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?
It’s an absolute pleasure welcoming back B. EVEREADY on the blog. The Baltimore rapper was last featured back in 2018 with single, ‘Always Major.’
After lengthy spell away from the blog, he returns to discuss his upcoming album, ‘The Answer’ coming out tomorrow (26th February). Find out what events inspired him to produce the album – trust me, his reasons will truly resonate with you…have a read below...
NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2021 treating you so far?
BE: Pretty good so far. My family is dealing with some health challenges, we had some COVID scares, but everybody is well & on the road to recovery, so I can’t complain. We’re blessed.
NLM: You are about to drop your album ‘The Answer’, where you dropped singles ‘2BLACK2STRONG’ and The Answer (Intro) ahead of its release. What is the public perception on the singles so far?
BE: It’s been a good reception so far. The Answer (Intro) is a direct response to the book on the cover of the project – “The Negro A Beast or In the Image of God?” – and people are loving the truth I put in the track. 2BLACK2STRONG is a conscious turn up record that everybody has loved from day one. Hopefully it blows up the way I’m thinking it can.
NLM: What inspired you to produce the album?
BE: After dealing with the police-involved murders from last year & the protests, I felt like I had to have a project that was exclusively responding to that moment. Not to mention what was going on with the political scene. I felt like if I didn’t have something to say as a Black man, I wasn’t the artist that I thought I was. So I dug deep and came forth with these 7 tracks to speak to the times we’re living in. I feel like this expresses my point of view & thought process as a Black man in America in 2021.
NLM: What is/are your favourite single(s) from the album and why?
BE: I love the first two singles (The Answer (Intro) & 2BLACK2STRONG) definitely – they stand out for different reasons. The Intro is the mission statement of the project. It just speaks straight to the heart. 2BLACK2STRONG is a record that could spawn TikTok challenges, dances, and go up in a party while giving our people pride. Outside of those, I think it’s a tie between Ferguson & 3:57AM. Ferguson is a record that I definitely shed some tears to once I finished it. It talks about the riots, but also the 3 protest leaders that died under very suspicious circumstances. 3:57AM is a record that embodies the feelings you might be feeling at that time of the morning when you are being consumed by some of these thoughts. It partially feels like a dream, and then you think about what matters most to you as an individual.
NLM: So how would you describe the album’s sound to potential fans?
This is a project that is sample-heavy but embraces trap sounds. It sounds like Black Revolution & Black Liberation over a beat.
NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on the album, who would it be and why?
BE: It’d probably be Kendrick Lamar, because I feel like this project is my version of To Pimp A Butterfly, and I’d love to hear him over 2BLACK2STRONG.
NLM: Did the Covid pandemic presented any drawbacks in the production of your album?
BE: It presented some challenges when it came to recording because my regular studio was shut down for a while. But we overcame that challenge pretty quickly, so outside of that, we’ve been able to keep it moving.
NLM: Do you have other project(s) for 2021?
BE: I definitely have a bunch more music coming for this year, and I can’t tell you everything that’s coming down the road, but I will tell you this: this will be my most prolific year of dropping music by far. Coming not too long after this project is the deluxe edition of my #GS2 EP, led by a single featuring MC Bravado & Kxng Crooked, so you know I’m serious with it out here.
NLM: How can potential fans find you?
BE: You can find me at my website BEvereadyRap.com, Twitter @BEveready, IG @b.eveready, or at my Bandcamp – Beveready.bandcamp.com.
NLM: Finally, any special shoutouts to those involved in the production of ‘The Answer’?
BE: Well, I definitely want to thank my wife who is a constant source of inspiration. The producers (Anno Domini, Synesthetic Nation, Baltimega, Alex Collins, Makaih Beats, Big Shot Beats), features (Jay Charles & Scholarman), and my studio & engineering folk (Lineup Room Studio, Brandon Lackey, MooseJaw, Beauvallis & Steel Tipped Dove). I appreciate what everyone brought to the table to make this project happen. And thanks to NEW LEASE MUSIC for allowing me to share this project with the world.
FLY VON (also known as EDM producer, Sir Basstoven) has been one of NEW LEASE MUSIC’s staples since 2013, supplying super slick tracks like ‘Dreams’, ‘Stay The Night’ and ‘Tell Me Wassup’. He also dished up a string of mixtapes including, ‘Rawest’ and ‘Lone Wolf’ before taking a lengthy hiatus from music.
