After stealing the top spot on NEW LEASE MUSIC’s Top Ten Music Video of 2016 list with previous effort, ‘Pixelate’, London-based electronic-pop artist SHAEFRI returns with second single ‘Rabbit Hole’ from her forthcoming EP ‘Pixelate’.
While ‘Pixelate’ explored a dysfunctional relationship, ‘Rabbit Hole’ deals with the agony of yearning for love. SHAEFRI paints a desperate character though her pained, heartfelt lyrics imploring the object of her affection to love her.
Born and raised in London with a mixed Irish-Egyptian heritage, SHAEFRI spent years honing her talents and developing her unique brand of haunting vocals and minimalistic beats amidst the London scene. Having performing at venues such as Notting Hill Arts Club and The Borderline alongside famous names including Babyshambles and Craigie Dodds (producer for Gorillaz, Amy Winehouse and Eliza Doolittle), the electronic-pop singer knows what it takes to pull her listeners in with mesmerising vocal hooks and warm, pulsing pads.
This one is very worthy of your time – have a listen to ‘Rabbit Hole’.
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!)
Making a significant entrance to 2017, BIG NARSTIE releases the first single from his forthcoming album in the shape of ‘They Don’t Know’ featuring Xaviour. Delving into a side of BIG NARSTIE that is often overlooked due to his fun-loving and comical character, the record illustrates the story behind the Brixton emcee and demonstrates his lyrical prowess as a talented wordsmith.
2016 proved to be an impressive year for BIG NARSTIE, which saw him top the charts alongside Craig David on the Top 10 record ‘When The Bassline Drops’ and later went on to be certified gold. The scene veteran also performed at a number of the world’s most famed festivals including Ibiza Rocks, Wireless, Reading & Leeds and even made an appearance on the Jonathan Ross show. He went on to release his own Bass Invaders app and single ‘BDL Skank’ and now prepares to release the fruits of his studio labours with some exciting and unexpected collaborations.
Giving us a reflective and intimate understanding of his journey and battles faced as he grew up, ‘They Don’t Know’ shines a spotlight on BIG NARSTIE allowing a very honest and bold figure to be displayed; one which seems almost opposite to the infectious laughs, hysterical sketches and the animated bars that we’ve seen of late. As he raps over the melancholy beat, Narstie’s lyrical aptitude is evident and proves why he is not only one of the most loved, but also one of the most respected and key figures in the scene.
Taking 2017 to new heights, BIG NARSTIE has just announced a six date UK tour kicking off in XOYO in London 3rd May.
SEEJAY100 is quickly growing into one of the scenes’ secret weapon, thanks to his run of recent bangers, and his latest release ‘Pretty Girls’ continues the ambush on our ears. Teaming up with one of the hottest underground rappers of current times, TE DNESS, the two make for a sharp, infectious track, coupled with a catchy hook, as they rap about their adoration for females with sharp deliveries and flows.
Fresh from his most recent release ‘Pull Up’ featuring Moelogo, SEEJAY100 gained a wealth of new support and kudos from his peers and music platforms alike, seeing him tipped as ‘One To Watch for 2017’ and garnering support from platforms such as Spotify, BBC and Voice Newspaper.
The rapper takes an inventive and inspired approach to his music, mixing up the flavours and inspirations, which has been a catalyst in him working with some of the scenes most highly rated emcees including, Cadet, Big Tobz, Bonkaz and Stormzy over recent months, and now with TE DNESS who has just delivered his first headline show to rapturous applause of fans and the scene.
The last 12 months have seen SEEJAY100 earn the support of new fans alongside the music gatekeepers and tastemakers. With a fresh new single already in the pipeline set to follow ‘Pretty Girls’, SEEJAY100 is set to ensure that his name won’t be missed in 2017.
It’s evident from previous music videos that the North London dark soul singer/songwriter BASHEBA has a flair for creating engaging and moving visuals.
‘Platinum & Gold’ is no exception as the beautifully shot video (directed by Vasilisa Forbes with art direction from Luke Nugent) is the perfect foil for her haunting vocal delivery and sparse production courtesy of XVR BLK. Previous video ‘Don’t Go’ accumulated over 100K views on YouTube in its first two months and followed other fan favourites ‘High And Dry’ and ‘Dirty Love (Your Love)’.
Known for combining breakbeat and jungle rhythms in previous work, ‘Platinum & Gold’ continues to show a progression in sound for the young Londoner. Her ‘from the heart’ lyrics and dark soulful vocal delivery always stands out in her music, and it’s this which she has been able translate effortlessly to other areas like trip-hop, bass and R&B. It is the lead track taken from her latest EP ‘Axiom Pt. 2’ which is out now on iTunes and Spotify (via her own label Y.O.B Records) and is the second instalment of the ‘Axiom’ EP, released in April 2016.
New Lease Music 