a Southern Flare’. He followed up with his first EP, ‘Shoulders of Giants’, in July the same year, which landed him a feature in the Roanoke Times alongside fellow Virginian Morgan Wade as an emerging Nashville talent.

Despite his burgeoning music career, Ross felt he was at a crossroad. His latest single, ‘Cornerstone’ is a touching invitation into Ross’s life, where he felt spiritually stagnant. However with the unflappable love and firm support from the right people, Ross was able to rebuild his life. Woven in a blissful fusion of Americana, Country and Folk, ‘Cornerstone’ sees Ross cleverly utilising metaphors for building one’s life on a firm foundation amidst life’s trials and tribulations and paints a vivid picture of transformation, moving from a place of despair to rediscovering faith and stability.

Through its touching message, Ross hopes that ‘Cornerstone’ offers some comfort to anyone who suffered the same fate. More importantly, ‘Cornerstone’ is a reminder to appreciate the community of people who offered that helping hand, in order to be the best version of ourselves. After all, it was this type of support that saved Ross from a dark hole.

‘Cornerstone’ is now available across various music platforms. Why not listen to his heartfelt offering below…

Connect with Ross Flora via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/RossFloraOfficial/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/rossfloramusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rossfloramusic

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