2020 sees the Virginia rapper returning – rawer than ever – with his latest mixtape, ‘FlyMix Vol.1’, which claimed the blog’s Album of the Week title for three consecutive weeks.
So here’s your chance to find out more about this fly talent and what he’s cooking up for the rest of the year…
NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How’s life treating you?
FV: Life is pretty good, the while Covid situation is a lot to deal with but I’ve been making the best of it. Trying to stay positive and optimistic.
NLM: You released your album ‘FlyMix Vol.1’ earlier this year (which claimed New Lease Music’s Album of the Week title three times in a row). Have you received other accolades on the album?
FV: Not that I can think of (laughs). The lead single, my remix to Boom Boom Room did get over 1000 streams on Soundcloud. Big thank you to you for that (laughs).
NLM: What inspired you to produce the album?
FV: It was really random and spur of the moment honestly. I kept freestyling in the car to songs on the radio and I was like damn it’s time to get back in the music.
NLM: What is/are your favourite single(s) from the album and why?
FV: The Roddy Ricch remix has to be my favorite cause I mean that’s what started the whole Fly Mix idea. GNF also only took me 2 takes to record, love that beat.
NLM: So how would you describe your sound to potential fans?
FV: I would say it varies and depends on the vibe of the track. I can be melodic and smooth for hooks and give you heavy hitter bars for verses in the same session. My sound is rebellious, I say what I want and nobody can stop that.
NLM: Do you have other project(s) on the horizon?
FV: The Rawest 2 album (my 1st studio album) is pretty much 75% done and my goal is to have it out by December. Fans are gonna love this. It’s truly my best work to date.
NLM: How has the current climate (CoVid19 pandemic) and lockdown affected you as an artist?
FV: Staying indoors and away from people has been perfect for me (laughs) I’ve had so much time to create, record and produce. Getting in hours of music every day is the best feeling ever.
NLM: What advice would you give to new artists who are trying to get noticed in these challenging times?
FV: My biggest advice would be remain yourself. Don’t sell out or copy to get noticed. Also be patient, nothing of value happens overnight. Weed helps too (laughs).
NLM: How can potential fans contact you?
FV: My big 2 for socials is Twitter and Instagram. @SirBasstoven on twitter and @flyvon_ on Instagram. As far as the music I’m on all digital streaming platforms except for tidal. The album will be on there as well just not the singles.
NLM: Finally, if music did not exist, what profession would you do?
FV: I definitely would continue to pursue my original dream of playing in the NBA. If that didn’t work, I would love to run a weed farm or weed business.
Award-winning adult contemporary singer/songwriter DARREN PARRY takes his turn in the NLM interview seat as his single, ‘Feels Like The World’s Stopped Turning’, scooped the Song of the Month Title back in April. So find out what he been up to and his plans for the year. Let me tell you, he’s been really utilising his time during lockdown – so upcomers, you might learn a thing or two on how to make a name for yourself during these trying times!
NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. What have you been up to?
DP: Hi Tracey/New Lease Music, thanks so much for having me. I’ve been up to about 5 foot 8 recently! Ha ha, sorry, couldn’t resist!
I’ve been keeping busy, before and during the lockdown. I’ve been co-writing some songs over the last few months. I wrote a lovely song called “Broken” (as yet unreleased) with the great James Warren (of The Korgis). James wrote the massive worldwide hit “Everybody’s Got To Learn Sometime” (covered by Beck, Erasure, Yazz, Queen and Baby D etc.) and had a ballad hit with The Korgis called “If I Had You”. We wrote the song together (“Broken”) and James sang it… we’re looking for Publishing or maybe a Nashville sort of artist to cover it as it has a ballad/country vibe. I’m pitching it at the moment.
I’ve also started a new podcast the last few months called ‘Music Matters’ where I interview singers, songwriters, producers, actors, comedians, presenters etc. about what music means to them and how music has affected their lives (www.anchor.fm/darren-parry). So far I’ve interviewed… Steve Balsamo (Jesus Christ Superstar), Juan Lozano (singer/songwriter) and Lee Gilbert (great vocalist/performer). It’s on hold at the moment as we need to be in the same room really to get good audio quality. Lots more people lined up though after lockdown!
