There’s something refreshing about an artist who doesn’t feel the need to make life look bigger, better, or more glamorous than it is. For PAUL MINNICH, known as “The Lawn Chair Poet,” the stories worth telling are found in everyday relationships, old memories, personal struggles, and the moments that remind us what truly matters. ‘On Pretty Damn Proud’, the country singer-songwriter embraces these experiences with a blend of heartfelt honesty, humor, and rock-infused country storytelling.
The title track establishes the album’s central message of self-acceptance and independence. “You can’t keep holding me down / Cause if you can’t tell by now / I’m pretty damn proud,” Minnich sings, expressing confidence rooted not in perfection but in embracing the experiences that shaped him. It’s an attitude that carries into ‘Lawn Chair Livin”, where time spent with friends and family becomes a reminder that happiness doesn’t always require chasing something bigger. Sometimes, simply slowing down is enough.
Relationships provide another emotional anchor. ‘Home-Built Mess’ explores how the excitement of new romance develops into a lasting partnership, sustained by shared experiences, humor, and commitment. Meanwhile, ‘Your Clown,’ inspired by a close friend’s approach to love, celebrates the importance of laughter and the freedom to be imperfect around someone who knows you best. Together, the songs present love as something built through everyday moments rather than grand gestures.
Elsewhere, ‘Memory Lane’ reflects on the experiences that continue to shape us, while ‘Rolling Stone’ captures how meeting the right person can change everything. On ‘In The Sand,’ Minnich trades daily pressures for the freedom of the shoreline, delivering a rock-tinged escape anthem that celebrates the need to step back and breathe. ‘American Valor’ brings a more solemn perspective, honoring military service members and veterans through a song informed partly by Minnich’s experience watching his older brother serve.
Following a breakout 2025 marked by editorial recognition and support from Apple Music, the Academy of Country Music, and Holler Country, Minnich brings these different perspectives together on ‘Pretty Damn Proud’.
Ultimately, the album’s appeal lies in its appreciation of life as it really is: messy, funny, complicated, and meaningful. Rather than chasing perfection, Minnich finds value in lasting relationships, personal memories, and the people whose sacrifices deserve recognition. ‘Pretty Damn Proud’ is a grounded, relatable statement from an artist who understands that life’s most meaningful stories are often found in its simplest moments. ‘Pretty Damn Proud’ is out today (23rd October) on all leading streaming platforms.
Behind the bold, colourful presence and larger-than-life personality, Jace Pearson — better known as award-winning Australian entertainer LAYDEE KINMEE — had been carrying the heartache of losing his first true love for more than two decades. He began putting pen to paper to capture the aftermath of the break-up, but the song remained unfinished. Years later, another painful break-up brought those long-buried emotions rushing back to the surface — and let’s just say, this time, the experience put fuel in his rocket!
Known as the yodelling drag queen following his outstanding performance on Australia’s Got Talent, LayDee KinMee releases ‘You’re Not A Lover’, a break-up anthem reflecting the love and devotion he gave to two relationships that were not reciprocated. Rather than wallow in self-pity, he turns his anger and resentment into a stark realisation that there’s no room for unreciprocated love. This reinvigorated blend of racy pop and country gives LayDee KinMee the courage to slam the door on two messy chapters and walk away with a spring in his step.
‘You’re Not A Lover’ is not just LayDee KinMee’s story — it’s also an ode to anyone who’s been in a similar situation, encouraging them to draw a line in the sand, say ‘enough is enough’ with conviction, and look towards a brighter future, just as LayDee KinMee did.
‘You’re Not A Lover’ adds to KinMee’s critically acclaimed recording career, where pop, country and cabaret meet the real-life experiences of the person behind the persona. Why not have a listen below…
Welcome to NEW LEASE MUSIC’s New Music Roundup, your weekly snapshot of great music from indie and unsigned artists!
This lineup brings together three amazing female artists who are well worth a listen, so why not check them out? If you like what you hear, give them a thumbs-up and let us know what you think in the comments below!
NEW LEASE MUSIC’s New Music Roundup is featured on Mondays or Fridays. If you are a indie or an unsigned artist and would like your music featured on the list, send your music links and a short info about the release to submit@newleasemusic.com, with NEW MUSIC ROUNDUP in the subject line.
Please note: there is a small submission fee for artists whose music is selected for the roundup. Selection is based on the music, not payment, and the fee helps cover the running costs of the website and the production of the feature.
