Scottish singer-songwriter COLIN MANSON embarks on a deeply personal and immersive musical journey with the release of his Debut EP ‘Wayfinding’, available now on all major streaming platforms . Rooted in the rhythms of the sea and his upbringing on the rugged West coast of Scotland, this four-track collection captures the spirit of adventure, deep reflection and soul searching drawn from Colin’s experiences crossing the world’s oceans in small sailing boats.
With his new single ‘The Water’ alongside three previous singles, Colin has put together a truly beautiful and heartfelt offering, making waves in the indie/folk scene and capturing the attention of many.
Each song in the EP tells a unique story, weaving a rich tapestry of melody and narrative that transports listeners into Colin’s world. From the soft, undulating textures of ‘Sea Son’ to the raw, percussive rhythms of ‘These Words’, Colin demonstrates the depth of his musical expression, painting vivid soundscapes inspired by his time at sea. Why not listen to ‘Wayfinding’ below…
Swedish EDM artist and producer HANDSHAKE IN SPACE is back, claiming the Song of the Day top spot, with single ‘Ocean Drive’, a pulsating and dreamy track featuring singer Jolina Elísh.
With a blend of atmospheric synths, driving beats, and Jolina Elísh’s enchanting voice, ‘Ocean Drive’ is a song made for late summer nights and euphoric dance floors.
”‘Ocean Drive’ is a track I’ve been working on for a long time, and when Jolina came in with her magical voice, everything fell into place. This is one of my most emotional yet club-friendly productions so far,” says HANDSHAKE IN SPACE about the release.
Jolina Elísh, who has previously collaborated with several major names in electronic music, adds another dimension to the song with her deep and emotionally charged vocal performance.
The lyrics depict an emotional journey through memories of love and encounters in different places around the world, where the protagonist allows themselves to be carried away by the moment. ‘Ocean Drive’ is about the freedom to follow one’s impulses, to embrace life as an adventure, and to enjoy every moment without looking back.
‘Ocean Drive is out now on all digital platforms. Why not check it out below…
NICK EDWARDS dazzled his presence on NEW LEASE MUSIC with his 2024 EP, ‘Live At Yellow Arch Studio’ and went on to make history on NLM charts over on Instagram, claiming the Album of the Week title TWELVE times as well as currently holding the blog’s Album of the Month title.
So it was an absolute pleasure catching up with one of Manchester’s emotive singer-songwriter to talk about his brand new album, ‘Troubadour Soul Sinner’, out now across various music platforms.
NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2025 treating you so far?
NE: We are doing good. It’s been a hectic year so far on the music front, which is nice. This year is turning out to be the busiest we have had so far, with over 20 live shows scheduled around the UK, with more to be announced.
NLM: You just release your album, ‘Troubadour Soul Sinner’ (30th May). How would you describe the album’s sound to potential fans?
NE: Our sound is often labeled as country/soul, but it’s a blend of my diverse musical influences. Growing up in the 1980s, I was exposed to a wide range of genres, from Motown and rock to 90s pop. I’m sure on anyone’s first listen, these influences are subtly woven into the music.
NLM: What inspired you to produce the album?
NE: Following the release of my EP ‘1960’, which I released in 2023, I started writing a new EP. We got very close to finishing the EP, but we found that the collection of tracks we had was similar in style and time signature, and so we felt that whilst it was a good body of work, it wasn’t fluid enough for a release, so we quickly ditched that idea and began fleshing out the record into an album. It was a pretty nice transition, actually. It helped that I am always writing.
NLM: What is/are your favourite single(s) from the album and why?
