Tag: interview

Interview with: Kyle Lettman

kyle-lettman-1-2

It’s been almost a year since KYLE LETTMAN graced his presence on NEW LEASE MUSIC with his epic EP, When It Rains. So it’s an absolute privilege for this smooth R&B crooner to take time out of his busy schedule and give us the lowdown of his near future projects – and more. So I hope you guys are ready!

NLM: First of all, thank you for agreeing to do an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC.

KL: Thank you for showing an interest in what I’m doing, it means a lot.

NLM: Tell us what projects you’re working on at the moment?

KL: Right now I’m in the process of recording an album, whilst also working with my team on promotional music and material that introduces a dance & versatility aspect to my artistry. There’s also some special features coming up to look out for…trust me we have a lot going on at the moment!

NLM: What is your favourite project to date and why?

KL: Hmm.. I love all the projects I’ve done so far because I feel like they’ve all taught me something and I’ve grown from each musical experience, so I couldn’t just pick one haha. However, I could pick a favourite song…which would be Matter Of Time from the Under Construction project. I feel like it’s one of the best songs I’ve written in my short career.

NLM: You were in a R&B/pop group called Fundamental. How does being in a band compare to flying solo?

KL: No comparison, it’s like you’re using a completely different muscle set altogether. With the group, I had my brothers on stage with me and that made performing easier. Going solo means that I have to cover all the bases on my own whilst also doing all the entertaining. Although being in a group is easier, flying solo forces maturity and has more personal rewards.

NLM: You’ve written some lyrics for some of the credible artists in the industry – Frank Ocean, Ne-Yo, Nicole Scherzinger, Kele Le Roc, Varren Wade. What’s it like working with these heavyweights?

KL: I wouldn’t say for, working “with” is more accurate, lol! I could definitely tell you some stories but all in all, each credible artist is just a normal person who happens to be well-known. Frank Ocean and Fundamental 03 practically grew up together while we lived and worked in LA. Neyo is actually a pretty respectful person and really easy to work with -his songwriting skills are a lot better than people think. Kele Le Roc is a beautiful woman inside and out, our duet was the 1st time I was granted a chance at songwriting without the guys from Fundamental… and she was lovely enough to allow that to happen. Varren Wade & Jermaine Riley will be my Brothers for EVER haha.

NLM: How would describe your sound to potential fans? Would you compare yourself to any of your music influences of today?

KL: Hmm… I wouldn’t compare myself but I am definitely a reflection of the artists I love, i.e Usher, Ginuwine, Janet & Michael Jackson. My sound is heavily based in R&B & Soul, but not exclusive to those genres.

NLM: What mainstream (or even indie) artists you’re into at the moment?

KL: I’d love to work with Emeli Sandé and I’m pretty sure that’ll happen in the not so far future.

NLM: If you had a choice to collaborate with just ONE mainstream artist, who would it be and why?

I’d work with Chris Brown or Drake as the truth is whoever they co-sign gets noticed lol. But apart from the obvious, I’d love to work with Lela James, Pixie Lott, James Bay or Ed Sheeran.

NLM: If you were granted three wishes to change the music industry today, what would they be?

NLM: Bring back how music felt in the 90s, unfortunately nowadays there’s literally nothing like that feeling. Bring back Hip Hop too, I miss the Busta Rhymes, DMX, Lisa Left Eye Lopez and the Eve’s. Finally to bring back proper artist development, more raw, real and unique talent such as Prince. Rather than those who have been almost formulated by the music industry to look and sound a certain way.

NLM: How can potential fans make contact with you?

NLM: My Instagram & Twitter is @KyleLettman
Website is KyleLettman.com

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Interview with: Antonia Redding

Antonia Redding in Brighton, England on 29 Decmber 2015.

After reviewing I Find Myself Here, named album of the month by NEW LEASE MUSIC, it’s an absolute pleasure to welcome back ANTONIA REDDING  to find out what she’s up to – and the inspiration behind her latest project.

NLM: First of all, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC

AR: Thank you for inviting me, it’s my pleasure.

NLM: You released your album I Find Myself Here in January. Describe the story behind the project?

AR: Since arriving in UK from Zimbabwe in 2005 I have been writing songs, developing my guitar, percussion and vocal skills and working on live performance practise. By 2013 I had an extensive body of work and my loyal fans began asking when I would bring out a CD. I had made a few attempts at recording but felt that my inadequate understanding of the production process was holding me back from achieving the quality I was after. I started studying production techniques, under the guidance of Joe Watson, and felt that a new doorway had opened up for me.

I decided to record one song with Joe in My 2014. This song was, Hold On, Release, which turned out so well that I decided to stick with Joe and at least record an EP. In fact 18 months later I had a twelve track album, I Find Myself Here, not just of my back catalogue but containing 5 songs I wrote during the recording process. Although Joe and I are mostly responsible for the instrumentation, I have also had some wonderfully accomplished guest artists. All in all this has produced an album that has exceeded my expectations.

