New Track: Louis Baker – Gave It All Away

LOUIS BAKER shares new single ‘Gave It All Away’, which follows two breathtaking songs ‘Fade’ and ‘Rainbow’ and a year of co-writing and songwriting sessions abroad. ‘Gave It All Away’ has been released as two different versions: one is a strikingly raw, acoustic recording by Baker, and the other is an electronic dance track produced by none other than Fat Freddy’s Drop legend behind the MPC, Mu.

Written alone by the young Wellington-based songwriter, “Gave It All Away” came to life late one night in a hotel room, far from the grounding lights of home. Baker recalls that moment of creative revelation: “I remember feeling the exhaustion starting to set in, after being on the road by myself in the UK for quite some time. The song is about not giving up on your dreams. It’s about never giving in. It’s about the resolve and determination one must have in order to make these dreams become reality.”

Last year, Louis spent a great deal of time overseas, creating new material and collaborating with a range of fellow songwriters from around the world. In late 2016, he attended ASCAP’s Songwriter Retreat – a prestigious songwriting camp held at the Château Marouatte castle in Southern France during the latter half of September. Previous attendees have included Ellie Goulding, James Bay, Mika, Mike Posner, Dougy Mandagi (The Temper Trap) and Tom Higgenson (Plain White T’s).

Throughout travelling and seeing the world in 2016, the 27-year-old Wellingtonian released two singles, “Rainbow” and “Fade”, which invited us into a new chapter in this soulful singer-songwriter’s book and a new era of his musical evolution, further marked by third release “Gave It All Away”.

So go on, enter into this talented singer’s new chapter and listen to this latest effort.

Album Review: Fairytale Land – Pedro Syrah

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Featured on NEW LEASE MUSIC back in September, PEDRO SYRAH‘s delicately warm effort, ‘Summer Night on Fairytale Land’ is the built up to his long-awaited debut album, ‘Fairyland’… and as much as I enjoyed the single – because it does spark a soul-glowing sensation – I wondered if I could survive ten tracks of the same tempo….

…Well I stand corrected, as from the very beginning, the bass guitar and drums receive a good workout in the introductory track, creating that real gritty funk. Soothing ambient soundscapes with, at times, feather light elements of Americana/new-wave follow through to the first half of the album, completed with tingling harmonies providing a real magical and folklore kick.

The second half of ‘Fairyland’ becomes progressively emotive and intense when Syrah takes to the limelight with put his vocals to almost stripped-back pieces – a combination that will smooth over manic traffic in an instant.

This collection is worth investing in for those quiet spring/summer nights…here’s your chance to have a listen.

Must Listens: Cocaine and Cigarettes, Paper Thoughts, Release the Clocks.

 

 

EP Review: A Calling From The Shore – Ren

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Following the release of his soul-warming offerings, including ‘The Coast’ – featured last September on NEW LEASE MUSIC – singer/songwriter REN releases his five-track EP, ‘A Calling From The Shore’ today.

Continuing the theme from the ‘The Coast’, the sincere and heart-tugging  presence of the acoustic guitar, with elements of contemporary pop, steals the limelight in the latest project. The lovable rogue adds that magical touch through his delicate and Celtic-esque delivery.

Definitely a winning formula – take time out and have a listen.

Must Listens: The Coast, All That I Need, Piece of Your Heart

Song of the Day: Shredded Jeans – Mark L. Oakes

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Today’s song is ‘Shredded Jeans’ from Belgian singer/songwriter MARK L. OAKES, taken from his debut album, ‘Call Me The Moon’.

With the acoustic guitar and woeful violin taking centre stage and existing in sweet harmony, the nine track production is certainly worthy of the description as the ‘ideal soundtrack for a karmic road trip’.

After much deliberation, ‘Shredded Jeans’ made it to the hotspot for its heartfelt and subtle  influences of folk/rock heavyweights, Neil Young, Tom Petty…oh this is too good to miss; have a listen.

Song of the Day: Be There For Me – Mariam

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Singer/songwriter and self-taught guitarist MARIAM‘s infectious blend of soul, folk and pop effort, Be There For Me has caught the attention of NEW LEASE MUSIC, making the three-and-a-half-minute chirpy number the dish of the day. Be There For Me is the first release from the upcoming EP, Heart to Heart, set for release 4th November.

After fine tuning her passion for poetry and creative pieces from a young age (in which she credits her Nigerian heritage), the South Londoner struck out in 2011, and soon became well acquainted with the underground scene and started playing open mic nights. These experiences turned into opportunities and MARIAM joined the London Community Gospel Choir (who has supported artist such as Tom Jones, Sam Smith and more) and started working on original material with local artists (including British artist Samm Henshaw).

Now the pop/soulful songstress has shared her debut single…and beyond those uplifting and soul-warming soundscapes, boasts a powerfully heart-wrenching lyrics of unrequited love…and that moment of harsh realisation that you can’t make anyone love you or reciprocate affection.

Have a listen to Be There For Me.