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.

Sad Americana singer-songwriter Gena Perala looks to brighter horizon on single, ‘I’m Gone’

Every summer, we look for songs that transcend us to scenes of warm air amidst comfortable settings, a cool evening breeze with a drink in hand, memorable moments with loved ones, and of course, hitting the open road with the windows down.

This – and quite possibly – the prospect of fearlessly ending one chapter of our lives and beginning the next.

Enter GENA PERALA, who released her breezy yet courageous country-flaired single, ‘I’m Gone.’

Sweeping in like the impending summer breeze, ‘I’m Gone’ makes its introduction with a welcoming banjo lick and acoustic guitar that soon gives way into a mellow modern-meets-traditional country groove equipped with pedal steel and all.

Perala’s honeyed vocals swoon from verse to chorus, and create a call to action of simply moving on and looking ahead to brighter horizons. “I don’t like crying / It’s true / I really don’t like crying / Crying over you / I don’t like waiting / It’s true / I sure as hell don’t like waiting / Waiting for you,” she sings, drawing out the “I’s” with impressive vocal precision.

“’I’m Gone’ is about knowing when to walk away,” Perala states. “It’s about refusing to stay where you’re not valued and trusting that something better is waiting—even if you can’t see it yet.”

The track blends heartbreak with quiet strength, and speaks to anyone who’s had to choose themselves over comfort. With its raw lyrics, rich harmonies, and driving acoustic instrumentation, the track balances heartbreak and empowerment in equal measure.

‘I’m Gone’ is the lead single from Perala’s upcoming album, Somewhere New, and it sets the tone for a story rooted in grit, heartache, and self-discovery. Common themes include choosing yourself, trusting that there’s something better ahead, and appreciating the simple things in life. “I think underneath it all, the album is really about resilience, hope, and staying true to who you are,” Perala says. The album is slated for a fall release.

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

Source: Gena Perala

OUT TODAY: The Grand Cru share single, ’17’

If you were going to ask what songwriting team have individually toured the world  performing, written for The Korgis, Cliff Richard, Slash, Meatloaf, had their songs  played on BBC Radio 2, supported Celine Dion, played Jesus on the West End stage, performed sell out shows in theatres around the UK, have won some of the most prestigious songwriting awards in the world and now are writing a song about feeling 17 again! There would only be one name on that list… THE GRAND CRU!

International songwriting team The Grand Cru (comprising of Welsh and American talent) have a brand new single waiting to be embraced by the listeners entitled ’17’ (featuring The Grand Cru member Darren Parry on lead vocal duties) which comes from their 8 track album… ‘September 11 – Music To Heal Your Soul’.

This catchy, memorable, upbeat, Country/Americana influenced track was co-written between three well known Welsh male singer/songwriters and a sassy, female US (Floridian) songwriter.

The Grand Cru includes ex Jesus Christ Superstar lead, Steve Balsamo (who’s written for Slash, Meatloaf, Cliff Richard) and ex member of  The Story’s and Balsamo/Deighton. Also on ‘The Cru’ is multi-award winning Welsh singer/songwriter Darren Parry, who’s a former UK Songwriting Contest winner, Billboard, Unisong, ISSA and USA Song Of The Year award winner (who has co-written with The Korgis, Dan and Laura Curtis and others). The third Welshman is Rhondda’s multi-talented Lee Gilbert who is an acclaimed singer /actor. His 25 year career has spanned from theatre, radio and TV work which runs alongside his very busy music career.

The fourth member and brainchild of ‘The Cru’ is Florida based Bonnie Skop, whose family has a long history in music; including her Dad managing Ted Nugent and Bob Seger in their early days! The Grand Cru get their name from the French words… meaning “a wine of the most superior grade”. These songwriters are certainly that!

Darren says of the latest offering: “Steve, Lee, Bonnie and I wrote “17” predominantly on Zoom over the last 6 months or so, we wanted it to have an all American kinda feel to it”. Darren continues: ”We wanted to write something that encapsulated the excitement and emotion of falling in love as a teenager, reminiscing about a time gone by when love captured your heart and the emotions of youth”.

’17’ is the second single from their album following on from single, ‘I Was There’, which was shown on the big screen for the National Guard (EANGUS) 9/11 Remembrance  Gala at The One World Trade Centre building in New York on 11th Sept this year  for a star – studded event, hosted by Kelsey Grammer (Frasier).

’17’ is was released today (8th November) on all good music platforms. Have a listen below…

Connect with The Grand Cru via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/p/the-grand-cru-61565108634490/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_grand_cru_songwriters_/

Britain’s Got Talent star Nick Edwards shares stunning EP, ‘Live At Yellow Arch’.