I’ve released the new single as you know “Feels Like The World’s Stopped Turning” and I wrote a song for Lee Gilbert called “Take Me As I Am” (released soon). I’ve been co-writing via Zoom during the lockdown. I’ve written a song with Steve Balsamo that I’m very eager to record. We’ve written it with a certain artist in mind, can’t say yet as that artist doesn’t even know we’re gonna pitch it to them! Ha ha. Working via Zoom is new for me (Steve was my first Zoom co-write) but Steve is fantastic; he’s written for Cliff Richard, Meatloaf and Slash, a great talent. I also wrote another song with a friend called Gareth Lewis (singer/songwriter) who was doing a ’26 songs in 26 days’ challenge… to write 26 original, new songs for ‘Mind’ (suicide awareness charity). We wrote a cool song and posted it on social media (like he has for all the other songs he’s done) and so far he’s raised 177% of his justgiving.com target for the charity, which is fantastic.
NLM: You released your single ‘Feels Like The World’s Stopped Turning’ featuring Sian Elson back in March (named Song of the Month by the blog in April). Have you received other accolades on the single?
DP: Thank you so much for the mention of the single and for making it ‘Song Of The Month’, your support is always greatly appreciated. The song was very well received, with having been put onto 45 or so playlists on Spotify, play on BBC Radio Wales (and other radio stations around the world) and mentions in… Entertainment South Wales, VIRI AOR, Fresh Out Of The Booth, MuzicNotez, Music Trails, MTV Rock and Stereo Stickman blog. Of course… my favourite mention was in New Lease Music :)
NLM: The single features singer Sian Elson. How did you guys meet and who sparked the collaboration for ‘Feels Like The World’s Stopped Turning’?
DP: The song was a funny one for me as I was working on it off and on for about 2 yrs. I recorded the basic track but then would leave it for a bit, come back to it, do a bit more, leave it and so on. The reason why I had gaps with the song was because it was a very personal song for me with a lot of meaning and to be honest… I wasn’t sure if I wanted to record and release it at all! After some thought though… I decided… I have to get this out there! Sian is a female singer in a band/another project I am part of, we do corporate events and big parties, big weddings etc. I’ve been in the band with Sian for about 8 yrs now and she has an amazing voice, a real Soul/Rock/Pop sorta Pat Benatar edge to her voice which was perfect for this song… I think she did a great job.
NLM: For anyone who is unfamiliar with your work, how would you describe your sound and what inspire you to produce your songs?
DP: I suppose my stuff is mainly Rock/Pop but with maybe a twist of Country at times. I’ve written all types of songs, from R&B to Rock, Soul, Pop, Country, Christmas songs and even EDM but mainly adult contemporary sorta stuff, some might say AOR (Adult Orientated Rock). If you like Richard Marx, Michael Bolton, Michael McDonald, Paul Carrack, Don Henley and Stereophonics… you may like my songs :)
NLM: Has the current climate (CoVid19 pandemic) and lockdown affected you as an artist?
DP: Yes, live gigs have been cancelled sadly and I can’t go to the studio and record but I’ve been busy online via Zoom as I said writing some new stuff. I’ve also been using Zoom with another project I’m part of called ‘Black Mountain’ (male vocal harmony group). There’s 10 male singers and we sing contemporary songs these days… we’ve been rehearsing in sections (i.e. bass, baritone etc.). As people may know… it’s almost impossible for a few people to keep in time singing to music via Zoom (due to internet connections/latency/time delay) but it’s been quite therapeutic and we do what we can… at least we’re getting together and trying to make the best of a bad situation!
I’ve been putting out some live songs of mine and some covers (online from my living room) too on my Facebook, Insta etc. So far, covers wise… I’ve done a bit of Whitesnake, Ben E. King, Richard Marx, Jackson Browne, Bill Withers and others. Any requests, people can get in touch! I’ve also been giving away some FREE downloads on my website to stimulate people’s interest and give something back to people who like my music and support me.
NLM: What advice would you give to new artists who are trying to get noticed in these challenging times?
DP: I think artists should just do what they love and follow their heart; just try to produce/write the best songs they can… in whatever genre they’re in. You have to have a passion for it, there’s no point in trying to get thousands of Instragram likes or re-tweets, or Facebook likes or whatever if there isn’t genuinely good music/passion behind the hype/illusion of popularity.
