Featured on NEW LEASE MUSIC back in September, PEDRO SYRAH‘s delicately warm effort, ‘Summer Night on Fairytale Land’ is the built up to his long-awaited debut album, ‘Fairyland’… and as much as I enjoyed the single – because it does spark a soul-glowing sensation – I wondered if I could survive ten tracks of the same tempo….
…Well I stand corrected, as from the very beginning, the bass guitar and drums receive a good workout in the introductory track, creating that real gritty funk. Soothing ambient soundscapes with, at times, feather light elements of Americana/new-wave follow through to the first half of the album, completed with tingling harmonies providing a real magical and folklore kick.
The second half of ‘Fairyland’ becomes progressively emotive and intense when Syrah takes to the limelight with put his vocals to almost stripped-back pieces – a combination that will smooth over manic traffic in an instant.
This collection is worth investing in for those quiet spring/summer nights…here’s your chance to have a listen.
Must Listens: Cocaine and Cigarettes, Paper Thoughts, Release the Clocks.
Hip-Hop icon, DJ PREMIER, and R&B superstar MIGUEL, connect on eclectic new single ‘2 Lovin U’.
Ever the revolutionaries in their own fields, the pair have no hesitation in creating unpredictable music together that is destined to strike a chord. Having previously teased fans with the collaboration via a video snippet on Miguel’s instagram during his Wildheart album campaign, the release of the album, (which was later nominated for two Grammy Awards), left fans in suspense as the track mysteriously eluded the tracklisting.
Now the mystery is resolved as we not only get answers and closure, but a stirring new single, edged with rocky guitar riffs and splashes of Hip-Hop undertones as DJ PREMIER scratches through the beat.
Shedding some light on to the situation, DJ Premier declared: “Miguel and I were vibing at a session and just really seeing what we could come up with. What we came up with was a dope, but a rough version of what you hear today. Miguel and I had deadlines and we never got around to finishing it. We both really believed in this version of the track and we both felt very strongly that it needed to come out and be released as a single. Miguel and I approached the label about releasing it and everyone was on-board”
As MIGUEL has previously stated, he and Premier were always going to find a special way to release this track, now entitled “2 LOVIN U”; and true to their words, they have. “The track having a different title gives it a new light” DJ Premier states. “Wait until you see the video!”
Rising UK music artist RUBY FRANCIS and Warsaw raised producer and artist CHLOE MARTINI have released a smooth and sultry R&B remix of Ed Sheeran’s ‘Shape of You’. Giving the worldwide smash song an addictive soulful update – merging Ruby’s unique mix of futuristic R&B with retro and funky jazz sounds with Chloe’s one-of-a-kind brand of slinky, hypnotic beats – the new refix is set to be on constant repeat on the headphones and speakers of fans of stellar soul and R&B music everywhere!
Having been raised listening to Chaka Khan, Level 42 and Stevie Wonder, RUBY FRANCIS’ passion for music started when she received her first keyboard aged ten and started writing her own music. Three years ago she began to take her music career to the next level, having already collaborated with producers and artists such as Dornik, Linden Jay, Miles James (NAO) and Shift K3y.
Citing Odd Future, The Internet, NAO and Pharrell as her modern-day inspirations, Ruby released her debut track ‘Fall Asleep’ last month, a track that she co-produced with NK-OK of Blue Beats. With her original style, sound and infectious personality, there’s no doubt that Ruby Francis will be marking her place in the music scene over the coming months and far beyond.
Ruby FrancisChloe Martini
Set to claim her rightful place as one of the music industry’s most exciting talents, Chloe released her new track ‘Change of Heart’ in January, featuring rising star Chiara Hunter. The soulful, dancefloor track has received praise from the likes of Clash, Wonderland and MTV and is the first cut taken from Chloe’s forthcoming second EP ‘Never Twice The Same’, a collaboration with some of the UK’s hottest up-and-coming female artists including Anne-Marie, Vanessa White and BB Diamond. Serving as the follow-up to her debut EP ‘Private Joy’, ‘Never Twice The Same’ is set to make some huge waves with its release in March.
As a self-taught producer and musician, it was her insanely popular remixes of tracks from the likes of Destiny’s Child, Sia, RÜFÜS, Janelle Monae and Pusha T that swiftly brought her onto the radar of established DJs and producers including Annie Mac and Snakehips, who she went on to support on tour alongside her own headline tours and sets at some of Europe’s largest festivals including Bestival, Open’er and Way Out. Chloe’s debut EP saw her garner support from the likes of Radio 1 and 1Xtra and tastemakers such as The 405, Majestic Casual and Eton Messy and amass millions of streams – alongside her highly sought-after remixes – across Soundcloud and Spotify.
Chloe’s most recent production credits include US soul duo VanJess’ next single and two of Vanessa White’s solo releases. Selected by Redbull Music Academy from tens of thousands of applications to join their September 2016 season in Montreal – which saw her collaborating with a range of other musicians such as Kaytranada and River Tiber and performing at a number of the city’s key venues – Chloe Martini continues to prove why she is set to be the name firmly on every music lover’s lips.
Check out their insanely cool makeover to Ed Sheeran’s hit (I think he would be very pleased!)
Following the release of his soul-warming offerings, including ‘The Coast’ – featured last September on NEW LEASE MUSIC – singer/songwriter REN releases his five-track EP, ‘A Calling From The Shore’ today.
Continuing the theme from the ‘The Coast’, the sincere and heart-tugging presence of the acoustic guitar, with elements of contemporary pop, steals the limelight in the latest project. The lovable rogue adds that magical touch through his delicate and Celtic-esque delivery.
Definitely a winning formula – take time out and have a listen.
Must Listens: The Coast, All That I Need, Piece of Your Heart
KING DICE O slammed another heartfelt love letter, taken from his latest EP, ‘I Am Who, I Am.’ So go on guys, take time out and listen to this talented street poet from the Big Apple.
New Lease Music 