Thank you for visiting and I hope you enjoy the music!
BRI FLETCHER – NEW HER (EP)
Nashville-based country artist BRI FLETCHER returns to NLM roundup with six-track EP, ‘New Her’, a project about two years of personal growth, changing relationships, and self-discovery.
Throughout 2025 and 2026, Fletcher has continued building on her country roots while incorporating R&B and pop influences. ‘New’ Her brings together her singles ‘what the hell?,’ ‘Rocket Science,’ ‘Detox,’ ‘Help Myself,’ and the title track, alongside ‘Now You Know Better,’ to tell a cohesive story about finding direction, navigating relationships, and learning to give herself grace.
“I wanted to create New Her because this EP tells a story of growth in so many different ways. The last two years of my life have been filled with so much change, revelation, and self-discovery. I wanted to create a project that felt just as dramatic, emotional, and transformative as those experiences.” – Bri Fletcher.
‘New Her’ EP is out today. Listen below…
LAUREN ANDERSON – A RIDGLAN BEAGLER
LAUREN ANDERSON is not shying away from standing her ground. Written from the perspective of a Beagle, ‘Ridglan Beagle’ tells the story of life on Ridglan Farms, a breeding and research facility in Wisconsin that has experimented on Beagles. Anderson uses the song to shine a light on the animals’ suffering while combining two of her greatest passions: music and animal advocacy.
“I feel it in my bones when I hear about animal cruelty. So when I heard about the Ridglan Farms beagles, I couldn’t help but get involved in any way I could. I wanted to write a song to help spread the word about everything: the continued pain we’re causing animals that needs to be stopped, the kind people who released the beagles who are now in jail for it, and the thousands of beagles that are now given a 2nd chance in life! Let’s spread the word and end animal testing!”
Bringing her signature bluesy sound to a deeply personal subject, Anderson turns ‘Ridglan Beagle’ into more than a song. It’s a call for awareness, compassion, change, and giving a voice to animals that cannot speak for themselves.
‘Ridglan Beagle’ is out today. Why not listen below…
P.PEEVA – SOMADAYLESS
‘SOMADAYLESS’ is P.PEEVA‘s debut R&B/Soul single, released on 11 August 2026. Its title comes from “so many days less” and captures the choice to stop postponing what matters. The Bulgarian writer, creator and songwriter wrote the lyrics and developed the concept and creative direction, using AI tools in the production and vocals. Listen to ‘SOMADAYLESS’ below…
MARYAIANNE & ME shares her most personal work to date – ‘You Weren’t There’ – a touching country ballad, addressing the isolation felt from the effects of domestic abuse.
This was once MaryAiAnne & Me’s reality. With nowhere to go, ‘You Weren’t There’ reflects her anger as the world around her carries on carelessly, with no one there to offer the much-needed helping hand or provide a place of love and security.
The heart-tugging lyrics of the single have resonated with many souls: upon its release, ‘You Weren’t There’ has quickly generated 1,000 views on YouTube.
MaryAiAnne & Me is the brainchild of Welsh singer-songwriter Maryanne Dugan, whose passion for music and songwriting began at just five years old.
That early passion gained momentum throughout her formative years. Maryanne often took leading singing and acting roles during her primary school years and became a member of her local choir, where she learned to play several instruments and regularly performed in pantomimes. As a teenager, she began writing deeply personal poetry and stories, eventually going on to study Creative Writing at degree level.
However, her creative journey was interrupted following a traumatic experience. In the aftermath, Maryanne became increasingly reclusive but continued to write songs, eventually finding a new creative outlet through SUNO (AI). The technology became a creative partner, helping her bring her lyrics to life and capture the emotions behind her songwriting.
Gradually finding her way back into the world, Maryanne began volunteering for a local charity in Kingston upon Thames, where she now lives. It was there that she met John Hewlett, who was struck by her storytelling and subsequently became her manager.
Hewlett brings decades of experience in the music industry, dating back to the 1960s. During his career, he collaborated with iconic acts including The Beatles, T. Rex and Sparks, while also managing artists including McGuinness Flint, Gallagher & Lyle, Sparks and The Incredible Shrinking Dickies. He also produced The Incredible Shrinking Dickies’ eponymous album.
With John’s support, Maryanne began sharing her songs with the world. Encouraged by the positive response, she decided to reveal her identity and step into the spotlight as an artist, marking a new chapter in her creative journey.
