Album Interview: Da Street Poet – Natty Boi Zoe

I caught up with New Yorker NATTY BOI ZOE for the second time, to discuss his latest album ‘Da Street Poet’, out now for your pleasure, how he coped during the pandemic and his plans for the rest of 2021. Why not check him out below…

NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2021 treating you so far?

NBZ: 2021 been crazy in every direction but I’m good mentally and physically, just Learning to adapt to these new changes

NLM: You released your album, ‘Da Street Poet’ back in May. What is the public perception on the project so far?

NBZ: So I got good reviews, nothing negative but their always room for improvement…

NLM: How would you describe the album’s sound to potential fans?

NBZ: It’s more on the Poetic and Hip-Pop side…

NLM: What inspired you to produce the album?

NBZ: Life is my biggest inspiration, I really love music it’s a part of my soul…

NLM: What is/are your favourite single(s) from the album and why?

NBZ: We Litt , Get Right and Winners Circle – that’s the mind frame I’m on right now in every aspect…

NLM: What message would you like the listeners to take away from your album?

NBZ: Acceptance, growth, greatness, self confidence and self worth in ones own abilities…

NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on the album, who would it be and why?

NBZ: Brent Faiyaz my Boi is killing it right now, very talented

NLM: Do you have other project(s) for 2021?

NBZ: Yeah I’m working on my new EP amazing new sound coming up…

NLM: How can potential fans find you?

NBZ: Instagram NattyBoiZoe everything

NLM: Finally, any special shout outs to those involved in the production of ‘Da Street Poet’?

NBZ: Shout out to my producer juice cannon, Dice Cannon, Smitty, Gerald.

Da Street Poet is out now

Album Interview: Don’t Come In Here – Oloff

Ever since OLOFF graced this blog with his album, ‘Life’s Got You Riveted’, which was placed at #6 on New Lease Music’s Top Ten Albums of 2016 list, I’ve been so mesmerised how this Bristolian artist experiments with different genres without fear. So I’m absolutely pleased to have a chat with him about his album ‘Don’t Come In Here’. So sit back and have a read as this convo this an absolute belter. Enjoy!

NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2021 treating you so far?

O: You’re welcome. 2021 has been kind of crazy, I’ve released 2 albums and gone through a breakup. I have a 3rd album and a book on the way. I’m keeping extremely busy, time is passing by quite slowly.

NLM You released your album, ‘Don’t Come In Here’ back in March. What is the public perception on the project so far?

O: I haven’t done enough to promote it so I don’t know. I’ve temporarily given up on promoting music because I don’t have the time or the money for it, so right now I’m focusing on building up a catalogue and not paying any attention to the numbers at all. Then when I have some leverage I will have loads of songs already released.

NLM: How would you describe the album’s sound to potential fans?

O: Electronic experimental hip-hop. Drugs.

NLM: What inspired you to produce the album?

O: I had a bad acid trip a couple of years ago and this album was kind of the culmination of my efforts to get over the things I saw on that trip. It was also about being stuck in a room during lockdown, the ups and downs of my relationship, and at times also the fun/humour of living such a life and experimenting with weird substances. In the end the theme is about trust I suppose, not really being able to ever fully trust people but having to do so for your own sanity.

NLM: What is/are your favourite single(s) from the album and why?

O: Parsons and Be Yourself. I think Parsons is the best sounding song I’ve made and I think Be Yourself is the most meaningful.

NLM: What message would you like the listeners to take away from your album?

O: Do whatever you can to be happy, stay true to yourself, be wary, get outside as much as you can.



NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on the album, who would it be and why?


O: Good question. I think Kevin Gates would be interesting, because it would be such a different sound for him, but some of the themes are kind of similar (love, trust issues, substance abuse etc.) Maybe a verse on I Don’t Wanna Know.

NLM: Do you have other project(s) for 2021?

O: Yeah, shortly after this I released Oak Tree which I think is a masterpiece. I also have a project called Sameways coming out in the next few months. And a self-help book, which I think is going to be really good and will help a lot of people with their depression. I’m also regularly releasing singles and videos on my YouTube channel.O

NLM: How can potential fans find you?

O: @oloffmusic on Instagram, Oloff on spotify or YouTube.com/OloffMusic

NLM: Finally, any special shout outs to those involved in the production of ‘Don’t Come Back Here’?

