A Quick Chat With…Zavier Quinn

It’s ZAVIER QUINN‘s turn in the NLM interview hot seat after his latest single ‘FTS (First Time Secret)’ was crowned the blog’s Song of the Month back in April.

So come and find out more about the talented producer from Los Angeles as he unveils his inspiration behind the mysterious track, plus his plans for 2026…

NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2026 treating you so far?

ZQ: 2026 has been a year of growth, clarity, and consistency. I’m spending less time chasing and more time building. I decided to trust the process. I have taken time to understand who I am as an artist, what I create, and what stories I want my music to tell. The music is stronger, the vision is clearer, and I have learned to trust my own voice as an artist. That’s been one of the biggest self-realizations this year.

NLM: You released your single, ‘FTS – First Time Secret’ back in April. What is the public perception of the single so far?

ZQ: The response has been interesting because people hear different things. Some hear a breakup record. Some hear confidence. Some hear boundaries. I like that people are finding their own story in the record. For me, that’s the best outcome I could have hoped for.

NLM: What inspired you to produce/write the single?

ZQ: FTS came from a place of recognizing your worth. Sometimes people only value you after you’ve moved on. The song isn’t about anger. It’s about growth. It’s about understanding that not everyone deserves continued access to your energy.

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

ZQ: I’d describe it as modern R&B with a cinematic edge. It’s smooth, it’s melodic, and emotional, but there’s still confidence and attitude in it. It’s music for people who’ve lived a little.

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

ZQ: Know your value. Not everyone who misses you deserves a secon d chance. Sometimes growth means appreciating where you’ve been while still moving forward.

NLM: Are there any plans to release an official video for the single?

ZQ: My team and I have discussed a few concepts, and we’re exploring what makes sense creatively. Right now I’m focused on building a complete visual world around not only FTS but the music coming next rather than rushing something out.

NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on ‘FTS’, who would it be and why?

ZQ: Probably Lucky Daye. I’ve always appreciated artists who can be vulnerable and confident at the same time, and I think he’d bring something special to the record.

NLM: What plans do you have in store for 2026?

ZQ: More music. More visuals. More consistency. My goal is to continue building the Zavier Quinn catalog and connecting with listeners who appreciate authentic storytelling. I’m focused on long-term growth rather than quick moments.

NLM: How can potential fans find you?

ZQ: Search Zavier Quinn on all major streaming platforms. You can also connect with me on Instagram, TicTok and YouTube at @mr.zavierquinn where I share music, creative projects, and pieces of the journey.

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

ZQ: If music didn’t exist, I’d probably be somewhere designing systems or building businesses. I’ve always been fascinated by how things work, how people connect, and how ideas become reality. In a lot of ways, producing music isn’t that different—you’re still building something from nothing.

OUT TODAY: Stefanie Michaela says ‘Anything Is Possible’ in new single.

Singer-songwriter Stefanie Michaela drops her new single and music video, ‘Anything Is Possible,’ a fearless statement about risk, heart, and self-belief. Co-written with legendary hitmakers Steve Dorff (Songwriters Hall of Fame; three-time Grammy and six-time Emmy nominee) and Michael Jay (sold over 75 million records worldwide; co-wrote and produced Martika’s worldwide #1 hit Toy Soldiers; and penned Declaration of Love for Celine Dion’s Grammy-winning Falling Into You), and produced by Grammy-winning Keith Thomas (Selena, Amy Grant, Vanessa Williams), the track, featured on Stefanie’s upcoming EP Turning Pages, pushes listeners to chase dreams, take bold chances, and believe in their own power to shape their future. The true complexity of the song lies in its simplicity, the purity of its message mirrored by the elegant, heartfelt writing and the music video’s understated yet deep

From the very first note, ‘Anything Is Possible’ captures the heart with its uplifting melody and heartfelt lyrics. Stefanie’s vocals carry a rare warmth and clarity that draws listeners in, inviting them to connect with their own dreams and aspirations. The song is both intimate and expansive, a reflection of the universal courage it celebrates. “Working with Steve Dorff has been an incredible honor,” Stefanie says. “His ability to blend emotion and melody is something I deeply admire as both a songwriter and an artist. Collaborating with Michael Jay feels effortless; he knows exactly how to shape a song so it connects deeply while still sounding fresh and timeless.”

“No matter where you are in life, you can always write the next chapter,” Stefanie says. “Believe to achieve—that’s where the magic begins.” The song encourages listeners to embrace uncertainty, pursue their passions, and trust themselves enough to try. She adds, “The real magic is knowing you have the power to turn a thought into a destiny. Believing in yourself is the first spark.”