It’s easier than ever to get music out there these days, with many people self-releasing (with no need for record companies as such), but because of this, there is a LOT of noise out there and it’s hard to break through it. However, believe in yourself and your music and anything is possible, it’s about positive mental attitude. Many times what you think… will be, what you think will manifest itself as reality! If you believe it will happen then hopefully you can magnetically attract the Universe to you and what you need.
It’s easy to get sidetracked and down about the music industry sometimes but if you want it… just keep going, don’t give up if it’s really what you want to do. Get your music out there on as many platforms as possible, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, ReverbNation, MusicLinkUp (new and could be good for making connections). Do some covers of songs you love and get em up on Youtube, TikTok, whatever… to gain some traction and then introduce people to your own music is one way of doing it. Very important… get yourself a website (doesn’t have to be fancy) and a mailing list to connect with your fans :)
NLM: If there was ONE mainstream artist you would like to spend time with during the lockdown period, who would it be and why?
DP: Michael McDonald is a big hero of mine. Maybe the best ever live show I’ve seen was Michael at The Royal Albert Hall, circa 2003. I’d love to sit down and just pick his brain on songwriting and chord construction etc… he’s a legend and very humble it seems! Still sounding kick-ass too!
NLM: So what are your plans for the rest of the year?
DP: Plans are to continue to write songs, on my own and via Zoom of course (not much choice, ha ha). I’m also pitching songs to Nashville a lot and for media/TV/Film opportunities which keeps my days busy. Hopefully we can get back to performing live towards the Autumn, that would be good, there’s nothing quite like being in front of an audience for a performer. Be fantastic to see theatres, clubs, pubs etc. getting back on their feet by Christmas. Hopefully I can get back to my podcast by the end of the Summer as I have Chris Needs MBE (BBC Radio Wales) and Boyd Clack (comedy actor/writer BBC Satellite City, BBC High Hopes) lined up to record an interview with me. Lots of others too I’m working on! I’m definitely missing human interaction… it’s not quite the same via the net/phone is it!
NLM: Finally, if music did not exist, what profession would you do?
DP: When I was a kid and teenager I was obsessed by golf. I got to a pretty good level and wanted to turn pro eventually. I’d love to be a professional golfer if music wasn’t around. Nick Faldo was my hero and talking of attracting the Universe to you with positive mental attitude… I actually met him and spoke to him briefly which was a thrill. I’m just a frustrated golfer now who doesn’t play that much, but still love it… I never throw my clubs these days though! :) The venue coulda been better though, I spoke to Nick in a toilet in the woods of Wentworth Golf Club! Now I think of it, I’ve spoken to many people in toilets… Faldo, Ant & Dec, Trevor Sorbie! Stories for another time maybe! Ha ha.
Thanks for having me. Stay safe and well Tracey and the same to all your readers.
It’s time to welcome back one of NEW LEASE MUSIC’s dopest staples, KASTILANO into the interview seat.
The Philly rapper first appeared on the blog with track,‘Still Dreaming‘ in 2013, where the accompanied video received the most views on the blog that year. More recently, his track, ‘Heart & Soul’, was named Song of the Week by the blog in October 2019.
Find out what he’s been to up and how he’s coping with CoVid19 lockdown. NEW ARTISTS take note as this killer rapper have some valuable advice on how to stay ahead of the game during these challenging times!
NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. It has been some time since we last hooked up (last interview was back in 2014). What have you been up to? (include non-music projects, if possible)
K: Hello and thank you for having me back. It’s been a minute so of course I’ve been cooking up since we last spoke. I dropped at least 8 projects and I’ve even learned to direct and edit my own music videos releasing them on my YouTube channel “KillEm KaStilano”.
I’ve started vlogging this past year on different topics like battle rap, album reviews and other thoughts that came to mind. Those videos can be found on my “KillEmTv” channel on YouTube which I also sat behind the camera and became the interviewer which I actually enjoy so please make sure to subscribe to both if you haven’t already. Any and everything else is in the music so tune in.
NLM: So what track(s)/ project(s) do you have coming up?
K: I’m currently 90% finish the long awaited ‘S.H.I.E.L.D 2’ EP which is the sequel and I’m very proud to say I feel it’s even better than the first, filled with more reality rap at it’s finest mixed with elevated flows and some modern day type of beats plus that old school boom bap sound. Next, I will drop ‘The City’s Hero 3: Sinner Meets Savior’ mixtape which is about 75% done. This has a more conscious feel of approach where I touch on much more topics in detail raising the bar and challenging myself on another level. Switching my style of rap to the content and all. I feel with everything going on it would be a disservice to act blind and not acknowledge the more important things in life, so trust me this jawn will hit different. Expect both of these this year and I might have another project come 4th quarter of 2020.