O: Just me. So, hang in there Oloff! You big bald c**t.

Don’t Come Back Here is now out

Album Interview: Far From Home – Acebergtm

ACEBERGTM is among the hottest artists to come out from Nigeria, so it was an absolute pleasure to catch up him to talk about his highly-anticipated EP ‘Far From Home’ and what inspired him to produce the six-track set.

NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2021 treating you so far?

A: I feel excited and happy about the new release, the response has been amazing and it’s keeps getting better every day.

NLM: You released your EP, ‘Far From Home’ in April. What is the public perception on the project so far?

A: Most of people say it’s unique and different, exactly what I hoped for it to be. Got new fans and the energy is really positive.

NLM: How would you describe the EP’s sound to potential fans?

A: I call my sound GOOD MUSIC, I’m all about trying out a lot of sounds with the aim of making a wonderful song.

NLM: What inspired you to produce the EP?

A: FAR FROM HOME was inspired by the thought of me trying to be different from everybody else. And as a rapper trying to show more versatility and fitting into my own space in the music industry. The aim of this release is to connect with everybody around the world through my music, that’s what “Far from home” is all about.

NLM: What is your favourite single from the EP and why?

My favorite single on the EP is Loyal, the last track on there. I really connected with the son due to personal experiences and the mood I had while I was writing the song.

NLM: What message would you like the listeners to take away from your EP?

A: I don’t know, let’s see about that.

NLM: Do you have other project(s) for 2021?

A: I’m working on an album but I can’t say yet when that would be released.

NLM: How can potential fans find you?

My music is on all streaming platforms, check out the FAR FROM HOME EP. On social media it’s @acebergtm on twitter, Instagram and others.

NLM: Finally, any special shout outs to those involved in the production of ‘Far From Home’?

A: Shout out to everyone supporting God bless y’all. The team, producers i worked with and also the label (SJW). I really appreciate the love and support.

Far From Home is available across all music platforms

Album Interview: HomeBody – Bill Jr. Jr.

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?

BJ: Daniel Mcnamara and Dan Nettles!

Bill jr. Jr’ s ‘Homebody’ is available now on download and streaming sites.

Interview with Alex Bent + The Emptiness

NEW LEASE MUSIC has been chilling out with Canadian singer/songwriter/producer ALEX BENT, who released his latest EP ‘Vanilla Blue’. I found out about the progress of the seven-track production since its release…and the inspiration behind that sweet, sweet crazy (I mean that respectfully!) sound featured in the album. So are you ready to go? Good…happy reading!

NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How’s life treating you?

AB: Life is going alright. Thank you.

NLM: You released your EP, Vanilla Blue back in May. What the story behind the release?

AB: I’ve been working on it for a few years now. It means a lot to me and I’m happy it is continuing to age well as I come back to it. I’ve never been this proud of a project before.

NLM: What’s the public’s perception of the EP so far?

AB: People seem to be liking it. It’s my hope that people feel an emotional connection to these songs.

NLM: What’s your favourite single from the EP and why?

AB: “52” is my favorite. I was able to tap into a feeling I’ve been searching for as long as I’ve been writing songs.

NLM: What was your inspiration for writing the album?

AB: I was inspired by life and what I was seeing as well as what I wish I was seeing. It’s a perfect snapshot of where I’m at in my life right now.

NLM: What’s your inspiration for creating such a unique sound?

AB: I’ve been playing in bands since I was 12. I’ve gone through phases of listening to everything. I think I was able to find a sound that really captured all of my influences while still sounding true to myself.

NLM: So how would you describe your sound to someone who hasn’t heard your songs?

AB: Alternative Pop Rock or something like that

NLM: If you had the chance to collaborate with ONE mainstream artist on your EP, who would it be?

AB: Phil Collins

NLM: Besides the release of your EP, what are your plans for the rest of 2018?

AB: I’m going through a lot of life changes right now. It’s my hope to play some more shows at the end of the summer. I’m also very early into the process of starting the next album.

NLM: Finally, how can potential fans make contact with you?

AB: You can find me on social media. Send me a message. I’m looking to make some new friends!!

Twitter: @alexandertbent
Instagram: @alexanderbent
Facebook: www.facebook.com/iamtheemptiness
Websites: www.iamtheemptiness.com ; www.vanillablue.ca

Vanilla Blue is available all major download/streaming sites