Tag: music Q&A

A Quick Chat With…Handshake In Space

Since 2023, HANDSHAKE IN SPACE has been gracing the blog with his innovative EDM grooves which have made regular appearances on NLM charts over on Instagram.

So it’s an absolute pleasure to finally catch-up with the Swedish EDM producer to talk about his single, ‘Right By You’. Featuring Linnéa Lundgren, the smooth club filler is currently the blog’s Song of the Month.

NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2025 treating you so far?

HIS: Thanks for having me! 2025 has been an exciting year so far—lots of creative energy and new collaborations. I’m feeling inspired and ready to connect with even more listeners through my music.

NLM: Before we discuss your single, ‘Right By You’, please explain the meaning behind your epic stage name, Handshake In Space?

HIS: The name “Handshake In Space” is all about connection—reaching across boundaries, whether they’re between people, cultures, or even dimensions. It’s that moment of unity and understanding, something that feels almost cosmic. I wanted a name that captures both the electronic, futuristic vibe of my music and the idea of bringing people together.

NLM: You released ‘Right By You’ on Earth Hour Day (22nd March). What’s the public’s perception on the single so far?

HIS: The response has been amazing! Fans have connected with the emotional depth of the track, and releasing it on Earth Hour Day added a layer of meaning—tying music to mindfulness and our planet. Many have shared how it resonates with them personally, which is the best feedback an artist can get.

NLM: The single features Sweden’s acclaimed singer Linnéa Lundgren. How did you guys meet and who sparked the collaboration for ‘Right By You’?

HIS: We actually met through a mutual friend in the music scene. I’d been a fan of Linnéa’s voice and songwriting for a while, so when the opportunity came up, I reached out with the idea for this track. Luckily, she connected with it right away, and the collaboration came together naturally.

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

HIS: It’s a blend of melodic EDM with an emotional, atmospheric vibe. Think warm synths, driving beats, and Linnéa’s beautiful vocals bringing it all together. It’s music for late nights and reflective moments — but also something you can dance to.

NLM: What inspired you to produce the single?

HIS: The track was born from a moment of reflection on loyalty and support—how we show up for the people we care about, even when things get tough. Musically, I wanted to capture that duality of strength and vulnerability, which shaped the song’s uplifting yet melancholic vibe.

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

HIS: I hope listeners feel uplifted and connected—reminded that we’re all in this together. Whether it’s friendship, love, or just being present for someone. People have the power to change.

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

HIS: I’m working on new music and exploring exciting collaborations. There are some live events in the pipeline, and I’m always looking for new ways to connect with fans and push my sound forward.

NLM: How can potential fans contact you?

HIS: You can find me on all major social media platforms—Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook—just search for Handshake In Space. My music is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud. Feel free to drop me a message—I love hearing from listeners!

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

HIS: Wow… that’s hard to imagine but maybe working in anything that makes this beautiful world a better place. A change is gonna come.


Check out HANDSHAKE IN SPACE’s latest single, ‘Ocean Drive’ featuring Jolina Elísh, right HERE

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A Quick Chat With… Nick Edwards

NICK EDWARDS dazzled his presence on NEW LEASE MUSIC with his 2024 EP, ‘Live At Yellow Arch Studio’ and went on to make history on NLM charts over on Instagram, claiming the Album of the Week title TWELVE times as well as currently holding the blog’s Album of the Month title.

So it was an absolute pleasure catching up with one of Manchester’s emotive singer-songwriter to talk about his brand new album, ‘Troubadour Soul Sinner’, out now across various music platforms.

NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2025 treating you so far?

NE: We are doing good. It’s been a hectic year so far on the music front, which is nice. This year is turning out to be the busiest we have had so far, with over 20 live shows scheduled around the UK, with more to be announced.

NLM: You just release your album, ‘Troubadour Soul Sinner’ (30th May). How would you describe the album’s sound to potential fans?

NE: Our sound is often labeled as country/soul, but it’s a blend of my diverse musical influences. Growing up in the 1980s, I was exposed to a wide range of genres, from Motown and rock to 90s pop. I’m sure on anyone’s first listen, these influences are subtly woven into the music.

NLM: What inspired you to produce the album?

NE: Following the release of my EP ‘1960’, which I released in 2023, I started writing a new EP. We got very close to finishing the EP, but we found that the collection of tracks we had was similar in style and time signature, and so we felt that whilst it was a good body of work, it wasn’t fluid enough for a release, so we quickly ditched that idea and began fleshing out the record into an album. It was a pretty nice transition, actually. It helped that I am always writing.

NLM: What is/are your favourite single(s) from the album and why?

NE: The album features some easy-listening tracks, along with some quite deep and meaningful songs to me personally, making for an eclectic mix. The first single I released was ‘Burning Love’. A simple love song touching on the way love used to be in the 90’s. When phones weren’t around, life was about mixing tapes, putting on a record, and living life with eyes wide open. I love the vibe of this song as it’s where I feel we found our ‘sound’. There is more of this type of sound to come. Other songs like ‘Letting Someone Go’ took inspiration from losing my dad and finally looking deep enough in yourself to know that moving on is the best way to move forward, but that moving on doesn’t mean forgetting. The opening track, ‘Where I Need to Go’, is a profound one for me, and it sets an honest tone for the record. My favourite track for the music is ‘Hometown’. I think it shows the talent I have.