NE: The album features some easy-listening tracks, along with some quite deep and meaningful songs to me personally, making for an eclectic mix. The first single I released was ‘Burning Love’. A simple love song touching on the way love used to be in the 90’s. When phones weren’t around, life was about mixing tapes, putting on a record, and living life with eyes wide open. I love the vibe of this song as it’s where I feel we found our ‘sound’. There is more of this type of sound to come. Other songs like ‘Letting Someone Go’ took inspiration from losing my dad and finally looking deep enough in yourself to know that moving on is the best way to move forward, but that moving on doesn’t mean forgetting. The opening track, ‘Where I Need to Go’, is a profound one for me, and it sets an honest tone for the record. My favourite track for the music is ‘Hometown’. I think it shows the talent I have.
NLM: What message would you like the listeners to take away from ‘Troubadour Soul Sinner’?
NE: My hope for ‘Troubadour Soul Sinner’ is that it resonates with listeners, providing a home within its tracks. I’ve delved deep into my personal experiences, flaws, and growth, and I’m proud to have translated them into this meaningful album.
NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on the album, who would it, be and why?
NE: I would pick an artist who is honest, down-to-earth and modest. Zac Brown Band are really special to me, so it would have to be him.
NLM: So what plans do you have for the rest of 2025?
NE: We are fortunate to be playing weekend after weekend around the UK for various shows, so we are fully booked this year. I’m also currently going into the studio to put down my next record. My plans are always to keep moving…
NLM: How can potential fans find you?
NE: In the usual place. We are on most social media platforms, although we are probably most active on Instagram. All of my music is also uploaded on almost every mainstream platform.
NLM: Finally, any special shoutouts to those involved in the production of ‘Troubadour Soul Sinner’?
NE: I’m incredibly fortunate to have good people around me. Thankfully, I have not needed to rotate band members regularly, as I have a solid crew, and the album wouldn’t have been made without them, but my wife is a gem, and she doesn’t often get the praise. I have my bag regularly packed by the door, ready for my next outing. Not an easy life to be involved with, but she does it with ease.
After a short hiatus away from the scene, RAPHAEL TATE returns with his honest work to date, which forms album ‘All Of Me’ out today, Friday 6th June across various music platforms via his label, Tate Love Music LTD.
The album reflects his raw and honest journey, searching for love in a world that often forgets how to give it. Through his journey, he’s been it through it all – the highs and lows; the good, the bad, the heartbreaks, the hope, the vulnerability, the doubt, the despair and having the courage to talk away from a failed relationship. Despite the rocky period of his life, Raphael still believes he will find that true connection.
From the ten-track project, Raphael shares ‘Is This Love’ and ‘All Of Me’. Produced by Multi-Grammy Award winning artist Jazzwad, ‘Is This Love’ delves into the realms of classic roots reggae with Raphael questioning whether real genuine love exists, through his infamous robustly soulful performance. Raphael ends the album with a cover of John Legend’s hit, ‘All Of Me’. The stripped-back production allows Raphael to wear his heart on his sleeve and bear all, inviting his fans and prospective listeners into his world, his journey and his truth. His breathtaking version of ‘All Of Me’ received a seal of approval from John Legend himself.
The album also includes previously released singles, the Reprezent approved ‘Can You Feel It’, ‘Same Energy’ and the critically acclaimed ‘A Fool In Love’, which received a firm seal of approval from BBC1xtra’s Seani B and BBC London’s Lionheart. Paying homage to Aswad’s single ‘Bammie Blow’ from their album, ‘New Chapter Of Dub’, ‘A Fool In Love’ was produced by Grammy-nominated producer, Jermaine Forde, the son of Aswad’s Brinsley Forde.
Born in Washington DC, USA now residing Derbyshire UK, Raphael Tate has been steadily climbing up the ranks in the UK music since his 2020 single, ’A Fool In Love’. His subsequent releases, received attention from UK national stations and way beyond, including BBC1 BBC1xtra, BBC London, BBC Leicester, BBC Stoke, BBC West Midlands, Mi-Soul, Phoenix FM, SoulCityTheBeat in Italy, South Africa’s Ubuntu FM, plus many more. ‘Everyday Is Mother’s Day’ – an tribute to his late mother – was featured twice on Reprezent radio, while ‘Blessed’ was named Track of the Week by Premiere Gospel.
