Belgian and French singer/songwriter PENELOPE ANTENA is carving out her own genre melding path that has garnered praise from the likes of Rolling Stone, Marie Claire and France Inter. Her mother is renowned singer Isabelle Antena (a pioneer of Electro Samba) and her grandfather is jazz pianist Marc Moulin (the reason Blue Note opened its EU headquarters, and who was sampled by the likes of Jay Dilla).
Her touching ballad, ‘Back to Stay’, which is taken from her glowing sophomore effort, Beamorose (out 19th August on Youngbloods), adapts folk, Americana, and gospel sensibilities. A powerful cover of John Martyn’s 1967 single, Penelope’s soaring vocal work and free-flowing piano arrangement emphasizes the original heartfelt character, casting a resonant ode to lasting love in the face of inevitable change.
Here’s your chance to listen to Penelope’s version of ‘Back To Say’ below…
I first heard the single, ‘Brother’ on Instagram and the heart-wrenching acoustic arrangements immediately touched my soul (which is a rare occasion!) I had to reach out to the person behind the beautiful single, East London-based folk singer/songwriter ART BLOCK and expressed my admiration for his latest offering and in turn, he submitted his single.
So I’m absolutely delighted to share ‘Brother’ with you guys, among a pool of other talented newcomers here on NEW LEASE MUSIC.
Produced by Ian Barter, who recently produced Gabrielle’s covers album, ‘Do It Again’, piano-led ‘Brother’ heavily possesses Art’s main influences, Radiohead and Jeff Buckley, where I get a sense that this amazing storyteller narratives a story of betrayal, through his magically delicate vocal performance.
‘Brother’ is out now on all good download/streaming sites…why not check out the video for the single below…
A year ago, Toronto musician and guitar builder ALEX BERALDO released his new album, ‘Freaktone Sessions’ to exactly zero fanfare, since it was right at the beginning of the COVID pandemic. This isn’t a story that is unique to Alex, in fact, it’s a story that many musicians releasing music last year have. But what is unique, is that he decided to shine some light on his overlooked album by re-releasing the single ‘Southern Heat’, along with a new live video filmed in his luthier workshop, on the anniversary of the album’s release.
‘Southern Heat’ is one of those songs that takes you by surprise. It seems like a sweet, romantic love song at first, but then it straight up hits you with an emotional punch that sits with you long after the song has ended.
Alex has been making music since 2006 and describes his sound as “a uniquely weird take on folk, blues, rock n roll and country music. Think John Prine trying to be Bob Dylan, but he hung out with Bradley Nowell.
Alex has fronted several bands and been a solo act, touring Canada multiple times from coast to coast. He’s independently recorded and released ten albums as the frontman of bands The Breaks and The People, including five solo efforts.
‘Southern Heat’ is available now on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, and other digital retailers and streaming services…why not check out the bitter-sweet single below…
Introducing East Vancouver’s musician Russell Gendron into the blog’s interview hot seat. He’s the frontman and songwriter for indie folk band BILL JR. JR. whose third album, ‘Homebody’ was released back in January. So I spoke to Gendron about the eight-track project and whether the pandemic impacted the production of the album.
NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2021 treating you so far?
BJ: My pleasure. 2021 has been great thus far. I’ve definitely had to adjust some plans and be at peace with the uncertainty around me but all in all, I’m good.
NLM: You released your album HOMEBODY back in January. What is the public perception on the singles so far?
BJ: It’s been going well thanks. The press’ thoughtful reviews we’ve received for Homebody has been fun to watch roll in and I’ve been packaging up vinyl to post every other week since the album’s release. It sure would have been nice to play some shows however.
NLM:What inspired you to produce the album?
BJ: The idea to make the album was borne from a collaboration at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity during an artist residency. I had a bunch of finished and unfinished songs about Vancouver and the idea of “home” and I joined forces with Dan Nettles and Daniel McNamara in order to bring them to life.
NLM: What is/are your favourite single(s) from the album and why?
BJ: I like “Run Home” because it’s fun to play live and it goes on for a long time.
NLM: So how would you describe the album’s sound to potential fans?
BJ: Hmmmm, pleasant, expansive, emotional and pulsing.
NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on the album, who would it be and why?
BJ: Is Sufjan Stevens available??? His voice is magical and devastating and I’d love to hear it blended into this record.
NLM: Did the Covid pandemic present any drawbacks in the production of your album?
BJ: Covid disrupted the tour we had planned so that was tough to let go of. At this point, I don’t think that this album will be what we all feel like playing by the time shows are happening again. Is what it is, we pivoted and I’m happy with how it went despite the challenges.
NLM: Do you have other project(s) for 2021?
I’ve been tucking myself away in a little cabin this spring to give myself space to write songs. I’m not sure what that will end up looking like but I’m enjoying the process.
NLM: How can potential fans find you?
BJ: Bandcamp is a great place to listen to and support our music. Otherwise, we’re all over the internet in all the usual places.
NLM: Finally, any special shoutouts to those involved in the production?
NEW LEASE MUSIC presents Top Ten Albums of 2020. Each album/EP on the list demonstrates the artists/acts’ undeniable ability of pushing the boundaries in hip-hop, R&B, punk rock and folk music. So hang around and check out these top albums at your leisure.
Be sure to look out for NEW LEASE MUSIC’s Top Ten Songs of 2020, coming out later today.
10. FLYMIX VOL.1 – FLY VON
9. TIME I GOT GOIN’ – HOUSE ABOVE THE SUN
8. DREAM TEAM: A STOKELY HATHAWAY JOINT – GRIFF/SCORCESE
7. ALMANAC – NERU THEE FOURTH FUGEE
6. STILLBORN FLOWERS – RAIN TO RUST
5. BEATS AND PIECES: VOLUME TWO – JOSHUA LUKE SMITH
New Lease Music 