Tag: exclusive interviews

EXCLUSIVE Interview with: Wunda

Wunda

Take a good look at this face, because it’s going to be around quite A LOT in 2016! Star-on-the-rise WUNDA cause serious waves on NEW LEASE MUSIC with his super smooth effort, We On. So before his worldwide hype really kicks in, get to know this South African hip-hopper.

NLM:  I need to ask this question straight off – is Wunda your real name?

W: Yes & No. It’s a nickname my mom gave to me at birth & I’m currently in the process of putting it on my ID documents officially.

NLM: What’s the rap game like in South Africa? Is there anything you would change (or not)?

W: It’s on the rise, the quality of our music is definitely improving. The one thing I feel needs to change is our huge focus on pushing numbers. I get it, I know they don’t lie but what begins to happen is artists rush their albums because they’ve got one hit single that needs a follow-up. Which begs the question “what about making the classic album?”

NLM:  You dropped your track We On a couple of months ago on SoundCloud. What’s the reception been like since its release?

W: It’s been great! It’s beginning to heat up. I have high hopes for that single & once radio begins to spin it, I believe it will make big waves.

 

NLM: How would you describe your sound to potential fans?

W: It’s new, It’s fresh & nothing like what they’re used to hearing.

NLM: You have pretty neat discography on SoundCloud. What’s your proudest work and why?

W: Thank you! Woah that’s a tough one. Well Night lights is one of my favourites but We On has this smooth & authentic bounce which I’m really proud to have achieved. I have to commend Gordo for his production on that record.

 

NLM: Let’s take a look into your early life…what did you do before getting involved in music?

W: All I’ve ever wanted to do was to make music. Well & design cars & shoes… At the age of 5 I could recite entire songs and my sisters would be so shocked because they couldn’t, so they encouraged me to follow this dream. Ultimately it’s always been music & it’s always going to be music.

NLM: Who are your musical or non-musical influences?

W: My mother. She has some pipes on her. But from a lyrical & performance stand point, Brenda Fassie, Michael Jackson, Teddy Pendergrass, Nwa, Nas, Kanye west… I’m a fan of a lot of music so list is really long.

NLM: If you were to collaborate with just ONE chart-topping artist of today, who would it be?

W: Adele. Without a doubt!

NLM: What are your plans for 2016 and beyond? Do you have any upcoming gigs/projects?

W: In 2016 I plan to drop my debut album titled By Design; I plan to tour Brasil & to shoot awesome videos for some of the tracks on the album.

NLM: How can potential fans reach you?

W: They can follow me on twitter my handle is @wundaoftheworld also like and follow my band page on Facebook Wundaoftheworld & for more music they just search for Thewunda on Soundcloud.

NLM: Finally, if music didn’t exist, what other profession would you do?

W: Wow It’s difficult to imagine a world without my first love but I would most definitely design cars & shoes.

by Categories: InterviewsTags: , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

EXCLUSIVE Interview with: King Faro

king faro interview pic

KING FARO made it to the interview seat this month, as his track Auto Love was a big hit with you guys! The RnB/hip-hop experimentalist has since dropped another track, Ballroom X…it’s the perfect time to check out the latest masterpiece…and to get acquainted with the man behind those out-of-sight beats!

NLM: Hey how you doing? Please introduce the person behind King Faro.

KF: Hey, I’m doing well! Thanks for having me, I appreciate the opportunity. I would say King Faro is more of an idea rather a person.(lol) That might come off as strange but ideas are the only way to shift the culture. I look at life as if I’m painting. I could have all the colors of paint in the world but if I don’t have an “idea” what’s the point? I want to be remembered as more than just another musician who came and went. Music is all about feeling and being able to relate to certain situations which is why I never hold back on a record. I say the things that most people are too afraid to. I speak vicariously through the lonely hearts of the youth.

NLM: You recently released your track Auto Love. What’s the story behind that track?

KF: First off, much love to Amir Abbassy over at AllDefDigital for believing in the idea and posting the video. It’s currently sitting at over 20K views so yea much respect to him. Also shout out to the team UltraCulture. AutoLove is a story of letting go. I know personally how hard letting go of someone or something is but, if you don’t let go, you’re only hurting yourself and them. That track is basically for everyone who has ever felt that way.

