A Quick Chat With…Amity

I was absolutely blown away by singer-songwriter AMITY‘s first appearance on the blog with compelling ballad, ‘Bite Me! which claimed the Song of the Month back in April.

Amity is more than just a musician – I like to call him the ‘singing advocate’ as he speaks up for the voiceless and tackles the most taboo topics such as mental health, abuse and suicide. So I’m absolutely thrilled to have caught up with the promising artist to talk about his latest single, ‘Hurricane Heart’.

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

A: It’s been a wild year, lots of ups and downs, but I’m so grateful for the journey that has brought me to where I am today.

NLM: You recently released your single, ‘Hurricane Heart’ (30th May). What is the public perception of the single so far?

A: I’ve had people telling me that they can relate to Hurricane Heart, and that the song is helping them process things they’ve been through, which is exactly what I aim to accomplish.

NLM: What inspired you to produce/write the single?

A: I wrote Hurricane Heart from my own experience of the aftermath of destructive relationships, and I wanted to spread awareness while telling not just my story, but the story of those who have experienced similar situations and haven’t yet found the words to express it. I actually wrote it live on stage after a soundcheck, as the first few lines had been going around in my head for a while, and it finally blossomed into a song in that moment.

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

A: It’s definitely my most uptempo release so far, though there’s still a variety of dynamic textures throughout the song. It has something of a rockier influence, and it explores deep lyrical topics.

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

A: That they are not alone, and that it’s okay to still be affected by something for a long time after it happens – it’s a normal response to an abnormal situation.

NLM: Are there any plans to release an official video for the single?

A: In the future, I’d absolutely love to do that, but for the time being, it’s unlikely to happen too soon.

NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on ‘Hurricane Heart’, who would it be and why?

A: For some reason, people keep comparing my voice to Adele’s, so it would be interesting to hear how she might interpret this song.

NLM: What plans do you have in store for 2025?

A: I have a show at the Royal Albert Hall coming up on the 15th of July, I’m also playing Durham Fringe Festival and starting work on recording my next EP, so stay tuned!

NLM: How can potential fans find you?

A: My Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok share the same handle of @amity_sings, my Twitch is AmitySings, my YouTube is Amity Miller, and my website is http://www.amity.music.

NLM: Finally, if music didn’t exist, what other professional would you do?

A: If music didn’t exist, I would have wanted to go into another career where I can help people and make a positive impact on the world, such as going into science, which I’ve actually always had a passion for.

Ross Flora shares ‘Cornerstone’ – a song displaying power of faith, community, and the unwavering love

From an early age, ROSS FLORA showed strong signs of becoming a musical prodigy. His father cultivated his musical journey when he overheard Ross – who was just 12 at the time – performing along a Van Halen CD— he signed Ross up for guitar lessons that very day! Throughout his teenage years, Ross went on to perform at various venues and festivals. At 19, he joined The Kings on tour in Roanoke, Virginia, as a guitarist and vocalist.

The big decision of moving from his hometown Virginia to Nashville to take his music career to another level, had paid off fruitfully For Ross. His gutsy soulful fusion of Country and Folk along with compelling storytelling has earned him a dedicated following. Ross’ debut single ‘Cannonball’, released in 2002, was met with glowing reviews with fans hailing him ‘The Golden Age of Rock ’n’ Roll with a Southern Flare’. He followed up with his first EP, ‘Shoulders of Giants’, in July the same year, which landed him a feature in the Roanoke Times alongside fellow Virginian Morgan Wade as an emerging Nashville talent.

Despite his burgeoning music career, Ross felt he was at a crossroad. His latest single, ‘Cornerstone’ is a touching invitation into Ross’s life, where he felt spiritually stagnant. However with the unflappable love and firm support from the right people, Ross was able to rebuild his life. Woven in a blissful fusion of Americana, Country and Folk, ‘Cornerstone’ sees Ross cleverly utilising metaphors for building one’s life on a firm foundation amidst life’s trials and tribulations and paints a vivid picture of transformation, moving from a place of despair to rediscovering faith and stability.

Through its touching message, Ross hopes that ‘Cornerstone’ offers some comfort to anyone who suffered the same fate. More importantly, ‘Cornerstone’ is a reminder to appreciate the community of people who offered that helping hand, in order to be the best version of ourselves. After all, it was this type of support that saved Ross from a dark hole.

‘Cornerstone’ is now available across various music platforms. Why not listen to his heartfelt offering below…

Connect with Ross Flora via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/RossFloraOfficial/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/rossfloramusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rossfloramusic

Colin Manson releases Debut EP ‘Wayfinding’

Scottish singer-songwriter COLIN MANSON embarks on a deeply personal and immersive musical journey with the release of his Debut EP ‘Wayfinding’, available now on all major streaming platforms . Rooted in the rhythms of the sea and his upbringing on the rugged West coast of Scotland, this four-track collection captures the spirit of adventure, deep reflection and soul searching drawn from Colin’s experiences crossing the world’s oceans in small sailing boats.

With his new single ‘The Water’ alongside three previous singles, Colin has put together a truly beautiful and heartfelt offering, making waves in the indie/folk scene and capturing the attention of many.

Each song in the EP tells a unique story, weaving a rich tapestry of melody and narrative that transports listeners into Colin’s world. From the soft, undulating textures of ‘Sea Son’ to the raw, percussive rhythms of ‘These Words’, Colin demonstrates the depth of his musical expression, painting vivid soundscapes inspired by his time at sea. Why not listen to ‘Wayfinding’ below…

Must Listens: Where We Started, Sea Son

Follow Colin Manson via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/colinmansn
IG: https://www.instagram.com/colinmansn

Source: Colin Manson

Raphael Tate Returns with singles ‘Is This Love’ & ‘All Of Me’ from brand new album – OUT TODAY

After a short hiatus away from the scene, RAPHAEL TATE returns with his honest work to date, which forms album ‘All Of Me’ out today, Friday 6th June across various music platforms via his label, Tate Love Music LTD.

