Following on from albums, ‘Flowers Of Doubt’ (2019) and ‘Stillborn Flowers’ (2020), Mert Yıldız – otherwise known as RAIN TO RUST – has join forces with artist N.L.P for single, ‘Dead Violets Night.’
The song is a rewriting of a song off Rain To Rust’s ‘Stillborn Flowers’ album: new instrumentation, new lyrics and a new approach. It’s built on analog synth lines and the vocal interplay between two artists with Peter Hook-laden bass leads on top. The result is a catchy and modernised version of a sound that harkens back to a time where Post-Punk bands decided to move into electronica waters.
Rain To Rust is the brainchild of former Dead Man’s Dream and Rhythm 0 guitarist, whereas N.L.P. is the moniker of Istanbul-based Matt Loftin. Since playing with Housing Crash & Foton Kusagi, he’s decided to move into Post-Punk territory – so far he has released three singles.
Although both acts are focusing on their own releases for 2021, ‘Dead Violets Night’ may be the first in line of a series of collaborations…have a listen to the single below…
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?
DJ CHASE teams up with New Bronx Artist Retti Fisher for ‘Wait A Minute’, a positive uplifting record, boasting a smooth chill trap beat produced by DJ Chase, who is the founder of New York City-based production company Worldwide Soundz Records and the founder of DJ Chase Publishing, LLC.
Before he was in the boss’s chair, his roots began as a professional DJ, specialising in hip-hop, R&B, Reggae/ Dancehall, old-school, and House music. Check him out below…
Before closing the door to his The Room EP, Edmonton hip-hop artist K-RIZ unveiled a new video for the potently blended jazz-rap track, ‘A Place Where Love Is.’ Elevated by the swinging coos of Calgary soul singer Yolanda Sargeant (of Sargeant X Comrade), the song is a declaration for choosing to love in a time of fear.
The video stars K-Riz, Yolanda Sargeant and fellow Alberta rapper Lyrique, and serves as a hopeful antidote to the bleakness of the past year. Filmed from Calgary’s Sunnyside neighbourhood and the city’s iconic Peace Bridge, the black and white video is punctuated by meaningful symbols. “Imagine life where colour doesn’t matter/Imagine peace where murder doesn’t happen…Under God’s blue sky, we all bleed the same you and I,” K-Riz spits, illuminating the possibility of a better world.
“This is the message that I wanted to close The Room out on,” said K-Riz. “I think this is a message that people need to hear right now—and over and over again. It’s time for people to open their hearts to peace and love.”
The Room EP was written by K-Riz while recovering from injuries sustained in a June 2020 car accident. The title signifies the room in which the album was conceived and the mental space and time he was given to reflect and create. The five-track collection is laced with smooth R&B grooves, jazz flourishes, lyrical atonements, and a near-death clarity, tracing the wrongs of past relationships (‘What a Shame’), faith (‘God First’), and a profound sense of gratitude for life (“A Place Where Love Is” feat. Yolanda Sargeant).
In the time since the EP’s release, K-Riz has been hailed by Complex for “quietly establishing himself as one of Alberta’s deftest lyricists; was named as a Black Canadian artist you need to know by Angeline Tetteh-Wayoe of CBC’s The Block; and was listed among the Canadian artists you need to hear by Exclaim in January of 2021. The EP follows his debut full-length album, Fresh Air (2016), which garnered the rapper a spot on Hip Hop Canada’s list of the Top 40 Canadian Hip Hop MCs.
The Room EP is now available on all streaming platforms. You can also look for K-Riz’s sophomore full-length, Peace & Love, set for release this summer. For now, check out the video for ‘Where Love Is’…
Following directly on from his previous releases, ‘Darkness Before Light’ and Morals,’ SC. UNDERCOVER‘s single, ‘Deeper Love’ is built within a soothing acoustic guitar setting where the UK crooner tells the story of an intimate and close connection, through his impressive falsetto vocals.
Born in Walsal, SC.Undercover started creating music as a way of escapism from the darker periods of his early life. The mysterious and sometimes flamboyant crossover artist blends characters and influences of indie, dark pop and R&B, offering something distinctly unique in today’s industry.
Hoping to help others overcome their own struggles with mental health, SCU wants to share his experiences, shining light on a subject very close to his heart using his music as a platform to reach wider audiences. Having performed to sold out audiences across Atlanta and at home in the UK, as well as garnering acclaim from publications, SC.Undercover is labelled as an artist to watch. Check him out below…
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