 

NLM: What’s the public reception on the album?

AR: I have received a wonderful reaction to the album. My loyal fans who loved my songs really appreciated the quality of production. Those who did not know my music before have given great feedback about the lyrics, vocals and musicianship on the album. It has been described as ‘real’, ‘authentic’, ‘uplifting’, ‘heartfelt’, ‘deep’, ‘joyful’, ‘beautiful’ and ‘passionate’. Many have commented on the African rhythms that weave their way all through the album, giving it a unique feel.

NLM: What’s your favourite track on the album and why?

AR: I have different favourites at different times, depending on my mood, but if I had to pick one it would be Hearts and Stars. This song is special to me as I created it at one of my darkest times, and yet is so uplifting and filled with hope it makes me bounce with joy. It represents the essence of what songwriting is for me. A form of alchemy that transmutes dark powerful overwhelming emotions into something beautiful and joyful.

 


NLM: How would you describe your sound to potential fans?

AR: Deep and thoughtful lyrics with a blend of folk sounds, rock guitar, interesting instruments and African rhythms.

NLM: If you were to collaborate with just ONE chart-topping artist of today, who would it be?

AR: Of all the chart toppers, I have always admired Eminem as a lyricist. I enjoy hip hop beats and the way they are a vehicle for strong lyrics and vocals. I am always interested in doing collaborations outside of my primary genre, to extend my musical boundaries and expand my vocal abilities. So I would love to collaborate with Eminem.

NLM: If you were granted three wishes to change the music industry, what would they be?

AR: The music industry is in a state of rapid change at the moment due to advances in technology and access via the internet. I believe that this means the wishes I have for the industry are coming to pass.

a) A democratisation of the industry, that is more artist than label focused. We have better access to a wider range of independent artists who are driving their own success and are not so ‘hit’ focused, as is the limited field of major record labels. This means there is greater scope for creativity and the emergence of new and exciting sounds, and a focus on ‘great’ songs instead.

b) A crossover of global artists working together creating new future sounds.

c) Greater expansion and focus on live gigs and musical experiences.

NLM: What are your plans for the rest of 2016? Do you have any upcoming gigs/other projects?

AR: 2016 is an exciting year for me. With my album completed I can focus more on live gigs. Primarily my partner and I are developing an exclusive, private live venue in Brighton. I will be performing here over the summer and plan to develop live streaming of these events to make the live experience available to my global fans.

I have an exciting gig at Zimfest, Oslo, in Norway at the end of August. Not only will I have the chance to perform my songs, I have the great honour of performing backing vocals with Busi Ncube. She is a Zimbabwean legend and has always been one of my favourite live artists.

As far as writing and production go, I am collaborating with some different artists, in and out of my primary genre. I am coming up with some interesting new songs and expanding my vocal range.

NLM: How can potential fans reach you?

AR: Potential fans can reach me via my website www.antoniaredding.com

NLM: Finally, if music didn’t exist, what other profession would you do?

AR: If music didn’t exist I would be an environmentalist. I love nature and am keen to find sustainable solutions to live harmoniously, rather than erroneously on this earth. I believe that this planet as our common ground, and what unites us as humanity. I hope that as humans we realise how petty our perceived differences are in the face of a universal view.

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Interview with: 3KNGZ

3Kngz interview pic

Meru Muad’Dib (right) and Chill – aka 3KNGZ  – have been firm regulars on NEW LEASE MUSIC, always challenging us to seek out serious messages in a string of out-of-sight tracks. Their single, Unload, Explode, Reload was named Song of 2015 by this blog…and it’s about time we got to know these conscious emcees. So are you ready? Good!

NLM: Who’s speaking on behalf of 3Kngz?

It’s Meru here.

NLM: First of all, congratulations on your track Unload, Explode and Reload – it was named the Song of 2015 by NEW LEASE MUSIC. What’s the reception been like on this track?

Meru: Thank you Tracey!! It’s been cool. People dig the beat. Most of the feedback has been that we still have it. We’re old school cats. The beat produced by Dro by the Key(Alejandro Rivera) is newer school. So we had to mos def be on point with the flows. So people saying we still have it means we brought it. That’s a nice compliment! They recognize we have different flows and rhyme patterns based in the beat. They’re listeners which is another compliment because they listen. A lot of people don’t listen very well.

 

NLM: So tell us how did 3KNGZ come to life?

