Interview with: Brooklyn

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Come and meet BROOKLYN – a newcomer who’s tearing up the underground pop music scene with her out-of-sight track, ‘Cupid’. It’s only right to invite the eccentric songstress into the interview seat…so come on and get the lowdown on a star-on-the-rise.

NLM: First of all, thank you for agreeing to do an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC.

B:It’s my pleasure, thank you for having me !

NLM: you your single ‘Cupid’ came out late last year. What’s the story behind the single and what’s the public’s reception since its release?

B: So basically the story behind it is that my best friend got cheated on by her boyfriend at the time, with one of the girls that were in our circle so it was kinda deep ! The reception has been more than I could have ever asked, the support and love for it is just crazy and I’m so grateful!

NLM: How would you describe your sound/signature to potential fans? Would you compare yourself to any of your music influences of today?

B:I don’t like to compare myself to other artists cos we’re all doing our own thing u know.. but my sound is very mixed.. the core is very R&B but then definitely has influences of Grime, Hip Hop, etc..

NLM: What mainstream (or even indie) artists you’re into at the moment?

B: Angel – I’m still hooked on his ‘Her’ EP, Yxng Bane aka captain wave lol, Nadia Rose is a boss, Big Tobz I’ve really followed his journey, oh there’s an Afro Beat act I’ve just discovered called Yemi Alade she is awesome!! JA=KI Wolfe ‘the wizard’, Lady Leshurr, Stefflon don, obvs Stormzy too many to mention the UK scene is really producing some great music right now!
NLM: If you had a choice to collaborate with just ONE mainstream artist, who would it be and why?

B: Chris breeeezy.. I’ve been a fan since day I just love his music, his voice just does summmmmin to me, I could literally marry his voice

NLM:  If you were granted three wishes to change the music industry today, what would they be?

B: I’d probably not change anything as whatever negative issues exist contribute indirectly to the organic creation of great music anyway. Sometimes politics lead people to go above and beyond and think outside the box

NLM:  So what are your plans for 2017? Any coming gigs?

B: Yessss, I got some festivals lined up which I’m super excited about I love the vibes at festivals and the vodka tonics certainly go down well.

NLM: How can potential fans make contact with you?

B:They can @ me directly on Twitter @artistbrooklyn the same for Instagram and my website is artistbrooklyn.com you’ll find all my socials on there :)

NLM:  Finally, any shout outs?
My family, my team Actually Music, Tenletter and seriously EVERYONE supporting big up!

Song of the Day: Secret Tunnel – Emma Ballantine

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Today EMMA BALLANTINE serves up a very soothing dish with her single, ‘Secret Tunnels’, taken from her new project, ‘Somebody’s Story’.

The three-minute track, released on her own label, Shut Up Jo Records, is the first of four new songs that the London-based artist (originally from Salisbury) will be sharing between now and March this year.

Each of the of the tracks in ‘Somebody’s Story’ are based on a true story sent to the singer/songwriter by her followers since she announced the idea just three months ago. ‘Secret Tunnel’, gives a moving and inspiring account of a young girl’s determination to move on with her life after a harrowing experience.

 The new tracks have all been produced by Brixton-based producer Moseley and reflects a
departure from the traditional folk sound of Emma’s earlier EP, ‘Tourist’. Layered synths and beats combine with her usual storytelling style to create a more contemporary feel.

Since being tipped by Glamour magazine as ‘One to Watch in 2016’, Emma has had a busy year, performing at a string of festivals, including Glastonbury and reaching the final of the UK Unsigned Songwriter of the Year competition. She is due to announce a new string of tour dates for spring 2017 to mark the launch of the four tracks as a full EP and physical record.

New Music Video: Better – Fjer

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After claiming the Song of the Day hotspot ten days ago with single, ‘Better’, Danish singer FJER is back with a chilling visual for her latest release.

Co-directed with Peter Anthony Red, the four-minute production features a soaked FJER in a shower, reflecting on past experiences, knowing that the subject is now looking back and doubting choices.

Released via Quintic, ‘Better’ is now available as a free download on Soundcloud…but before you dash off to grab your copy, check out the video to the trippy electro-pop single.

Song of the Day: Better – Fjer

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Here’s another dish of the day – this time coming from forward-thinking Danish electro-soul artist FJER and her latest single ‘Better’.

With a sound that calls to mind SIA and Banks laced with an upbeat, almost anthemic vibe, the singer/songwriter/producer’s raw emotional overtones mirror the introspective life reflections common to us all: both inclusive and yet isolated.

Produced by the Danish duo Nector, ‘Better’ is an infectious alt R&B-flecked electronica pop gem that slides effortlessly between bassy beats and spacey lulls, showcasing FJER shimmering vocals to perfection.

Accompanying the single is the trippy and glitch-flavored video which sees a shower soaked FJER reflecting on past experiences, knowing that the subject is now looking back and doubting his choices. FJER’s artistic vision is undeniable in this co-directed video with NYC’s Peter Anthony Red.

Ditching her studies at the notable Royal Academy of Music to pursue her dreams in New York City in 2012, FJER has seen early successes ranging from the independent release of two EP’s, ‘A New Start’ (2013) and the conceptual ‘Beautiful Home’ (2014), with early plaudits coming from 2DopeBoyz, YRB Magazine and Okayplayer whilst having key showcases in NYC’s staple BB Kings, Tammany Hall and The Bitter End under her belt.

FJER’s last single ‘Her Turn’ was making the rounds after being selected for Spotify’s Indietronica playlist with ‘Better’ looking to further cement her position within the empowering female-fronted scene. With plans to return in 2017 with her debut album on indie label QUINTIC, we can only anticipate what is next for the Danish powerhouse.

 

New Lease Music’s Top Ten Music Videos of 2016

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10. Down – XamVolo

9. Honey B – Bella Loka

8. Waters Run Deep – Coco (ft. Shola Ama)

7. Not Staying The Same – Big Rain & Trigga Rider

6. Royal Blood – Sound Glyphics

5. Vogue – 3Bubble & J. Gray

4. Don’t Be Shy – Kane

3. Divinity Machine – Crisis Renegade

2. Falls – Awir Leon

  1. Pixelate – Shaefri