The album reflects his raw and honest journey, searching for love in a world that often forgets how to give it. Through his journey, he’s been it through it all – the highs and lows; the good, the bad, the heartbreaks, the hope, the vulnerability, the doubt, the despair and having the courage to talk away from a failed relationship. Despite the rocky period of his life, Raphael still believes he will find that true connection.

From the ten-track project, Raphael shares ‘Is This Love’ and ‘All Of Me’. Produced by Multi-Grammy Award winning artist Jazzwad, ‘Is This Love’ delves into the realms of classic roots reggae with Raphael questioning whether real genuine love exists, through his infamous robustly soulful performance. Raphael ends the album with a cover of John Legend’s hit, ‘All Of Me’. The stripped-back production allows Raphael to wear his heart on his sleeve and bear all, inviting his fans and prospective listeners into his world, his journey and his truth. His breathtaking version of ‘All Of Me’ received a seal of approval from John Legend himself.

The album also includes previously released singles, the Reprezent approved ‘Can You Feel It’, ‘Same Energy’ and the critically acclaimed ‘A Fool In Love’, which received a firm seal of approval from BBC1xtra’s Seani B and BBC London’s Lionheart. Paying homage to Aswad’s single ‘Bammie Blow’ from their album, ‘New Chapter Of Dub’, ‘A Fool In Love’ was produced by Grammy-nominated producer, Jermaine Forde, the son of Aswad’s Brinsley Forde. 

Born in Washington DC, USA now residing Derbyshire UK, Raphael Tate has been steadily climbing up the ranks in the UK music since his 2020 single, ’A Fool In Love’. His subsequent releases, received attention from UK national stations and way beyond, including BBC1 BBC1xtra, BBC London, BBC Leicester, BBC Stoke, BBC West Midlands, Mi-Soul, Phoenix FM, SoulCityTheBeat in Italy, South Africa’s Ubuntu FM, plus many more. ‘Everyday Is Mother’s Day’ – an tribute to his late mother – was featured twice on Reprezent radio, while ‘Blessed’ was named Track of the Week by Premiere Gospel.

Raphael Tate broadened his horizon and took to the stage of ITV’s Starstruck back in 2023, where he impersonated the Godfather of Soul James Brown, impressing judges Adam Lambert, Beverley Knight, Rowland Keating and Jason Mansford.

More recently, Raphael has circulated venues across the UK with his compelling live performances. A resident artist at London’s The 606 Club since the beginning of 2023, Raphael Tate has been an opening act for the legendary Odyssey in 2024 at The Robin in Wolverhampton. He also opened for legendary reggae group, Black Uhuru at Camden’s iconic venue Jazz Café and Band on the Wall in Manchester during their 2024 UK & European tour. Raphael Tate will once again open for Black Uhuru on their 2025 UK & European tour at London’s venues, Jazz Cafe on 30th June and Fox and Kirkin on 1st July.

Now Raphael Tate is getting ready to share singles ‘Is This Love’ & ‘All Of Me’ from his new album. With today’s society marred with so much division, due to cultural/region differences, so-called gender wars and unhealed traumas, Raphael gives a reminder, through his latest offering, that we can still choose connection over conflict. Through bearing his soul to the world, he hopes to encourage others to do the same.

‘All Of Me’ album is out today, 6th June, across various music platforms.

Connect with Raphael Tate via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/RaphaelTateofficial
X: https://x.com/TateRaphael
IG: https://www.instagram.com/raphaeltateofficial/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@raphaeltate3

Stefanie Michaela has a message for naysayers on single, ‘Stay In Your Lane’.

Every once in a while, you have that someone who keeps buzzing in your ear, telling you what you should do with your life. You try to ignore the unwelcome advice, but it comes a time when enough is enough.

STEFANIE MICHAELA knows that feeling all too well. After steadily curating her musical journey, honing her craft at Idyllwild Arts Academy and the Boston Conservatory, the Los Angeles singer/songwriter pressed pause on her passion to raise her five children and felt constantly judged for her decision – but she wasn’t having any of it! That message is the inspiration behind her single, appropriately titled, ‘Stay In your Lane’.

Produced by multi-Grammy Award-winning producer Keith Thomas (Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, Selena), ‘Stay In Your Lane’ may have an immediately addictive delicate soulful pop grooves, with a tinge of nineties R&B, but beyond the idyllic melodies Stefanie elegantly delivers a stern message for the naysayers: “Maybe if you’re happier in your own life, you could continue to stay in your lane.”

As Stefanie Michaela makes an impressive return to the music industry, there’s a strong sense that she’s not here just to churn out some catchy tunes. Her comeback strongly signifies that it’s never too late to reach out for your dreams and desires, perfectly positioning ‘Stay In Your Lane’ as the anthem of having unwavering perseverance and the courage to ignite that passion.

Now armed with her biggest fans – her children – It’s very safe to say that Stefanie Michaela is going full force with her renewed passion as she gears up to release her EP, ‘Turning Pages’ slated for release later this year.

‘Stay In Your Lane’ is now out for your pleasure across various music platforms. Why not press play on the empowering single below…

Connect with Stefanie Michaela via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555524656282
IG: https://www.instagram.com/stefaniemichaelamusic/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StefanieMichaelaVEVO
Website: https://www.stefaniemichaela.com/