19-year-old North West Londoner CHLOE BODUR has been causing quite a stir with her single ‘Glory.’ Fusing elements of neo-soul, jazz and pop, her newest number stole the Track of the Day spot on numerous BBC Introducing stations, as well as being added to rotation on Jazz FM.
Produced by UK Top 10 charting producer JD.Reid (Mabel, Katy B, Sinead Harnett, D Double E), ‘Glory’ focuses on vulnerability and the underlying sense of loneliness. Bodur reveals, “It was originally written as a poem about youth trying to find love in themselves and in others and how one correlates with the other”.
Raised in a mixed heritage family, whilst immersed in vibrant London, Bodur credits her multi-cultural upbringing for her array of musical influences. Idolising the likes of Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra, as well as gaining inspiration from artists such as Quincey Jones, D’angelo and Frank Ocean.
Deemed the most promising new act and already selling out live shows,CHLOE BODUR is ready for the next step of her musical endeavour with the highly anticipated release ‘Glory’, available from yesterday.
This is a great way to start your week; have a listen to ‘Glory.’
Following the release of his acclaimed debut EP ‘Conversations’, East London vocal powerhouse, JEROME THOMAS presents a mesmerising performance in the new video – directed by Christopher Cargill whose portfolio includes Giggs and Emeli Sandé – for lead track, ‘The Stone’.
‘The Stone’ is one of the lighter more self-explanatory tracks from the socially conscious EP, tackling topics that still remain taboo within the music industry. It is a personal and sincere body of work, devoid of banality, inspired by Jerome’s observations of society and conversations with close family and friends.
The Dalston native has been championed by the likes of The Fader, i-D, Idol Magazine and MTV, as well as receiving key radio support from BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra and Rinse FM. Having headlined a number of sold out shows at Bush Hall, Notting Hill Arts Club and Queen Of Hoxton, and aligning himself with revered industry peers such as Hannah Faith (Soulection), Black The Ripper, Footsie (Newham Generals) and Davinche, it is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the talents of this genre-defying artist….check him out!
Since appearing on NEW LEASE MUSIC with their single ‘Get Up Now’ last January, my mind would sometimes wonder on the whereabouts of twin sisters ZOE & ZARA. A few week ago, my curiosity was quashed when received an email from the duo.
After five years on London’s music scene, the pair decided to start a new chapter on their journey. So after much deliberation, long hours in the studio (which came with tears and near-breakdowns – their words, not mine!) ZOE & ZARA now present their debut album, ‘The Introduction.’
Recorded at The Blue Studio in Dalston (my hometown!), ‘The Introduction’ displays a delightful journey of Jazz (modern and from the golden era), old school soul and neo soul alternating between the down right funky and the ambient/easy listening.
The flood of tears and near breakdowns definitely paid off – their neo-soul signature is more rich and refined (compared to their previous releases). The sisters’ venture into other genres by far didn’t disappoint. Their soothing vocals in fourth effort ‘Hey Sir’ were well suited to the golden jazz/big band/rat pack combo.
After reading the review, I think you guys know how I feel about this album. All there’s left say is – ZOE & ZARA, I salute you!
Check out the album and song recommendations below:
Must Listens: Weather Is Golden, Autumn Afternoon, Butterfly, Talk About It
After a long spell away from the NEW LEASE MUSIC limelight, New York’s conscious spitter S.P.O.T (Strategy Produces Overall Thought) is back, featuring on UK-based DJ Halabi’s latest EP, ‘ The A&B Side’, released earlier this month via Down 2 Earth Records.
Second track of the set ‘Beast’ made it to today’s song of the day hotspot for its arrangements of laid back boombap and neo soul, working in perfect unison with S.P.O.T‘s effortless flow and upfront wordplay.
This track is the perfect day to get over the humpday…so be sure to check it out!
New Lease Music 