Maryanne continues to use music and songwriting as a way of working through her traumatic experience, with the hope that her storytelling can resonate with and support others facing similar challenges.
As part of her ongoing journey to manage depression and anxiety, Maryanne is currently taking singing lessons to fine-tune her vocals, with plans to eventually perform her music in front of a live audience.
Welcome to NEW LEASE MUSIC’s New Music Roundup, your weekly snapshot of great music from indie and unsigned artists!
This lineup brings an electric mix of genres that’s bound to tickle your fancy, so why not check them out? If you like what you hear, give it a thumbs-up or have your say in the comments below.
NEW LEASE MUSIC’s New Music Roundup is featured on Mondays or Fridays. If you are a indie or an unsigned artist and would like your music featured on the list, send your music links and a short info about the release to submit@newleasemusic.com, with NEW MUSIC ROUNDUP in the subject line.
Please note: there is a small submission fee for artists whose music is selected for the roundup. Selection is based on the music, not payment, and the fee helps cover the running costs of the website and the production of the feature.
Thank you for visiting and I hope you enjoy the music!
GAGE COWART – LEAVING YOU BEHIND
‘Leaving You Behind’ is the latest single from country artist GAGE COWART, out today, 2nd October. Written by Cowart and produced by Dylan Rush at Saxman Studios in Nashville, the track pushes Gage’s Red Dirt and traditional country roots into heavier Southern rock, grunge and punk territory — a sound he’s dubbed “shred dirt.”
While the song plays like a breakup anthem on first listen, it was actually inspired by Gage walking away from a former chapter of his life that had become unhealthy. He deliberately wrote that experience as though he were leaving a toxic relationship, giving the song a meaning that extends beyond the traditional breakup story.
Alabama-born and now based on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Gage Cowart blends honest country songwriting with the grit of Red Dirt, Southern rock and the punk and grunge influences he grew up on. Since releasing his debut album, ‘Life Passes You By’ in 2024, Cowart has continued building his career on the road, sharing stages with artists including Morgan Wallen, Treaty Oak Revival, The SteelDrivers, Shane Smith & The Saints, Priscilla Block and Silverada. A 2024 Jim Beam Welcome Sessions winner, Cowart is now pushing his sound into heavier territory while keeping the storytelling and authenticity at the center of his music.
MADDIE LENHART unveils her debut EP, ‘Why in the World’, a six-track project that brings together country storytelling, Appalachian influence, and modern production. Alongside previously released singles ‘Newton’s First Law,’ ‘Empty Room,’ and the title track ‘Why in the World,’ the EP introduces new material, with ‘Easy on You’ serving as the focus track.
Adding to the excitement around the EP, the title track, ‘Why in the World,’ recently caught the attention of Sheryl Crow, who praised the song on social media — a special moment for Maddie as she prepares to share this deeply personal project with the world. The song also began charting at #31 on the iTunes Country chart alongside releases from Dolly Parton and Brad Paisley, while gaining significant traction across Maddie’s social media.
‘Why in the World’ EP is out today for your pleasure. Why not listen below…
PAUL MINNICH – MEMORY LANE
PAUL MINNICH takes you down ‘Memory Lane’ with his new single, delivering a nostalgic yet fresh take on the moments that never really leave us. From the warm, feel good production to the clever turn of the hook, Minnich is on a roll, capturing the kind of nostalgia that feels both familiar and brand new.
‘Memory Lane’ is the kind of song you play with the windows down, instantly transporting you to sweet summer nights, first loves, and your favorite memories from growing up. It paints a picture of that special place in your mind you can always return to, no matter where life takes you. Minnich captures that feeling perfectly with lines like: “But I can close my eyes/ And everything remains the same / Down on Memory Lane”
With its infectious charm and timeless appeal, ‘Memory Lane’ is a 3 minute sweet escape, and a reminder that sometimes all it takes is closing your eyes to go back to the moments that made you who you are.
‘Memory Lane’ is out today across all leading music platforms.
YOU LIED – SARAH HARDWIG
Fresh off a breathtaking America’s Got Talent Season 21 audition that earned four enthusiastic yes votes and a standing ovation from the judges, Nashville country singer-songwriter SARAH HARDWIG has stepped into a powerful new chapter as she brings back the unapologetic grit of early 2000s country with her newest single, ‘You Lied,’ out today across all leading music platforms. A sharp, no nonsense breakup anthem, the song follows a woman who’s done making excuses for someone who never gave her what she deserved, and isn’t looking back.
