In true NEW LEASE MUSIC fashion, we don’t stick to one genre. So if you fancy some alt R&B/soul, neo soul, conscious rap, dreamy pop or something little different, well you’ve come to the right place! Just get to it and hit play on these no skip albums. 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 2024 on Monday. I hope you enjoy the albums below…
London-based RnB / Pop artist ILSELENA impressed fans once again with her latest single, ‘Bring Peace (Fly Away).’ The Denmark-born, British-American singer—with vocals often compared to and inspired by the likes of Cleo Sol, ELIZA, and D’Angelo—dropped a summer-perfect treat for her listeners.
Ilselena’s ‘Bring Peace (Fly Away)’ is an effervescent display of positivity. The singer penned the track during a getaway to the countryside, taking a break from the ‘hustle and bustle’ of city life. Through further appreciating and connecting with nature, the 22-year-old singer-songwriter translates this sentiment through her new single, encouraging listeners to take a blissful break from reality and embrace the warmth and joy of summer.
Ilselena has continued to team up with her brother and producer, Youngr. The writing and production mesh wonderfully throughout the song, with liberating lyrics that flow seamlessly over the instrumental. The rhythm exudes tranquillity, akin to the feeling relaxing on the beach, yet with a cheerful and subtle groove that sparks an itch to get up and dance as the sun sets.
Ilselena’s artistry continues to grow from strength to strength, following her debut EP‘if this is the future,’released in 2022, as well as previous release ‘ready to please’ in November 2023.
Commenting on the new single, Ilselena said: “This song means so much to me. Life can be incredibly busy and stressful for all of us, so I wanted to create something that helps people break away from that pressure this summer and get outside and enjoy themselves! I want listeners to feel relaxed and get a sense of joy, especially when the chorus hits. Working on this song was such a fulfilling experience, and I hope people enjoy it as much as I did making it. Also, I have a very exciting project in the works that I can’t wait to share with everyone when the time is right.”
Ilselena’s ascent has caught the attention of leading industry tastemakers and publications including EarMilk, The Face and Hunger Magazine. Her consistent growth has landed her a monthly residency at iconic hotel and member’s club The Ned, as well as an upcoming show in late July in collaboration with Global:Soul x Cross the Tracks at The Hackney Social.
‘Bring Peace (Fly Away)’ is out today (9th August) across various music platforms. Have a listen below…
Consisting of Thyra Hilden (lead vocals and lyricist), Lucas Caddeo (Bass and production), Martin Drago (Guitar), and Bernado Batalla (Drums), THYRA continues their creation of dreamy pop from EP, ‘Lucid Dreampop’ (which claimed the #2 spot on New Lease Music’s Top Ten Albums of 2023) with latest body of work SENTIMENTAL. The similarity between the two albums ends with what the band calls ‘Existential pop’, as SENTIMENTAL possesses lighter and carefree feel to the downtempo genre, designed to take us on a rollercoaster of emotions.
The band is fronted by Visual artist Thyra Hilden, educated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Denmark, has previously been interviewed by the BBC, CNN, AP, Reuters, Euronews and others for her spectacular visual art. Despite a strong career in visual arts, she turned to music in 2021. Now, just a few years later, she debuted as a musician she has already landed two singles on NEW MUSIC FRIDAY as well as performing with her own dream pop band THYRA.
Speaking of the latest album 51 year old Thyra says, “Lyrics and energy on this album SENTIMENTAL are full of melancholic teen spirit. Danish focus track ALT OG MER is about difficulties to choose direction in life, no matter your age. My album is a tribute to all who wish to stay young by mind”
SENTIMENTAL is now available for you pleasure across various music platforms. Have a listen below…
MARIE DAHLSTROM today releases the new Deluxe edition of her acclaimed 2023 album ‘A Good Life’ – out now via JFH Records. Alongside of the album release, Marie also shares a new video for album opener ‘Confide In Me’.
Fresh off the back of her landmark headline show at London’s famous Village Underground, Danish Londoner Marie Dahlstrom possesses a voice with the kind of divinity that could only be god-given. Braiding together sun-kissed R&B, Nordic jazz, and resonant neo-soul across ‘A Good Life’, Dahlstrom constantly pushes the parameters of what R&B is, and can be.
The newly released deluxe edition of ‘A Good Life’ includes new singles ‘Glass’ and her collaboration with Odeal ‘Nothing On You’, as well as two new remixes and reworks of album tracks ‘If I Belong’ – with drums courtesy of Samson Jatto (Dave, Dua Lipa, Nao) and bass from Jay Asafo, and ‘On My Own’ featuring new contributions from frequent collaborator – London rapper Aligo.
Featuring collaborations elsewhere on ‘A Good Life’ with acts including Jay Prince, Kofi Stone, Cory McKenzie Tribbett and Delleile Ankrah, and working with some of her closest musical allies across the album on its production, notably Young Poet/Ninja Tune signee Conor Albert and her partner Dan Diggas – on ‘A Good Life’ Dahlstrom strove to create a tapestry that presents life completely and truthfully, where leaning into moments of the dark and the light which make the days – and the music – all the richer.
Marie Dahlstrom is supported and praised widely at press by the likes of Billboard, NPR, Complex, The Line Of Best Fit, Mixtape Madness, NYLON, New Wave Magazine, Wonderland Magazine and more, as well as being listed as a ‘Sleeper Pick’ by Joe Budden (three times) on The Joe Budden Podcast (the most influential podcast in R&B and hip-hop globally). Marie Dahlstrom has also received substantial radio airplay from BBC 1Xtra DJ’s Jamz Supernova, DJ Target, Toddla T and Rinse FM’s Jyoty.
The deluxe edition of Marie Dahlstrom’s album ‘A Good Life’ is out now, released 13th March via JFH Records. Why not check out the album and video for ‘Confide In Me’ below…
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…
New Lease Music 