Meru: A guy I used to rhyme with bumped into one of my old producers. I hadn’t seen him in almost 10 years. In those 10 or so years, he went on to receive a few Grammy awards. He is Sham of the world-famous ‘Trak Starz.’ We used to do Christian rap in the late 90’s together. His claim to fame is producing for the rapper Chingy. ‘Right Thurr’ put those guys on the Hip Hop map. They’ve sold like 20 million units worldwide. So we ended up in the studio at Sham’s house and the 3KNGZ were formed. Initially everything was produced by the Trak Starz. Eventually Sham went on to do other things and we’ve kept it going. That was in 2010 when it was formed. We’ve gone through a couple of line up changes but we’re still here!

NLM: How would you describe your sound to potential fans?

Meru: It’s almost like new age gospel music. Hard beats. Trap beats in some cases. But uplifting hard flowing lyrics being delivered. Definitely poetic and prophetic. Soulful!

NLM: You have pretty neat discography. What’s your proudest work and why?

Meru: An unreleased song called 50 Bullets. It’s our most poignant work to date. Chill is writing the script for the video and it’s going to be a very important statement. It speaks to the heart of what most deem the problem with hip-hop today.

NLM: Who are your musical or non-musical influences?

Meru: For me it’s Saul Williams, Public Enemy, X Clan, Midnite, Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye.

NLM: If you were to collaborate with just ONE chart-topping artist of today, who would it be and why?

Meru: J Cole. He is soulful. He is socially conscious also. He has great heart-felt songs. Or Saul Williams. That guy says some of the craziest stuff. He’s always raising the bar.

NLM: What are your plans for 2016?

Meru: We are continuing our diaper drive and stop the violence movements.

NLM: Do you have any upcoming gigs/projects?

Meru: We are working on our next mixtape and original album.

NLM: How can potential fans reach you?

Email us at chillof3kngz@gmail.com

Twitter: @the3kngz

FB: 3Kngz

NLM: Finally, if music didn’t exist, what other profession would you do?

Meru: Conducting writing workshops for children. It’s actually my job. I work with different non-profit organizations. All of them benefit children in some way or another. I teach poetry, creative writing, and hip-hop. I’ve been doing it since 2007.

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Interview with: Sticky Blood (on their latest EP Blood is Stickier than Water)

tracey and sticky blood

I dropped in at the Red Bull Studios for a quick chat with Jamie Shield (left) and Andy Nicholson (right) -aka –STICKY BLOOD about their latest EP, Blood Is Stickier Than Water, released through their label Card Bang Music and their plans for 2016.

NLM: You released your EP Blood Is Stickier Than Water back in september. How would you describe their latest release to potential fans.

Andy: It’s a difficult one to describe as we cover a broad range of sound and It doesn’t sit in one particular genre. But if we have to describe the EP it’s dark, moody anthems.

NLM: On each track from the EP, you featured different artists – from Terri Walker to up-and-coming singer Hekky, who’s been a firm collaborator. How did that relationship started?

Jamie: We known him for years, so the relationship was pretty much already there. He went away and  did his own thing and we did our thing. The time felt right when he started releasing some music that we liked and we started collaborating again.

NLM: So what is your favourite track from the EP?

Andy: Balance is a definite favourite for me and Let Me Down but my favourites change from one week to the next.


Jamie: One Bar In.

NLM: With this EP, you experimented with drum’n’bass, dubstep with electronic basslines. Is there any other genres you would like experiment in future projects?

Andy: I think we use all those sounds mix together and we’re influenced by all of them individually,  so it only seems right to pull little bits from each one and make a completely new sound.

Jamie: I think it’s all about how it sounds at the end. I wouldn’t want to give it a genre – because he (Andy) would change his mind at the end of the week!

NLM: How about experimenting with a bit a disco or reggae?

Andy: Hmm…maybe not disco…maybe dabble in a bit of R&B and dubstep and possibly reggae, a real merger!

NLM: You worked with different artists, including Terri Walker. What’s it like working with her?

Jamie: We’re sick and tired of Terri! No joke aside, Terri is like family to us, she’s been back a few years with us. If it wasn’t for her, we probably wouldn’t be where we are today. She wanted us to work on her album and we jumped at the chance. We did seven tracks in which all ended up on her album

NLM: Is there anyone else you would like to work with?

Jamie: There’s a range of singers and rappers we like to work with. We particularly like to work with  Gaby Henshaw. Although we’re happy working with artists we have, we’re always looking for  new and established artists to collaborate with.

NLM: So tell us more about Gaby Henshaw?

She’s an up-and-coming singer  who did a track for us under a different name on a separate project which  panned out  perfectly.

NLM: So what’s your plans for 2016?

Jamie: Just keep on improving on tracks and keep getting better.

Andy: The aim for this year to reach to a wider audience. We want more of our artists to release more music,  and to build on our label.

NLM: Any upcoming gigs?

Jamie: Not as yet.  We want to get to the stage where we can perform live comfortably; doing it right and sound right and carry the vibe how we want it to.