With biting lyrics like, “No, I don’t miss all the attention that you never gave / ’Cause like you, I can find someone to take your place,” Hardwig turns heartbreak into confidence, delivering a message about knowing your worth and refusing to settle for less.
The song’s playful imagery adds another layer to its attitude, with lines like, “You’re just a fairytale that can’t tell real from fantasy / You treat me like a princess, but I’m the queen.”
‘You Lied’ is a nostalgic nod to strong, fiery female country records. It’s equal parts breakup, sass, and self-respect. Listen below…
SLEEP NATION – FAMINE THE DESOLATE (EP)
While doomscrolling one day, SLEEP NATION’s Bran Merritt stumbled across Stephen Wilson Jr. and was immediately blown away by his dark, nylon-string acoustic take on Americana and country. Wanting to explore that sound without launching an entirely separate band, the idea became the Four Horsemen series.
Following the electronic/industrial debut, The Spaceman – Conquest, ‘FAMINE THE DESOLATE’ serves as the second installment. The record features vocal contributions from the Sisters Mann, along with Flip Cooper, formerly of Taco Mouth, on bass.
Though they keep the icons of decades past steady in the rearview, Sleep Nation has their eyes locked firmly on the future of rock ‘n’ roll. The Nashville-based alternative rock duo was founded in 2010 by lead vocalist Bran Merritt. After placing a Facebook ad searching for a like-minded collaborator, Merritt connected with drummer Joey Lauretta, and the chemistry was instantaneous. Bound by late-night writing sessions and a shared vision for high-energy music, Sleep Nation was born.
Rapper BEKREATIVE comes through on the lineup again with fierce confidence, righting any wrongs and getting his future paths straight with latest track, ‘Own That’, a must listen for true hip-hop heads. Why not check it out below…
YB GHOSTY – MADE IT THRU THE NIGHT
‘Made It Thru The Night’, the new single from YB GHOSTY, is a late-night anthem about pushing through the dark and coming out the other side.
YB Ghosty is a virtual rapper from District 88 — an openly AI-driven artist building the Ghostyverse, a cyberpunk world of districts, characters, and lore that lives behind the music. ‘Made It Thru The Night’ is out now. Listen below…
MIDNIGHT MYSTERY CLUB – NIGHT VISION (JOE MORRIS COSMIC VISION REMIX
MIDNIGHT MYSTERY CLUB and JOEMORRIS capture those last fleeting moments of summer to extend the golden hour.
Leeds-based DJ, producer, and Shades of Sound founder Joe Morris takes ‘Night Vision’ from the pulsating electro-rock track into a hypnotic and whimsical uplifter. With hints of late 90s chill-out and trip-hop, it is distinctly nostalgic and yet undeniably modern. It’s a track that feels like the last afternoon of a holiday you don’t want to end.
Joe Morris has been involved in underground Balearic music for nearly twenty years. His style has taken him to stages in New York, Brazil, Paris, Ibiza, Geneva, Barcelona, Berlin, Hanoi, and across the UK, crafting emotive atmospheres that run from chilled out vibes to full on dance energy. A Pikes regular in Ibiza, he’s built a solid reputation across the white island and beyond. Through his Shades of Sound label he continues to promote some of the best undiscovered artists throughout the genre.
MIDNIGHT MYSTERY CLUB are an indie electro duo based out of Florida, releasing through Playing Hooky Music. Their music has been featured by Café Mambo, Café del Mar, Soho House and many others. Winners of the Independent Music Awards for Electronic/Dance Producers of the Year.
‘Night Vision (Joe Morris Cosmic Vision Remix)’ is the first single from the upcoming Telescope: Redux, the follow-up companion to Telescope (released July 10th). The compilation arrives January 2027 featuring a collection of downtempo, deep house, Balearic, and modern house revisions by some of the genres’ most groundbreaking artists.
KEYON HARRIS – JANUARY MAN
Lifted from his latest EP, ‘Mind Of An Aquarius’, award-winning songwriter and artist KEYON HARRIS‘ single, ‘January Man’, is an obscurely groovy tune about love. It’s also a coming-of-age song in which he explores who he is and who he’s becoming.
Hailing from Alabama, Keyon Harris started penning songs from the age of 11 with the desire to uplift, inspire, encourage and motivate people with his unique soothing bluesy sound. With songs often reflecting his own life experiences and obstacles, Keyon lives by the motto: can’t stop, won’t stop, ain’t goin’ stop!’