NLM: What’s the reception been like since its release?

KF: Mostly positive which is a blessing because people are actually relating you know? I’ve had fans DM me saying how I inspire them. That alone is why I chose to make music so as far as I know, my dreams are coming true. I mean you will always have those people who don’t understand or maybe just don’t want to but I appreciate that as well. Someone wise once told me that ridicule is just curiosity most of the time. As long as people are giving an opinion I don’t mind at all. At least they’re listening.

NLM: How would you describe your sound to potential fans?

KF: LIT (lol). I think myself and the team have figured out how to deliver great production along with catchy melodies but still continue to tell a story and get out a certain POV. I like to dance so that’s always a goal when it comes to a record. If you consider yourself a dope individual then we should have no problems vibing out haha.

NLM: You have pretty neat discography. What’s your proudest work and why?

KF: Well, I just recently released a song on Spotify titled “Ballroom x” which is a really special song to me but as of right now Auto Love remains my proudest work just because it exceeded the plans we had for it. But, I have a lot of unreleased music that I love and am very proud of.

 

NLM: Let’s take a look into your early life…what did you do before getting involved in music?

KF: I used to attend Kean University is Union NJ. I was studying to be a graphic designer which was cool but I always felt like I could be doing something much more important and plus college is crazy (lol). I went for a full year before I left and ended up at a community college which wasn’t any better. I left there after a semester and just decided to focus on music.

NLM: Who are your musical or non-musical influences?

KF: Drake is a big musical influence for me (go figure, right? Haha). Just his wordplay and confidence on a track are to be admired. I’m also a big Travis Scott fan. His production and stage presence are remarkable. King Krule is another. I know weird right haha. He’s just so believable and authentic. It’s amazing. outside of music I would say my mom is a big influence. She’s probably my biggest fan which is great. I’ve disappointed her a lot in the past but she continues to believe in me no matter what.

NLM: If you were to collaborate with just ONE chart-topping artist of today, who would it be?

KF: Justin Bieber has been making some pretty dope music lately! I would definitely be honored to work with him.

NLM: What are your plans for the rest of 2015 and beyond? Do you have any upcoming gigs/projects?

KF: I have a show coming up December 11th which is going to be great as well as a lot more music dropping very soon. The official video for “Ballroom x” which we shot in Puerto Rico is dropping soon. I have another video shoot next week for a track called “Primadona” and a couple of college radio interviews on 90.3FM and 97.5FM December 5th so yea, we should be pretty busy haha.

NLM: How can potential fans reach you?

KF: Follow me on twitter.com/KingFaro_

Also on Instagram.com/KingFaro_

As well as Soundcloud.com/KingFaro

NLM: Finally, if music didn’t exist, what other profession would you do?

KF: I would definitely be a chef. I love food haha. And once I learn how to cook 5 stars meals, you can’t tell me anything!

Thanks again for having me, I definitely appreciate it!

by Categories: InterviewsTags: , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

EXCLUSIVE Interview with: Sir Basstoven

sir basstoven pic

I lost count the amount of times that Devon Burch appeared on NEW LEASE MUSIC as Rnb/hip-hopper FLY VON and Dubstep/EDM producer SIR BASSTOVEN. However the Beethoven of Dubstep made it to the interview seat this month as his self-titled EP went down a treat with you guys…I think it’s about time we find out more about the man behind those crazy beats!

NLM: You released your debut self-titled EP. Describe the story behind this project?

SB: The story behind Basstoven is a giant metaphor. I’ve compared the long and rough journey of getting into the EDM industry to that of an alien landing on earth. He is confused, paranoid and a little afraid. Each song on the project represents a feeling or emotion that Basstoven wants to convey. He isn’t the best with words so he lets his music speak for him.

NLM: What’s the public’s reception on the EP since its release?

SB: So far people love it! Its almost at 3,000 streams and well past my Lone Wolf project and it’s only been out for 2 months. I’ve gotten new record contracts and more singles heading for iTunes due to the release of Basstoven. The Intro seems to be the crowd favourite, I’m guessing it’s the Spongebob sample, classic lol.

