UK trap artist ESSEO‘s single, ‘Bliss’ carries on the spacey ambient vibe from his full length project Neptunes, released February 2021. Reminiscent of artists like PARTYNEXTDOOR, Lil Uzi Vert and Bryson Tiller, yet driven by a UK aesthetic, his music makes perfect for long night time drives.
A member of the Nothing Was Easy collective, Esseo is no stranger to the music industry, previously releasing under the moniker Scorpio. Esseo’s early music was also endorsed by British DJ Trevor Nelson and Ewan Grant (Ministry of Sound).
Why not check out the official video for ‘Bliss’ below…
After the release of the highly successful singles ‘Ways’ and ‘Wasted Times’, YOUNG PASCAL has fulfilled the promise for an epic follow-up with his latest single ‘City Lights’, this time teaming up with fellow Perth artist Perry P and New Zealand based Kid Rey.
‘City Lights’ is the young artist’s fifth single to date, and is a true extension of his fusion of conscious rap lyrics and a melodic vocal performance which is reminiscent of the in-demand melodic rap movement making waves across the globe.
Even with vocal presets, Young Pascal brings in a certain dark rawness to set the tone for the record. Kid Rey, then Perry P, follow respectively with their feature verses, this time tapping into moody vocals in their own styles, rounding out the overall song.
Speaking on the inspiration behind the track, Young Pascal says: “City lights is all about getting lost in the sauce and losing yourself to chasing that temporary kick of happiness in life which happens to more and more people nowadays and an example is clout-chasing. People are so infatuated with their likes or follower count to feel like they are worthy, they’re getting blinded by the lights!”
Hailing from San Diego, hip hop artist and songwriter, DON FAVELLI has just released his brand new video for intro track ‘Everybody (Intro)’ which he described as the “opening act” for his ‘Relationships Are Hard’ album. Favelli calls the album a modern day hip hop version of a romantic novel with lustful passions, toxic dysfunction, jealousy and betrayal, fact-free romanticizing and ultimately true love.
OLOFF circles back to the limelight with second project of the year, ‘Sameways’, which sonically takes on a more sombre route than its predecessor, ‘Expat’, which carries an appeasing presence of retro soul and samples that’s associated with the Golden Hollywood era.
A downtempo, yet somewhat airy electronic drive dominates the ten track set momentarily interrupted by melodic chants (as heard in intro track, ‘Always’), 808/hip-hop beats (in ‘Bonce’ and ‘Half Open’).
Covering the themes of eternal recurrence, amphetamines, paranoia and circular living, ‘Sameways’ concludes with alternating sounds of industrial soundscapes, that can pierce through the coldest of souls, and hypnotic chants.
Sometimes, I wonder what goes through the mind of this indie rapper, who creatives extreme off-the-cuff material that somehow (I think) has potential widespread appeal. If you’re inquisitive enough to enter Oloff’s world, why not hit the button on the album below.
I am so chuffed to have caught up with K-RIZ, one of the hottest Canadian artists around, to discuss latest critically acclaimed album, ‘Peace & Love’as well as his plans for the rest of 2021.
I don’t think there’s no need for a big introduction for this guy – by the time you finish reading this Q&A, trust me, you’ll love his music as much as I do…so let’s get down to it.
NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2021 treating you so far?
K: Thank you for having me! Y’all have been showing so much love over the past year, I’m truly thankful. 2021 has been good to me. Released a lot of music this year, and I’m finally feeling as close to 100% as I can from a car accident in 2020. Feeling good and looking forward.
NLM: You released your album, ‘Peace & Love’ last month (24th September). What is the public perception on the project so far?
K: The perception has been really cool, and surprising. I’m pretty surprised by the songs people are loving. “A City Too Small,” for example, is really hitting people. I don’t really expect much when I release music, so any love shown is always a plus.
NLM: How would you describe the album’s sound to potential fans?
K: The sound ranges from classic hip-hop to full out R&B songs with live instrumentation. I’m definitely a student of the game and I embrace all styles of music, from the old to the new. So I wanted that aspect represented throughout the album.
NLM: What inspired you to produce the album?
K: I wanted to make a happier and more conscious album, but there were so many negative things in my life that I never dealt with or maybe I avoided them. In order for the music to be authentic and genuine, I had to embrace what I was feeling. An album I was listening to was The Velvet Rope by Janet Jackson. She was very raw and emotional on that record. I heard the vulnerability and I felt that was the way to go.
NLM: What is/are your favourite single(s) from the album and why?
K: “A City Too Small” – love the darkness of the track and the bassline in the hook. “The View” – I loved how this song came together. It’s a song you can close your eyes to and drift away from start to finish. I always feel better after listening to it. “I Don’t Trust You” – it’s a song that gets me moving every time.
NLM: What message would you like the listeners to take away from your album?
K: I hope people hear a person who is human and healing. I’m sure we are all healing from something, so I hope the music heals and shows that it’s okay to go through these things, to feel and find a way to release these feelings and thoughts.
NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on the album, who would it be and why?
K: It would have to be Nas. That’s my favorite rapper of all time. That will always be my answer until it happens.
NLM: Do you have other project(s) for 2021?
K: We got some visual projects in the works, as well as features. I’m currently headed back to the studio to begin work on the follow-up. Staying busy, always.
NLM: How can potential fans find you?
K: The best place to find me is on my website at krizmusic.com and you can also find me on the socials.
NLM: Finally, any special shout outs to those involved in the production of ‘Peace & Love?
K: I want to shout out and thank the entire HonorRoll Music Collective. This album is a stamp on a great era for us musically. Also, everyone involved in making this album and encouraging me to release it. Y’all know who y’all are! Thank you to the people out there listening.
New Lease Music 