The lyrics of ‘Anything Is Possible’ reflect this message: “Every day can be a brand new chapter / Just keep turning the pages / You’ll find what your heart’s been after / You gotta take the risk and face it… Don’t be afraid to fall / When you open your wings / Let your heart sing / You’ll find ANYTHING… IS POSSIBLE.” Stefanie’s words remind listeners that pursuing dreams, taking risks, and embracing the unknown are all part of the journey to fulfilment.

The music video brings this message to life through a warm, storybook lens. Stefanie flips through an old scrapbook and discovers a photograph of her younger self with a ballerina music box. As she gazes at the photo, it magically transforms into a living scene: the ballerina, bound by the shackles of life’s limitations, begins to break free. The little girl’s desire and passion to bring the ballerina to life finally take flight, filling the room as delicate fairy wings appear. Dressed in a glittering gown and adorned with soft, shimmering wings, the little girl embodies the pure wonder and magic of childhood.

As the video progresses, Stefanie herself appears, dressed in a flowing floor-length gown with opalescent wings and a delicate crown, stepping seamlessly into the story she has carried from her youth. “Magic isn’t fantasy—it’s focus, heart, and belief. Anything is possible when you trust yourself enough to try,” Stefanie explains. By the final chorus, she delivers her performance with the same wonder and determination, showing viewers that belief in oneself is the spark that starts every dream.

Stefanie recently partnered with City Winery Nashville on her latest single, ‘Better With Time,’ to curate her own hand-selected wines for fans, offering a chance to win exclusive packages. She has also performed live at renowned venues including The Hotel Cafe and The Mint LA, bringing her live performances to audiences across the country.

‘Anything Is Possible’ is out today (21st November) across all leading platforms. Why not check out the video below…

Connect with Stefanie Michaela via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555524656282
IG: https://www.instagram.com/stefaniemichaelamusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stefaniemichaelamusic?
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StefanieMichaelaVEVO
Website: https://www.stefaniemichaela.com/

Source: Dead Horse Branding PR

Song of the Day: Montana – Sofia Lily

Rising acoustic and indie pop singer-songwriter SOFIA LILY follows up her stunning debut single ‘All We Have Is Now’ with her deeply moving new track, ‘Montana’. Known for her raw lyricism, stripped-back melodies, and a voice that lingers long after the last note fades, Sofia once again delivers music that feels like a personal conversation with the soul.

Blending the tenderness of country storytelling with a pop sensibility made for heartfelt singalongs, Montana captures the bittersweet emotions of losing a friendship — a kind of heartbreak rarely spoken about but universally felt.

Drawing comparisons to Kacey Musgraves, Gracie Abrams, and even touches of Miley Cyrus, Sofia Lily’s ethereal yet grounded vocals glide over delicate acoustic guitar and layered melodies, building into a chorus that feels both intimate and anthemic. With just her second release, she continues to showcase limitless potential, cementing her place as an emerging artist to watch not only in the U.S. but globally.

She shares; ‘“‘Montana’ is about the kind of heartbreak no one prepares you for—when a friendship ends. It’s about learning the truth, letting go, and realizing that not everyone who walks with you is meant to stay.”

With ‘Montana’, Sofia Lily continues to carve out a unique space in today’s indie pop scene. Her ability to transform deeply personal experiences into universally relatable music has already begun to resonate with listeners worldwide. The single showcases her growth as both a songwriter and performer, proving that even early in her career, she possesses a rare emotional depth and authenticity that few artists manage to capture.

Sofia Lily has this effortless ease to craft emotional landscapes. ‘Montana’ is a testament to her gift for storytelling, pulling listeners in and refusing to let go until long after the note ends. Have a listen below…

Connect with Sofia Lily via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sofiaaliily/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sofialily_

Source: Liberty Music PR

Song of the Day: Better With Time – Stefanie Michaela

You may remember STEFANIE MICHAELA, who made a bold impression on the blog back in May with her breakout single ‘Stay In Your Lane’—a track that earned the blog’s Song of the Week title over on Instagram. That single marked a significant turning point in Stefanie’s life, serving as a stern soulful anthem of self-empowerment. With it, the R&B/pop songbird pushed back against the critics who judged her decision to pause her music career in order to raise her children.