Andy: We toyed with a few ideas for a live setting, but for now we want to produce more tracks and generate a few more ideas for what we can do in that sort of environment – we’ll get there, possibly next year!

NLM: You’ve done two EPs in 2015. Will this year see you guys going a full-length album?

Andy: We’ll continue to do individual songs for now, probably next year.

NLM: Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

Andy: I like to think, hopefully by then, we push out at least an album. I say that but it might take longer; we wait a couple of years and get it right. Hopefully more people will know about what we’re going.

NLM: Thank you for taking part in this interview, well appreciated it

No problem, it was our pleasure.

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Interview with: Gena Perala

gena perala

Her singles Superstar Supernova and Hoopla were one of the most listened tracks on NEW LEASE MUSIC this year. Now GENA PERALA recently released the music video to her single, Fat World…but before you check it out, come and get to know this Canadian singer/songwriter. 

NLM: You just released the video to single, Fat World (very cool production btw!). Although your effort has the fun factor, it also has a message of reckoning and accepting your personal insecurities. Are you hoping that Fat World will be the anthem for young girls to overcome society’s idea of the ‘perfect body image?

GP: Yes the Video was fun! And thanks for the props! Keep in mind though that the song is as much about sex as it is about body image. I think it’s important that we as a culture get more comfortable hearing women talk about sex but I wouldn’t say the song is anthem worthy especially for young girls. It’s also about being honest with yourself and accepting who you are, bad choices and all. I fear the sarcasm and irony might get lost on some people as well. Having said that, if this song helps anyone overcome society’s pressure to look a certain way then I’d feel great about that.

NLM: The single is coming from your 2014 album Exactly Nowhere. What’s the reception been like on the album so far?

GP: I’d say the reception has been really good. Unfortunately it’s been quite small. I’m pretty unknown but my experiences touring the album were amazing. It appealed to all demographics and genders, which was a huge measure of success for me. Some people have a hard time understanding the scope of the album thinking I’ve combined too many genres and I get that. I personally hear a cohesiveness but it’s definitely more conceptual cohesiveness than every song having the same sound. So that’s been a bit of a challenge. I would like to see Canadian radio supporting it more as well as my own city of Vancouver. I’m enjoying making videos for all the songs that’s for sure! And the videos are being received really well however small the scope.

NLM: Out of interest, what’s your favourite track on the album and why?

GP: I don’t think I have a favourite track. I like to say “they’re all my children” but there are certain things that I really love about certain songs. Fine is so simple and hauntingly pretty and the opening verse is quite perfect if you know the story behind it. Hip Hop and Cartoons means a lot to me. There’s the shock value of course but it also expresses my respect and gratitude to Hip Hop and to shows like The Simpsons and South Park for speaking hard truths in a way people can hear. Life is hard is one of my favourites lyrically and of course Exactly Nowhere, for many reasons, one being that it brought me my album title.

 

 

NLM: You’ve been described as a cross between country singer/songwriter Jewel and electro punk singer/producer Peaches (personally New Lease Music think you’re the 21st century version of Tori Amos). Have you had any other comparisons?

GP: Wow, thank you. I’m honoured to be compared to all those talented women and yes I’ve been compared to a lot of people actually. None of which have been insulting. I think the Jewel meets Peaches description just communicates well. The lyrical singer songwriter meets the shocking unapologetic conceptual artist.

NLM: Who are your musical (or non-musical) influences?

GP:Many many influences. From Folk artists to Pop and R&B, Trap, Soul, Hip Hop – So many influences. Poetry is also a big one.

NLM: If you were to collaborate with just ONE chart-topping artist of today, who would it be?

GP: Ok so I had to go to the billboard charts to see what my options were and the stand outs that I would want to collaborate with because I think we could make the best music together are: Shrillex and Diplo, Drake, Ed Sheeran and The Weeknd. I think I’m going to go with Shrillex and Diplo but if Drake calls, I’m ready.

NLM: So what are your plans for 2015 and beyond? Do you have any upcoming gigs?

GP: I am currently in the studio recording my next album. I also have an electronic collaboration I’ve been working on that I’m loving and my band Tomgirl is probably going to work on a new EP as well. I’m also going to continue making videos so expect to keep seeing those.

NLM: How can potential fans reach you?

GP: I am on all the usual social medias and it’s great to hear from fans!
Website: http://www.genaperala.com/
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/genaperala
Twitter: https://twitter.com/genaperala
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GenaPeralaMusic
Instagram: http://instagram.com/genaperala/
Join Mailing List: https://tinyletter.com/genaperala
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/exactly-nowhere/id655239649

NLM: Finally, if music didn’t exist, what other profession would you do?

GP: Dancer. Or Public Defender probably.

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