Tag: I.D.

Song of the Day: You’re Crazy – Jodie Abacus

Described by many as Thundercat meets Stevie Wonder, Future-soul artist  JODIE ABACUS  released an ode to all crazy ex-partners, coming in the shape of single ‘You’re Crazy’, taken from his forthcoming debut LP.

The South-London singer has been causing a stir since the early days of ‘I’ll Be That Friend’ & ‘Good Feeling’, with Abacus winning hearts at BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra – not to mention key tastemaker support from the likes of i-D, Pigeons & Planes and Noisey.

His forthcoming LP was inspired by “the worst, mental, fuck-with-my-head year” which saw the singer break-up with a girlfriend of five years and suffer a near-death experience with pneumonia – Jodie now lives with the attitude that he “must be able to take shit and grow flowers”.

Over the coming months, JODIE ABACUS will deliver additional tracks from the album – with a full LP release date to be announced soon….

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New Track: Primavera – Hansaa x Soso (ft. A.CHAL)

Sydney-bred HANSAA and LA-based producers SOSO have teamed up once again to enlist the vocal talents of A.CHAL for a star-studded production entitled ‘Primavera’.

Rough textures centred about a funky, live bassline make for a high-vitality vibe with a driving energy. Specifically produced with A.CHAL’s dulcet tones in mind, the Peruvian’s vocals are woven throughout the very core of the track creating a certain ambience, fusing the very best elements of hip hop, electronica and R&B.

HANSAA – real name Vinay Matta – has been prevalent in LA’s underground scene for several years now. Drawing inspiration from sample-heavy hip hop, 90s instrumentals and cinematic scores, Matta developed a unique timbre. It was this affinity for electro and hip-hop inspired sounds that lead to the producer linking up with Ryan Aicklen and Danny Thrasher, AKA SOSO. The pair first came together during their time at Icon Music School Production School in Burbank and have since worked behind the scenes for artists including 30 Seconds To Mars and Anna Lunoe.

The SOSO boys joined HANSAA on his debut release, ‘Need to Know’, featuring vocals from Oliver Tank, which was released in August and has already clocked up over 110,000 plays on Spotify.

Referred to as the “R&B, quasi-rap wunderkind” with “big sexy, making-it-rain” music by Billboard, it’s no surprise that Alejandro Salazar, under the moniker A.CHAL, has been making waves. Championed by A$AP Rocky the young virtuoso has seen a plethora of commendations from Pigeons And Planes, XXL Mag, Highsnobiety and i-D. A frequent favourite on Beats 1, the vocalist has also teamed up with A$AP Nast, French Montana. Recently having performed at SXSW 17’s Belvedere Vodka x Noisey: Behind The Scene event and fresh from announcing tour dates for his 11-track album ‘On Gaz’, Salazar has quickly become one of America’s most exciting singers.

‘Primavera’ sees the undisputed vocal expertise of A.CHAL coupled with tight, inspired production from one of LA’s most exciting, up and coming producer collaborations who will most certainly be one to watch in 2017…

Hit play on this one..too good to pass up.

 

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EP Review: Broken Record – Allana Verde

Since the release of her 2016 EP, ‘Neo Nostalgia’, ALLANA VERDE has been on a steady rise, gaining support from the likes of Trevor Nelson, DJ Target, Complex and i-D. Continuing the climb, the London R&B singer unveiled her brand new EP entitled ‘Broken Records’ earlier this month.

An afterhours R&B (say, from the 90s era) receives a futuristic makeover from the bold and vibrant presence of electropop overtones. Together with Verde’s quirky yet somewhat sultry vocals, this mini collection brings on a real enticing and spine-tingling experience.

Over the years, I’ve seen many artists break out in a cold, nervous sweat when it comes to combining unlikely genres – but this newcomer burst onto the scene and pulled it off effortlessly with such Sade-esque style and grace. This one too good to pass up; have a listen.

Must Listen: Broken Records, I Know Better Now.

 

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Album Review: Love, Hugh – Hugh

Last time HUGH were featured on NEW LEASE MUSIC was last September, with their upbeat and chirpy single, ‘Look at In Laughter.’ Soon as I learnt of their debut album, ‘Love, Hugh’, I had to have a peep as the infectious melodic pop overtones in ‘Look Back In Laughter’ have been swimming in mind ever since its feature on the blog.

The four piece band from London, featuring Joshua Idehen and Izzy Brooks, have been praised by BBC Radio One, The Guardian, Stereogum, i-D and Hype Machine for their balanced blend of R&B/soul and synthpop featured in the 11 track album…and quite rightly so.

However I have to say the better part of ‘Love, Hugh’ is the second half of the album. The sweet melancholic presence of pop art takes a back seat, making way for the smooth and atmospheric R&B, enhanced by a woofing electronic bass (which reminds me of Massive Attack, for some reason).

Usually, I don’t follow hypes, but this one for real.. they’re definitely worth a trial. See the recommended tracks below.

Must Listens: I Can’t Figure You Out, Protect My Heart, I Don’t Like You, Take It Slow, In and Out of Love.

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New Track: Half Brother – Love Letter

HALFBROTHER, the duo made up of Murkage Dave and Patrick Scally, have unveiled their new track ‘Love Letter’. Written and produced by the duo, the alternative pop number is the follow-up to their debut single ‘Go Tell The Mandem’ which i-D described as ‘quietly profound’ and ‘remarkably lucid’.

Forming after collaborating on ‘Car Bomb’ – which became a cult hit last year and culminated in support from Pharrell Williams on his Beats 1 radio show – HALFBROTHER have been steadily making their mark with their genre defying sounds and thought-provoking observations on identity and challenging social norms and roles, catching the attention of outlets such as DIY, Earmilk and Mass Appeal along the way.

So come and witness their climb and check out ‘Love Letter’.

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