‘ The Artform’ is a collaboration between two unique and very talented hip-hop artists: CONFUCIUS MC and MR BROWN.
The production showcases a classic sense of groove and masterful use of samples, producing a solid mixture of unique beats. Confucius’ intelligent lyrics and superb flow combine perfectly with the beats to make a riveting and dynamic collection of songs. The accompanied video was shot during a brief visit to Morocco, displaying a journey through the vibrant and art filled streets of the city of Essaouira, once the home of the late Jimi Hendrix.
Possessing a unique voice which cuts through the clichéd conversations, CONFUCIUS MC has been active in the London hip-hop scene for several years, garnering praise as one half of live act ‘Con+Kwake’ and supporting the likes of Mos Def, Public Enemy and Slum Village .His debut release ‘The Highest Order’ (YNR Productions) has firmly established him as one of London’s emerging new talents.
We Stay True’s recruit MR BROWN has been quietly producing tracks for nearly two decades. After a handful of releases including 2 volumes of his ‘Beats for Days’ instrumental series and a spattering of collaborations (Planet Asia, Copywrite, Beneficence, MCM) he crossed paths with CONFUCIUS MC through a mutual friend and instantly knew they could make something special. Henceforth… and ‘The Artform was born.
ANGEL is back again, dropping his visual for latest single ‘No Days Off’, taking from the EP, ‘More of Her’, released back in April.
The three-and-a-half-minute production shows various footage of the UK upcoming R&B sensation grinding HARD for a living.
‘No Days Off’ is the third release of ‘More of Her EP, following opening track ‘Open Road’ and previous offering, ‘Hi Grade’, which premiered on The Fader.
There are more tracks and visuals in the pipeline..look out for that on NEW LEASE MUSIC…but for now, check out this bad boy production.
SOPHIE LONGSHAW is well on her way to becoming one of NEW LEASE MUSIC’s new favourites. Not only the flame-haired songstress bagged of herself the Music Video of the Week title for latest single ‘Hold You’ – for two consecutive weeks – her previous effort, ‘In the Morning’ was also featured on NEW LEASE MUSIC’S Top Ten Songs of 2016. I think it’s about time we find out more about this star-on-a-very-steady-rise.
NLM: Hey how you doing? Thanks for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC
SL: Hey! Not too bad thank you, I can’t believe Summer is here. Thanks for having me!
NLM: First of all, I wanted ask you about your latest single ‘Hold You’ – which was the most popular track on NEW LEASE MUSIC back in March – what was the public perception of the single beyond the blog?
SL: Yeah it did incredibly well. I think people were surprised to hear something that wasn’t indie-folk and a little bit different to my other tracks. It’s got a real punch to it and it’s the track I get the most messages and comments about!
NLM: Your single ‘In the Morning’ was ranked #8 on NEW LEASE MUSIC’s Top Ten Songs of 2016. Have a generated other accolades elsewhere? Please share!
SL: That’s nuts! The video for it premiered on Gigwise and we were No.1 trending for over a week. I’ve had the most amazing messages where fans have told me they really connected with the song and it helped them through difficult times in their life. For me, knowing my music can help someone is an accolade for me.
NLM: You’ve cranked up quite an impressive discography! What’s your favourite track to date and why?
SL: Definitely ‘Let’s Go To The Beach’! When I first started writing it, it was a private letter to myself to get through a tough time and now it’s my most listened to track on Spotify! I love playing it live, I’ve seen people slow-dancing to it and the love you feel in the room at that moment is unreal.
NLM: How would you describe your sound to potential fans?
SL: I guess you’d say soulful indie-folk with a modern twist.
NLM: If you were to collaborate with just ONE chart-topping artist of today, who would it be and why?
SL: She’s not exactly chart-topping but I absolutely ADORE her… and that person is Lianne La Havas. She is so so so talented. I don’t know anyone else who can hold an audience like she can. What a woman.
NLM: If you had three wishes to change the music industry today, what would they be?
SL: *Creating quality music takes time and it’s a shame that unless you’re selling millions of albums you just can’t make a living so I’d say higher rates for streaming and YouTube views. No-one wants to pay for music anymore but unfortunately we can’t make music all our lives for nothing.
* EQUALITY FOR MEN AND WOMEN!!! More women in higher jobs with better pay – Vanessa Knight is a prime example. She mentored me at the start of all of this and I think she is just fantastic…. she runs her own label, has managed and helped many artists and I think we need more women like her. It hasn’t been an easy road for her but slowly but surely we are paving the way to equality.
* Unfortunately to get anywhere these days you need the image. I’d want press to change completely. Image isn’t everything and I am so sick and tired of seeing polished photoshopped artists all over magazines and the internet. Critiques of female artists often refer to their appearance as well as their musical ability which is ludicrous!
NLM: So what plans you have for 2017? Any upcoming gigs or album?
SL: No plans for an album as of yet, but we’ve definitely got a few singles in the pipeline… watch this space…
NLM: How can potential fans reach you?
SL: If you want to have a little listen to my tracks you can search “Sophie Longshaw” into Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, Soundcloud and YouTube.
If you wanna keep up with what I’m up to, you can find me on the usual social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram).
NLM: Finally, If music didn’t exist, what would you do?
We’d probably have turned into some mutant zombies by now if music didn’t exist. What a dull world that would be! If I wasn’t writing songs I’d be writing anything and everything!
Steadily making their mark with their distinctive, genre defying sounds and thought-provoking observations on identity and challenging social norms and roles, Murkage Dave and Patrick Scally – aka – HALFBROTHER return with ‘God Bless England’ – a poignant reflection on post-Brexit Britain.
The song is the follow-up to the duo’s debut single ‘Go Tell The Mandem’, which was hailed by i-D as ‘quietly profound’ and ‘remarkably lucid’.
Forming after collaborating on ‘Car Bomb’ – which became a cult hit last year and culminated in support from Pharrell Williams on his Beats 1 radio show – HALFBROTHER’s unique take on alternative R&B influenced sounds has been garnering them a loyal legion of fans and catching the attention of outlets such as DIY, Earmilk and Mass Appeal.
They recently brought their first performance as a duo to The Old Blue Last as the main opening act for Star Slinger and later this year they are set to release their debut album ‘Men Can’t Protect You Anymore’ which will feature more new music and exciting collaborations with UK Hip-Hop artist Oscar #worldpeace.
Last time HUGH were featured on NEW LEASE MUSIC was last September, with their upbeat and chirpy single, ‘Look at In Laughter.’ Soon as I learnt of their debut album, ‘Love, Hugh’, I had to have a peep as the infectious melodic pop overtones in ‘Look Back In Laughter’ have been swimming in mind ever since its feature on the blog.
The four piece band from London, featuring Joshua Idehen and Izzy Brooks, have been praised by BBC Radio One, The Guardian, Stereogum, i-D and Hype Machine for their balanced blend of R&B/soul and synthpop featured in the 11 track album…and quite rightly so.
However I have to say the better part of ‘Love, Hugh’ is the second half of the album. The sweet melancholic presence of pop art takes a back seat, making way for the smooth and atmospheric R&B, enhanced by a woofing electronic bass (which reminds me of Massive Attack, for some reason).
Usually, I don’t follow hypes, but this one for real.. they’re definitely worth a trial. See the recommended tracks below.
Must Listens: I Can’t Figure You Out, Protect My Heart, I Don’t Like You, Take It Slow, In and Out of Love.
New Lease Music 