NLM: What’s your favourite track on the EP and why?

SB: Sigh……this is a really tough choice. Each song on this project means a lot to me as the project took me over 3 years to finish. But if I had to pick a favorite it would be a tie between Diligence & Sometimes I (One)der. Diligence is the one track that really sums up my work ethic and approach to music. Working hard has many rewards but diligence is the consequence. Sometimes I (One)der was made when I was going through a really rough time in life. Listening to that record got me out of a dark place, I still play it anytime I need motivation.


NLM: How would you describe your music to potential fans?

SB: It’s Raw energy. Whether I’m trying to get you jumping out your seat or telling a story to move you; it’s all about energy and vibes. I make the soundtrack for the emotions you’ve forgotten about and I make the statements others are afraid to.


NLM: Let’s take a look into your early life…what  did you do before getting involved in the music industry?

SB: Before music I was just a typical high school kid. Working at the mall, playing basketball, chasing girls, you know the everyday life. I was getting bored. Music made life fun again.

NLM: At what point did you want to become a dubstep/EDM producer?

SB: From the very beginning I knew EDM and Dubstep was home. Many people don’t know but this is where I started producing. The rap & RnB production came years after. From the very first bassline I made, I got chills. It’s a feeling I almost cannot even describe.

Who are your musical or non-musical influences?

SB: Skrillex, Zomboy, Figure, Krewella (before they broke up) and most recently Porter Robinson & Keys & Crates

NLM: Would you compare your sound to these musical influences?

SB: I get my grittiness and heavy bass sounds from years of listening to skrillex & Zomboy. Krewella taught me how keep beautiful melodies without sacrificing the heavy bass I love.


NLM: If you were to collaborate with just ONE chart-topping artist of today, who would it be?

That’s easy, Zomboy. That dude is insane! Sometimes I don’t even believe he is human lol.

NLM: What are your plans for 2015 and beyond? Do you have any upcoming  gigs?

SB: I have my next Rap/Hip-Hop project scheduled for release in March of 2016 titled Rawest.

I have 2 new EDM singles that will be available on itunes in 2016 through Living The Dream Records out of New York

NLM: How can potential fans reach you?

Twitter: @SirBasstoven

Reverbnation: Sir Basstoven

Itunes, Beatport, Amazon Music : Sir Basstoven

Soundcloud.com/sirbasstoven

NLM: Oh BTW, how is Fly Von these days?

SB: Fly Von is doing pretty good these days. His production and vocals are both getting better. Rawest drops on his birthday 3.6 and it’s a Fly Von you’ve never heard.

 

by Categories: InterviewsTags: , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Interview with: Mz Jeannie Duval

Ms Jeannie Duval

In March, MZ JEANNIE DUVAL appeared on NEW LEASE MUSIC, gracing us with her debut track  P.U.S.H from the upcoming mixtape, Public Speaking …I think it’s about time we get to know the conscious emcee.

NLM: Hey how you doing? Please introduce yourself and tell us where you from.

MJD: My real name is Olivia Hamilton and Jeannie Duval is my pen name, not an alter ego or a super star personification of the real me.  She IS me just when I’m writing and performing from my soul.  I’m from Baton Rouge Louisiana specifically Scotlandville the neighbourhood located directly behind Southern University.

 

NLM: Tell us what projects you’re working on at the moment? 

MJD: Whoa!  LOL!  I have about 3 to 4 different projects I’m working on at one time most days, with two at the forefront.  My label mate Tyghe and I are preparing a song behind the Truffle Butter instrumental sort of a reply to the subliminal negativity we found in the original song that’s polluting our children right now.  We are also planning an original release with another infectious beat with the subject matter pretty much being the hustler’s point of view in arguments.  Bringing it into a conscious level by subliminally speaking on how the Bible says we should love each other regardless but my hustle is being fuelled by all I want to do for you.  You aren’t the person that should be arguing with me.  I’m extremely excited about the both of them.

NLM: At what point did you want to become a hip-hop artist?

