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.
I was first introduced to CHERYLL through her smooth nostalgic number, ‘Fess Up’ and since then, I had my eyes firmly peeled on her next move. So when she dropped her debut EP Transition, I had to catch up with the South London singer-songwriter about the six track project. Trust me, this newcomer is FIREY and I thoroughly enjoyed the Q&A session with her and I hope you will too. Check her out below…
NLM Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2021 treating you so far?
C: 2021 has been a year of change and transitioning into a better version of me. I’ve gone through a lot of ups and downs however I feel as if I’ve come out of it stronger than ever.
NLM: You released your EP, ‘Transition’ back in March. What is the public perception on the project so far?
C: My project was received extremely well. Its been played on BBC Radio as well as reaching a number of local radio stations that play it regularly. It has also introduced my sound to a lot of new supporters who now listen/follow me because of the project.
NLM: How would you describe the EP’s sound to potential fans?
C: It’s a new school version of RNB with the nostalgic elements of the 90/00’s – timeless!
NLM: What inspired you to produce the EP?
C: I’ve always known I wanted to release an EP however I was waiting on the right time. I felt like the last year I really transitioned into the artist I’ve always wanted to be and I wanted this project to be a memory of that. I had a few songs written already however when I linked up with D’wante Navire (producer) he really brought these songs to life. I had also gone through some ups and downs in my love life and wanted to express this through the EP.
NLM: What is/are your favourite single(s) from the EP and why?
C: My favourite singles on the EP I would have to say are Crushin’, Fess Up & What About Us. They all have that ‘bounce’ that I love even though they are all different tempos lol! I just find myself really vibing to those three
NLM: What message would you like the listeners to take away from your EP?
C: That R&B is still alive and kicking!
NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on the EP, who would it be and why?
C: I’ve always wanted to work with Stormzy – I feel like having him on a feature would just be a perfect combination. His flow x My flow would just make so much sense.
NLM: Do you have other project(s) for 2021?
C: I have a couple of releases before the end of the year which are quite exciting. I won’t give away too much but yes its definitely something to look forward to.
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.
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, thankyou 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 Homeis available across all music platforms
CÉLINE AND THE BLUE debuted on the blog in 2019 with sassy number, ‘Learn To Be Alone’ and since then, they’ve been regular favourites with you guys (and myself, I have to say). Their most recent offering, ‘Crave Love’ scooped the Song of the Week title for two consecutive weeks in January AND Song of the Month title in February. So it’s an absolute pleasure to invite frontwoman, Cèline Buccomino into the interview seat to discuss latest EP, ‘Within & Without, out nowall good DSPs.
NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2021 treating you so far?
CB: Heyy, thank you so much for chatting to us on here! 2021 has been very promising so far, it’s been filled with loving, inspiring and exciting energy. We’re very keen to express that back through our music, the past year has just made us that much more committed to this career.
NLM: You recently released your EP, ‘Within & Without’. What is the public perception on the project so far?
CB: Our listeners are so talented at spreading the love! We’re very grateful for every message we receive about our music. It’s so lovely to hear when listeners connect with the story line intertwined within the track list. Even the press response was great, we love seeing new people come in from new sources!
NLM: What inspired you to produce the EP?
CB: Our favourite thing about the EP is that it came about extremely organically, we hadn’t initially planned to set out the releases as an EP. Once a few songs had come out, we noticed a common thread between the tracks, it only made sense to encompass them in a unique body of work. We thought this collection really embodies our origins as musicians and is the perfect way to wrap up the first ‘era’ of our music!
NLM: How would you describe the album’s sound to potential fans?
CB: ‘Within & Without’ has a groovy and colourful character which ventures into the genres of Jazz, Soul and Pop. An authentic sound dominates the sound pallet with live instruments, guitar and keys solos and fresh vocals. We wanted to inject a lot of good feelings in this EP, we hope you sense those too!
NLM: What is/are your favourite single(s) from the EP and why?
CB:As the whole band, ‘Learn To Be Alone’ is our jam! We feel so good while performing it, it fires great connection between us and makes us feel alive! Despite this, we each have individual preferences which vary from ‘Safe’ to ‘Crave Love’ to ‘Papaya’.
NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on the EP, who would it be and why?
CB:It would be quite hard to settle on just one artist as everyone has their own favourite, but John Mayer is probably the one we might find a common agreement on. It would be incredible to witness him interpreting our genre. And he’s just so timeless and brilliant!
NLM: Did the Covid pandemic present any drawbacks in the production of your EP?
CB: It slowed the production down loads! We started recording ‘Papaya’ and ‘Safe’ in March 2020 and then had to wait until August to finish them. It was frustrating! Making music is made up of many things, we were still working hard on the behind the scenes elements but for a while we were missing out on the actual ‘making music’ part of it, which was hard to adjust to. We made it in the end, better late than never!
NLM: Do you have other project(s) for 2021?
CB: Yes! We are making some fresh music, focusing on production a bit more to refine the sound pallet and we’re loving what’s coming out of this so far. We absolutely cannot wait to showcase this new music getting back into gigging this year! NLM: How can potential fans find you?
CB:First of all, thank you so much if you want to check out our work and connect with us! Just look for ‘Céline & The Blue’, our music is on every music streaming platform, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. You can also find our podcast ‘Out of The Blue – By Céline & The Blue’ on any platform for podcast streaming.
NLM: Finally, any special shout outs to those involved in the production of ‘Within & Without’?
CB: Biggest thanks go to Sam and Tom over at Studio 91 who have really helped us craft the sound for this project. Their imprint has been essential to provide this EP with the character it has. We always have the best experience working with them, the environment at Studio 91 is stimulating, positive and a true pleasure!
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