Now, Stefanie returns with another powerful statement in her latest single, ‘Better With Time.’ Teaming up with Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum producer Nash Overstreet (Britney Spears, Meghan Trainor, Pitbull), who wrote and produced the single, she delivers a smooth yet edgy soulful-pop track, rich with hazy textures and hypnotic grooves that’s compelling from the very first note.

Beneath the toe-curling melodies and polished production lies an urgent, heartfelt message—a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever felt, or been told, that it’s “too late” to chase their dreams. ‘Better With Time’ is Stefanie’s unapologetic reminder that passion doesn’t expire, and that it’s never too late to pursue what sets your soul on fire—with ambition, conviction, and courage, no matter how intimidating the journey may seem.

“I wrote ‘Better With Time’ because I was deeply passionate about following my heart and dreams at this stage in my life,” Stefanie shares. “A dream I once thought I’d never return to came back full force—and now, I’m so eager to share it with the world. I want people to know it’s never too late to follow their dreams.”

‘Better With Time’ is the third single from Stefanie’s upcoming EP, Turning Pages — a collection of songs that not only marks a new chapter in her life, but also serves as a powerful source of motivation for anyone chasing their dreams. The EP also gives a voice to the voiceless, offering them the recognition and attention they deserve.

Why not listen to ‘Better With Time’ below…

Connect with Stefanie Michaela via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555524656282
IG: https://www.instagram.com/stefaniemichaelamusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stefaniemichaelamusic?
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StefanieMichaelaVEVO
Website: https://www.stefaniemichaela.com/

A Quick Chat With…Peter Lord

Introducing – or should I say – reintroducing PETER LORD. He’s the founding member of the genre-defying collective The Family Stand who helped shape the sound of generations with genre-defiant classics like ‘Chain’, ‘Moon in Scorpio’, ‘Connected’, and the timeless anthem ‘Ghetto Heaven’.

Now the trailblazing artist makes a powerful return with ‘BOOM,’ the explosive first single from his long-awaited solo album, ‘Songs From The 8th Dimension’, set for release next month, 29th August.

NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. It’s such a pleasure having you here. How is 2025 treating you so far?

PL: 2025 has been excellent. I have reconnected with the musical/sonic side of my creative instincts. During the last decade plus I have been primarily focused on the film and TV/streaming projects that I have written and am developing.

NLM: You recently released your single, ‘BOOM’ (on 4th July)’. What is the public’s perception of the single so far?

PL: The reaction has been extremely positive and receptive. And I have truly appreciated the fact that despite my recent inactivity in the music world, my new project feels relevant, and has resonated with new audiences, in addition to those who knew my music before.

NLM: What inspired you to produce the single?

Well the single “Boom”, as was, as all the songs on the album, were part of a musical TV/Streaming series I’ve written called “Love Junkies.” While that long process is still underway to bring it to the screen, I felt these songs also stood up on their own and needed to be heard.

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

PL: I would say it’s an electric mix of modern music, with elements, of rock, hip hop, soul, “alternative pop’, grounded in story telling through song. It ties together one’s personal/emotional battles with those struggles going on in the world as a whole. Each of us often forget the lessons learned previously in our lives, as the world and various societies often do… and then everything goes “Boom.” – exploding, with consequences we subsequently have to deal with, and find hard to control.

NLM: Back in the 90s, you were with The Family Stand, which was one of the groups that helped re-shaped modern soul, R&B and hip-hop. How do you compare your sound now with The Family Stand?

PL: I would say the thematic elements are the same, in terms of the stories I want to tell, but sonically and creatively I refuse to stay stuck. I’m not trying to bring back the 90’s or early 2000’s. I am not trying to be nor am I “old school” anything.

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

PL: No message. I only hope the listener resonates with what’s being said, lol and unsaid, and find their own “message” that serves them in a way that awakens their “higher self” and a deeper, truer, perception of themselves in this dimension of existence.

NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on ‘BOOM’, who would it be and why?

PL: One of my musical heroes, one who just passed, Sly Stone, and my childhood creative north star, Stevie Wonder.

NLM: So what are your plans for the rest of the year?

PL: To support and put out my new album “Songs From The 8th Dimension.” Which will include putting out at least two more singles. I may even do a few “unplugged. performances” I’ll post on social media. And I will continue to work on my TV & Film projects.

NLM: How can potential fans contact you?

PL: The best place is INSTAGRAM.

NLM: Finally, if music did not exist, what profession would you do?

PL: I would be an ASTROPHYSICIST! Or pro pickleball player. F it BOTH! LOL