If you’re a massive Britain’s Got Talent fan, you may recognise this guy – NICK EDWARDS.

Since finishing up in the semi-finals in series 15 on the talent show, the dad-of-two has been making leaps and bounds, particularly in the country music scene around the world. His latest EP, ‘Live At Yellow Arch’, may just be the ticket to further cement his place in the country music community.

Recorded at Sheffield’s infamous Yellow Arch Studios, where a string of award-winning albums were produced for the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Kylie Minogue, Jarvis Cocker and Franz Von, ‘Live At Yellow Arch’ forms four captivating live performances, where Nick’s robustly soulful vocals introduces the set through ‘All That You Can Give’, accompanied by guitar licks creating an intimate setting which radiates a tranquil glow.

The EP continues with the comforting glow with a breathtaking cover of War & Treaty’s monster hit, ‘That’s How Love Is Made’. While still maintaining the huskiness that was pleasantly apparent at the beginning of the EP, Nick’s vocals turns all emotive, which compliments the woeful violins and soft soulful bass – all which perfectly gives a new appreciation to the original song.

That warm soulful glow really begins to shine through and concludes the EP perfectly with ‘Troubadour Soul Sinner’ and ‘Trouble’ which, together with the gleeful violin, somehow gives off a Dr Hook & The Medicine Show feel.

Currently, Nick Edwards is creating his debut album – but he wants to make sure it is just right! Until then, his body of work, ‘Live At Yellow Arch’, serves as the perfect filler for his loyal and potential fans. Have a listen below…

Must Listens: That’s How Love Is Made, Trouble

Connect with Nick Edwards via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/therealnickedwardsbgt
X: https://twitter.com/TherealNick85
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thereal_nickedwards

OUT TODAY: Ashley Barron flips the script in single, ‘Cryin’ In A Bar’.

She has shared the stage with some of country music’s best, including opening for the legendary T. Graham Brown, Dylan Scott, Maddie & Tae, Tyler Farr, and Craig Campbell. As a rising artist ASHLEY BARRON takes a bold step away from traditional heartbreak and redefines the narratives in her new single, ‘Cryin’ In A Bar.’ Steering clear of the typical love story plot, this song flips the script on challenging the notion that a broken heart comes from surprising strength rather than ‘Crying In A Bar.’ The song, co-written by Ashley and acclaimed songwriter Pete Sallis, is a testament to their combined storytelling prowess. Pete, known for his work with artists like Ronnie Dunn, Maddie & Tae, Bucky Covington, and the multi-platinum hit ‘Shut Up and Fish,” brings his signature touch to ‘Cryin’ In A Bar.’

I should be crying in a bar
In the corner in the dark
Drowning in the bourbon wishing I was hurting
More than I am
But when I hear those
jukebox sad songs play
They don’t sting as bad as yesterday
They were wrong whoever said you can’t mend a broken heart
I should be crying in a bar

Ashley says, “When we wrote this song, I was very much overwriting your typical love story. ‘Cryin’ In A Bar’ is a twist. When you feel like your heart should be broken, but in reality, you’re okay!”

‘Cryin’ In A Bar’ is the second single to follow the first titled ‘Betrayed,’ which was released earlier this year with placements in Cowgirl Magazine, The Women of Country, and featured as a cover story three-page spread on Poze Magazine. It served as the opening move, setting the stage for a journey of overcoming personal challenges where every song is a strategic move and the ultimate victory is found within herself.

Ashley adds, “The production on this song is hands down one of my favorites. I remember being in the studio trying to feel the rhythm, so I started doing the waltz in front of my vocal mic.”

Whether playing in an intimate venue or on a large festival stage, Ashley commands the attention of the audience, leaving a lasting mark. Her concerts are a dynamic blend of country and rock, infused with a sense of authenticity and grit drawn from her personal experiences.

As a touring artist, Ashley recently headlined her show at the National Scleroderma Walk in Napa County, CA, a foundation close to her heart as she was selected to be their celebrity ambassador. She is also set to perform at the Platteville Fire Department Celebration on June 22, 2024, in Platteville, WI; the Winneshiek County Fair in Decorah, IA, with Joe Nichols on July 12, 2024; and the Dallas County, Iowa, with Craig Morgan on July 13, 2024.

‘Cryin’ In A Bar’ was released today across various platforms. Why not listen below…

Connect with Ashley Barron via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ashleybarronofficial/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/ashleybarronofficial/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCchP2A4P0Jh22O4sGekG_MA
Website: https://www.ashleybarronofficial.com/