NLM: What message would you like the listeners to take away from ‘Troubadour Soul Sinner’?

NE: My hope for ‘Troubadour Soul Sinner’ is that it resonates with listeners, providing a home within its tracks. I’ve delved deep into my personal experiences, flaws, and growth, and I’m proud to have translated them into this meaningful album.



NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on the album, who would it, be and why?

NE: I would pick an artist who is honest, down-to-earth and modest. Zac Brown Band are really special to me, so it would have to be him.

NLM: So what plans do you have for the rest of 2025?

NE: We are fortunate to be playing weekend after weekend around the UK for various shows, so we are fully booked this year. I’m also currently going into the studio to put down my next record. My plans are always to keep moving…

NLM: How can potential fans find you?

NE: In the usual place. We are on most social media platforms, although we are probably most active on Instagram. All of my music is also uploaded on almost every mainstream platform.

NLM: Finally, any special shoutouts to those involved in the production of ‘Troubadour Soul Sinner’?

NE: I’m incredibly fortunate to have good people around me. Thankfully, I have not needed to rotate band members regularly, as I have a solid crew, and the album wouldn’t have been made without them, but my wife is a gem, and she doesn’t often get the praise. I have my bag regularly packed by the door, ready for my next outing. Not an easy life to be involved with, but she does it with ease.

Listen to ‘Troubadour Soul Sinner right here.

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A Quick Chat With…Mike Body

MIKE BODY has been a regular feature on NEW LEASE MUSIC pretty much since the blog’s inception, almost 13 years ago! He has also been a regular on NLM charts over on Instagram, claiming the Music Video, Album and Song of the Week AND month title multiple times.

So it’s an absolutely pleasure to finally get the christian rapper from Baltimore in the interview seat to discuss his latest album ‘It Is Finished’, which is currently the blog’s Album of the Month. So sit back, relax and get to know this conscious rapper…

NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2025 treating you so far?

MB: 2025 has been good so far and thankfully God is always good even when I’m not.

NLM: You released your album, ‘It Is Finished’ back in January. What is the public perception on the project so far?

MB: ‘It Is Finished’ has received mostly positive reviews so far. The UK has given favorable feedback about the project via different blogs. I have grown to really appreciate the support from the UK over the last 6 – 7 yrs and look forward to that appreciation continuing to grow. Also, salute to the die hards and day ones back home in the states that continue to rock with me and support me along with my latest project (It is Finished). Most of them appreciate the album’s overall theme and sound.

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

MB: I would say the sound of the album has a conscious vibe to it, accompanied by my background as a christian. It’s about an end of an era, accepting an era is over and beginning a new chapter.

NLM: What inspired you to produce the album?

MB: Events in my personal life sparked the template for the album. Also I thought about making this my last project but I still have a little more to say as an artist. I’m not done just yet.

NLM: What is/are your favourite single(s) from the album and why?

MB: Hmmmm…. I would say ‘Land of the Lost’ is a favorite because it’s very lyrically sound and I believe the emotion behind the song was captured correctly. Also the production is dope. I love the song ‘Outgrowth’ as well because of the message about growing apart from someone or even some place. Sometimes as believers we can grow apart from God and not even realize it until it’s too late.

NLM: What message would you like the listeners to take away from ‘It Is Finished?

MB: I hope it points people to God in a sincere way but not in a man in the sky type of way, but in a realistic way. The teachings of Jesus are mentioned a lot on the project but they are depicted in a sincere way. The album is about growth, change and acceptance. Accepting things you cannot change but moving on while not being afraid to change for the right reasons.

NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on the album, who would it be and why?

MB: It would be Kendrick Lamar, but not solely because he’s hot right now but because of his earlier releases like ‘Hi Power’; that song made me a fan. He always brings a message with him more times than not.
Also he has a lot of spiritual undertones in his music. I can hear him on a ‘Land of the Lost’ remix for sure.

Honorable mention J.Cole, Jasmine Sullivan

NLM: So what plans do you have for the rest of 2025?

MB: I have a podcast in development and a new EP coming out soon.

NLM: How can potential fans find you?

MB: Fans can find me on the major social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter). My music is located on all major DSP’s like Apple, Spotify and Tidal etc.

NLM: Finally, any special shoutouts to those in the production of ‘It Is Finished’?

MB: I want to give a big S/O to Let That Boy Cook. He produced the entire ‘It is Finished’ project.
He’s been my main producer over the last few years and it’s been a great ride! I know I’m bias but I consider him a really good producer from the states. I’m looking forward to doing another project with his production.
Also, S/O to Jaitay who mixed and mastered the project and a big S/O to my guy Andres from Highland Records who engineered the album.

I’ll be back in the studio soon! I’m not done yet…


Listen to ‘It Is Finished album right HERE.

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