MJD: I was 18 years old.  Shout out to my mentors Warner and Chris or as they were otherwise known in frequent freestyle battles on campus FAME and Chris-Style.  I was a college radio personality and FAME was my boss Chris-Style and he were room-mates and my show was called poetry in motion.  Warner would see the passion I had for writing and when he read some of my poems he just said write me 16 bars because if you can do this you can rap.  Chris-Style is the genius behind  the beat for “Home Sweet Home” and he’s also my children’s godfather.  He’s the one that stayed up till 3 in the morning or later with me making me get sharper with my delivery, giving me the foundation to be a lyricist not just a writer.

So I didn’t decide it actually God blessed me with 3 great teachers and I just became a hip hop artist but I didn’t decide to rap revolution until I met Mr. Augustine.  You guys know him as Dee-1.  Watching him rap upliftment and his struggle with staying righteous and being in this world made me change the cursing in my music and my name.  I wanted to touch people’s spirits the way he touched mine but bring a woman’s point of view to this struggle.  One day I’ll get to tell him Thanks for that.

NLM: Were you in a group before you were a solo artist? Please spill!

MJD: LOL!  I tried so hard to create another TLC but they didn’t take me seriously or just didn’t have the time to get with me so I still talk to both of those women and I’m not mad at them or anything.  They have amazing voices and faces to match..who knows what the future may bring.  They see I wasn’t just blowing smoke now maybe that will be something we can do on the side when they’re ready.

NLM: How would describe your music? Would you compare yourself to any of your music influences of today?

MJD: It’s soul music in hip hop form, so it can be mistaken for gospel but it is honestly conscious preparation music for the war.  I always tell people don’t label it gospel because I’ll lose a whole half an audience of young people if you do and those are the minds I’m after.  The return of Christ is real and the war between good and evil has started already.  We have to be mentally prepared to fight the enemy.  I’m Jeannie baby..lol!   Any native of Louisiana is a mixture of everything.  The music you hear is that gumbo.  It’s the Gap Band, Kool N The Gang, and Digable Planets with a little Monie Love the revolutionary spirit of Ms. Queen Latifah packaged like Jill Scott, Angie Stone, or India Arie.  It speaks to the spirit so there are several soulful influences.

NLM: So What do you think of the female role in the hip-hop game today?

MJD: It has appeared to me that her role changed from standing out as a business woman or game changer to a submissive sex kitten on all ends.  It gives young girls the wrong impression of themselves, life, and their worth but the beat is nice so no one pays attention that the words are being implanted into mentalities.  We’re slowly becoming a product of what we’re taking in and the woman has the power to change all of that with the proper message.  We were born teachers and leaders, we just need that information put out there more.

NLM: What mainstream (or even indie) artists you’re into at the moment?

MJD: I am listening heavy to my labelmate Mr. Tyghe.. find him on Soundcloud and Reverb under our label which is N.O. House Records.. I listen to a lot of T.I., Wale and Kendrick Lamar.  My favourite indie artists from my city are Young Gage and Itzil Duce.  Great wordsmiths and just great hearted guys overall.

NLM: If you had a choice to collaborate with  just ONE mainstream artist, who would it be and why?

MJD: Erykah Badu because when I was 13 years old and did performance poetry for my first talent show that’s what the judge called me and I was so very honoured.  My mom brought me to Essence Festival 3 years later to see her perform and I fell in love with her genuine spirit and how free she is when she’s on stage.  She’s my inspiration so that would be a dream come true.

NLM: If you were granted three wishes, what would it be?

MJD: LOL.. only 3?  My first one would be to give each person on the police force in each state psychological exams and if they refuse them fire them because they’re obviously hiding something.  2nd I would go to each juvenile detention center and jail and give them the option of having a one week pass or to be released completely after completing either a GED program where I’d have the job right there set up after the training, higher education or a trade school. Lastly I would put all the most financially successful women in one room and speak to them on their role in pulling up people in our communities.  The man was made from dust but the woman from a bone so strength is there regardless we have to continue to remind each other

NLM: How can potential fans make contact with you?

MJD: I am on Instagram @livduval30 On Twitter @jeanieduval with ONE N lol and my fan page Jeannie Duval on Facebook as well as Reverbnation.com where I have been number 6 on the local charts for about 2 weeks now.  I answer all messages as quickly as I can.  I am in school at the moment to be a Medical Assistant and my state board is in June so it may take a minute for the reply but it’s coming I promise.  I’m just a regular lady with a dream to make an imprint on the world through the music but I’m aware I can’t do this by myself.  I welcome anyone who wants to be a part of this family and this movement. We’ll keep it pushing.