NLM: For anyone who is unfamiliar with your work, how would you describe your sound and what inspires you to produce your tracks?
K: That’s a good question. I say my sound is uniquely independent of the majority of what you hear today. I remain in my own lane not sounding like anyone nor looking to conform to what is the in sound. I’m stubborn and will only do it my way so expect that. Expect non apologetic reality bars based on my life and those close to more or around me. I paint vivid pictures with a street point of view but also a common sense point of view. I’ll forever give you both sides of the coin.
Now what inspires me is still the beat, I mean it speaks to me 1st and foremost. Outside of that everybody and everything that’s not me inspires me to be me from the dope artist on down to those I’m not too fond of. It all fuels the fire in me to write for our youth and my peers bringing something different to the table creating some sort of balance out here. I always play my music to people, from old to new so they can see the growth. It’s that acknowledgement that inspires me for strangers to say they really respect what I do.
NLM: How has the current climate (CoVid19 pandemic) and lockdown affected you as an artist who is always pumping out music?
K: Fortunately, it hasn’t affected me at all. I’m always working and such a perfectionist, I usually have a bunch of unreleased music which allows me to drop music consistently whenever I want. Now I have only been to the studio once since Covid19 but I usually record about 3 songs per hour. Recently I haven’t been shooting videos nor performing even before this pandemic but my numbers have actually been up so I can’t complain.
NLM: What advice would you give to new artists who are trying to get noticed in these challenging times?
K: Take your time, dig deep and write your best material. Don’t force anything and if you’re able to record, do so and release some music old or new it doesn’t matter long as it’s good. Take advantage while people are in slow motion. Use your platform to the best of your ability to promote at least once a day. Lastly, but most importantly, believe in yourself and build strong solid relationships with those who believe in you. BE YOURSELF!!!
NLM: If there’s ONE mainstream artist you would like to spend time with during the lockdown period, who would it be and why?
NLM: I honestly was gonna say nobody, but after thinking a minute I’d say Kayne West. He seemed to have struggled spiritually for some time (as we all do or have at some point) but he is clearly gifted musically. Now for me I was never a fan of him nor his music (which I thought was OK). I really only heard his last two albums fully which I really enjoyed. For him to denounce the music he once made and proclaim JESUS Is King on his last album I feel is very courageous and I commend him for it. That actually inspired and gave me the confidence to do many songs on ‘The City’s Hero 3: Sinner Meets Saviour’ mixtape. I’d be honored to sit and bust it up with him about his journey and what led up to this point. I actually can somewhat relate and I empathise with the brother to give up what you once thought was everything only to realise it really meant nothing.
NLM: What is the first thing you would like to do once the lockdown period is over?
K: Go to the house of prayer and worship with fellow believers! To be truthful I’ve
been having the time of my life being able to spend time with my family I don’t
normally have the time to. I’m working out more not as stressed because my
worries of fast life have come to a halt.
I’m so grateful my family and I are still blessed during these times so, most
importantly, I can study God’s word more than I ever have during this time right
now. I encourage all to take advantage I mean store bathrooms are clean now,
people are giving you 6 feet in line, life is being taken more seriously. It’s a
beautiful time to be alive I’m in no rush to get back to what is so called normal.
NLM: So what are your plans for the rest of the year?
K: I wanna put these next few projects out and drop some videos along with it.
Continue to build solid relationships with the right people and even collaborate
with more talented dope artists. Hopefully I’d like to bring more great content
vlogging more and doing more interviews with those who bring forth greatness
that I can share with my followers. Most importantly, I wanna continue to grow
level up and mature.
NLM: Finally, if music didn’t exist, what profession would you do?
K: Since a youth, I would have normally said a basketball player but now I would
probably say an author or an artist of some sort because I love to create
bringing different thoughts and ideas to life.
Before I slide I gotta say thank you for the continuous support you have shown
me I really appreciate it. Also I want to acknowledge all of your hard work put in
throughout the years and encourage you to keep going. I’m outta here so until
next time it’s KillEm!!!
New Lease Music 