Raphael Tate broadened his horizon and took to the stage of ITV’s Starstruck back in 2023, where he impersonated the Godfather of Soul James Brown, impressing judges Adam Lambert, Beverley Knight, Rowland Keating and Jason Mansford.
More recently, Raphael has circulated venues across the UK with his compelling live performances. A resident artist at London’s The 606 Club since the beginning of 2023, Raphael Tate has been an opening act for the legendary Odyssey in 2024 at The Robin in Wolverhampton. He also opened for legendary reggae group, Black Uhuru at Camden’s iconic venue Jazz Café and Band on the Wall in Manchester during their 2024 UK & European tour. Raphael Tate will once again open for Black Uhuru on their 2025 UK & European tour at London’s venues, Jazz Cafe on 30th June and Fox and Kirkin on 1st July.
Now Raphael Tate is getting ready to share singles ‘Is This Love’ & ‘All Of Me’ from his new album. With today’s society marred with so much division, due to cultural/region differences, so-called gender wars and unhealed traumas, Raphael gives a reminder, through his latest offering, that we can still choose connection over conflict. Through bearing his soul to the world, he hopes to encourage others to do the same.
EMILI’s self-written/produced single, ‘House Wife’ – out now across various music platforms – started as a fun idea from a funky beat she made.
Emili’s former day-to-day life could be described as a dutiful housewife, spending her time cooking and cleaning while steadily growing her music career. She once joked to a friend: ‘What about go for a walk, quick coffee shop, no 9-5 but the work never stops’? The quick witted line formed the first verse of ‘House Wife’.
With a gleeful fusion of jazz, funk and pop, ‘House Wife’ evolved into a playful anthem about loving the ‘housewife’ lifestyle – but when producing the single, Emili was conscious of the fact, while she enjoyed being a housewife, the role may be viewed as outdated and sexist by today’s standards. This prompted Emili to look into the typical life of a 1950s housewife, which inspired her to add a bridge to reflect the 50s ideals, and the ending as a little nod to how it was sold as ‘the dream’. Among the feel good vibes and humorous lyrics, there is an underline statement to the single: being a housewife is only a pleasant experience if it’s a choice.
‘House Wife’ serves as a teaser to Emili’s work-in-progress album set for an early 2026 release, and marks new chapter of incorporating humour in her music, bringing her closer to her quirky retro sound.
Counting Sabrina Carpenter, Adele, Michael Bublé, and Silk Sonic as her biggest Influences, Emili’s passion for music started in high school musical theatre in her native Australia, where she fell in love with storytelling and performing. She continued with acting after school, until her husband encouraged her to pursue music—despite feeling nervous she might not be good enough.
Emili quickly banished her nerves aside and went on a mini tour in Australia in 2024 called Wacky Wonderland. In the same year, Emili released her debut single ‘Vanity’ which she produced entirely on her own. The easy listening ballad was the second song she’d ever written; ‘House Wife’ is the third song she’s written.
First generation Australia, ethnically Macedonian/Serbian, Emili moved to the UK in 2025 to pursue a music career. She’s currently working with Hot Vox and War Child UK to combine music with meaningful causes. Her tour profits went to charities that support children in unfortunate circumstances.
A graduate in Theatre and Music, Emili is becoming force to be reckoned with. A true powerhouse, she has done everything herself—from designing posters and merchandise to writing and producing her songs, and even directing and editing her own music videos. Emili’s other passion are chickens—so much so that her logo is a chicken. She has a chicken tattoo, and her chicken mascot, Steve, features throughout her brand.
To date, Emili’s tracks have accumulated approximately 30,000 streams from building her fanbase through open mic nights and from the firm support of family and friends sharing her music.
As Emili is currently finalising her album for an early 2026 release, she teases us with the infectious single ‘House Wife’, out now for your pleasure across various music platforms.
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