 

by Categories: new singlesTags: , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Interview with: Lucchi

Lucchi 1

Jeffrey Lige – aka LUCCHI– is a force to be reckon with. Last year, his singles The Calling (Cold Flu), Why U Mad and Crazy were well received across the net. So what’s next for the hip-hop upcomer? Well let’s find out!

NLM:Hey how you doing? Congratulations on the success on your three tracks last year! So what projects are you working on at the moment?

LUCCHI: I’m blessed and thank you for the love. Lately I’ve been recording and trying to piece together an EP. I finally have a vision for it that I’m a keep under wraps for now. But I definitely plan to drop material and visuals for the people all the way up to its release date.

 

NLM:  Let’s take a look into your early life…What did you do before entering the music industry?

LUCCHI: I did a lot of things before I took music serious. I was an athlete in high school. Football was my first love. It was sports, school, and recording music with my day 1s.  I did a year at Jacksonville State University until life hit hard. I was back at home working a 9 to 5 to help my mom with bills. Funny thing is through it all, I was still recording music.

NLM: At what point did you want to become a hip-hop artist?

LUCCHI: I wanted to make music when I heard MC Hammer’s Pump And A Bump song, I think I was like 5 or 6 then. But I gotta give it to Michael Jackson because he made me want to be a performer.

NLM: Were you in a group before you decided to fly solo?

LUCCHI: Yea, The BlockBoyz, I always say that if we had the brains for business like we did marketing back then, we would be on lol.. we sold cds, had t-shirts, performed every weekend, and had the City going crazy, but sports was a lot of our dreams around that time.

NLM: what was for reason for flying solo?

LUCCHI: Well we all just grew out of it as a group.. some people got jobs, some people went off to school, some turned to the streets. I still have some of the same people with me that was in my life during those group days. Those are my day 1s, I don’t feel solo at all in a way.

NLM: You have an extensive discography that’s really impressive. What’s your favourite track and why?

LUCCHI: That’s a hard question considering that they all bring back memories during the time I wrote it. But if I had to choose one it would probably be The Calling because I feel like I got to drop knowledge and still make a dope record. The beat was crazy, the message was inspiring and makes me wanna go harder  every time I listen to it.

 

NLM: How would you describe your music? Would you compare yourself to any of your music influences?

LUCCHI: I would describe it as events of the good, bad, and ugly things in life. You don’t just get the turn up with me or just thought provoking music with me. My life is a story I’m writing through music and for that very reason I think I’m in my own lane and deliver quality music from my point of view of how it should sound and be delivered.

NLM: If you had a choice to collaborate with just ONE mainstream artist, who would it be and why?

LUCCHI: Kanye West. I just wanna feed off his creativity and discover and tap into my own creativeness more than I think is possible.

NLM:  If you were granted three wishes, what would they be?

LUCCHI: Hmm.. if I really had 3. I wish class and racism was dead, I wish every disease was curable, and I wish they legalized Marijuana in every state in America. Lol I gave this some thought like I really had the wishes.

 

NLM: How can potential fans make contact with you?
LUCCHI: Www.facebook.com/lucchi4k
 www.twitter.com/lucchi4k
 www.lucchi4k.bandcamp.Com
www.soundcloud.com/Lucchi4k
my IG is ICU_Lookin4k

NLM: Before you sign off…what’s with the name Lucchi???

LUCCHI: It derives from the mobster Charles “Lucky” Luciano. I didn’t want people calling me Luci, so around that time we were putting “Chi” and “ski” on the end of words as slang so I put “Luc” from his name, symbolizing me wanting to become a boss of all bosses in this business and organize my family to be a profitable brand. And “Chi” symbolizes the time, where we started, and where we where in life when saying “chi” was cool. I think it’s funny how people think it’s a not so thought out name when I actually have meaning behind it.

 

 

 

by Categories: new singlesTags: , , , , , , , , Leave a comment