Dutch singer ,songwriter and producer, ROMY DYA has revealed the official video for ‘Use U’ with K1D, directed by Djodjo Pongo and shot by Cherry Visuals.
Lifted from her debut LP, I FKN LOVE MYSELF, ‘Use U’ is about giving off low vibrations and filling up that emptiness you feel inside post break-up; dating or having a one-night-stand when you still have to work on yourself. Together with Belgian-based rapper K1D, Romy also shows the male perspective.
‘I FKN LOVE MYSELF’ is a memoir of the trials and tribulations that she has faced throughout her life and a reminder to love herself unconditionally. Combining R&B, Soul, Jazz and Pop, Romy has already been working hard behind the scenes, with cuts on records from Ghostface Killah to Martin Garrix.
The latest focus track follows on from singles ‘She’, ‘Thank You’, ‘Unspoken’, ‘RomCom’ & ‘What Is Love’. Check out the official video for ‘Use u’ below…
Continuing their burgeoning musical alliance, UK Hip Hop vocalist, NICK BREWER‘s (pictured) and critically acclaimed songwriter and producer, Phil Simmonds’ second single together, ‘Same Window’, elicits the same soulful yet expressive sound the two talented artists have forged across their collaboration. The flow of effortless vocals from Nick and the production prowess of Phil makes for a unique project that’s hard to ignore. The track is taken from their 5-track EP collaboration, out now.
The second single to my upcoming EP alongside Phil Simmonds contains the first lyrics written in the first lockdown last year. That feeling of being stuck in the same spot, not knowing where to move to, but a feeling of hope deep down – Nick Brewer
Prolific British songwriter and record producer, Phil Simmonds began his career as a live musician and later musical director for major players such as Jessie J, Angel Haze, Zak Abel and Leona Lewis. Finding his strength in collaborations and producing full projects, Phil then went on to produce Eryn Allen Kane’s critically acclaimed ‘A Tree Planted By Water’ project as well as the debut album for Lily Papas and further writing/producing credits for Prince Fox, Olivia O’Brien, Iyamah, Desi Valentine, Stan Taylor and a host of others.
Gaining widespread acclaim in 2015 for his UK top 20 single ‘Talk To Me’ featuring Bibi Bourelly, East London based rapper, Nick Brewer has continued to solidify his presence within UK grime since he burst onto the scene in 2010 and quickly became known for his ability to effortlessly flow with tongue-swirling efficiency.
With a steady stream of releases over the last decade, Nick has worked alongside some of the UK’s largest names in the industry, including Stormzy, Naomi Scott, Little Simz, George the Poet, Barney Artist, Ruby Maze, Kinnship and Tink who featured on his 2015 ‘Warning Light’ EP.
This versatile collaborative project between Nick Brewer and Phil Simmonds showcases a different side to their creativity, an exciting taster of what’s to come. Check out ‘Same Window’ below…
JESSIE LEE eases us into the beginning of the week with her brand new soft pop ballad titled ‘Reflect’. Greeted with magical strings and harmonies, ‘Reflect’ is all about trying to process what’s happening internally while going through difficult times.
The latest offering is designed to release any life’s troubles, encouraging all of us to transport to a happy place.
“For me that means being submerged in nature, ” says Jessie of her single. “A safe space to be reflecting on my thoughts and feelings. Whether that’s through journaling, meditation or anything you do to ease your mind, I hope it inspires you to reflect.”
So have a listen to ‘Reflect’ and delve deep into your thoughts…
Following on from albums, ‘Flowers Of Doubt’ (2019) and ‘Stillborn Flowers’ (2020), Mert Yıldız – otherwise known as RAIN TO RUST – has join forces with artist N.L.P for single, ‘Dead Violets Night.’
The song is a rewriting of a song off Rain To Rust’s ‘Stillborn Flowers’ album: new instrumentation, new lyrics and a new approach. It’s built on analog synth lines and the vocal interplay between two artists with Peter Hook-laden bass leads on top. The result is a catchy and modernised version of a sound that harkens back to a time where Post-Punk bands decided to move into electronica waters.
Rain To Rust is the brainchild of former Dead Man’s Dream and Rhythm 0 guitarist, whereas N.L.P. is the moniker of Istanbul-based Matt Loftin. Since playing with Housing Crash & Foton Kusagi, he’s decided to move into Post-Punk territory – so far he has released three singles.
Although both acts are focusing on their own releases for 2021, ‘Dead Violets Night’ may be the first in line of a series of collaborations…have a listen to the 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?
