Tag: r&b

New Lease Music’s New Music Roundup – 28/08/26

Welcome to another country (with a tinge of R&B) edition of NEW LEASE MUSIC’s New Music Roundup, your weekly snapshot of great music from indie and unsigned artists from around the globe.

If you’re a regular visitor to the roundup, you’ll no doubt recognise some familiar faces—true trailblazers who continue to make their mark on the Country music scene—alongside a new artist joining the lineup for the first time.

So, whether you’re here to reconnect with some familiar favourites or discover your next musical obsession, there’s plenty to get excited about.If you like what you hear, comment below!

If you are a indie or an unsigned artist and would like your music featured on the list, send your music links and a short info about the release to submit@newleasemusic.com, with NEW MUSIC ROUNDUP in the subject line.

Thank you for visiting and I hope you enjoy the music!

PAUL MINNICH – LAWN CHAIR LIVIN’

‘Lawn Chair Livin’’ is a nostalgic, country-rock celebration of the people, places, and traditions that bring us back to who we are. Minnich paints the picture from the opening verse: “It’s tailgates and dogs on grills / It’s campfire stories that scare and thrill / It’s small town fairs and their parades / That help to end our week-long charades.”

The song’s message becomes even more personal as Minnich sings, “It brings us back to who we are / And where we come from no matter how far / Life has a way of pulling us away / So grab your chair, plant yourself and stay.”

Then comes the big, easygoing chorus: “Here’s to a life, a life worth livin’ / Load up the truck, get it stuck in the weekend / If you try to find me I’ll be outside and in / My front row to life, lawn chair livin’.”

With its rock edge, catchy hook, and unmistakable small-town charm, ‘Lawn Chair Livin’’ captures the feeling of a backyard cookout, a weekend by the dirt track, or an evening spent with friends and family. At its heart, it’s a reminder to slow down, pull up a chair, and appreciate the life happening right in front of you.

‘Lawn Chair Livin’’ is out today across all leading streaming platforms.

SLAY RACHÉ – YOU MAKE ME WANNA DANCE

Independent pop and R&B artist SLAY RACHÉ enters her most ambitious chapter yet with ‘ You Make Me Wanna Dance,’ a vibrant new single out today. Blending the infectious energy of 80s pop and dance with a contemporary sense of swagger, the track captures Raché’s instinct for instantly memorable songwriting while offering another glimpse into her forthcoming self-titled debut album ‘Slay’ due in Fall 2026.

Produced at Milkboy Studio in Philadelphia, ‘You Make Me Wanna Dance’ draws directly from Raché’s long-standing admiration for Michael Jackson and the golden era of pop and dance music. The inspiration came after she and her fiancé attended the Michael Jackson musical in New York City on Valentine’s Day, an experience that sparked the idea behind the song. What followed is a polished, high-energy pop record built around movement, attraction and the unmistakable feeling of being completely swept up in the moment.

‘You Make Me Wanna Dance’ is out today via all leafing music platforms. Why not check it out below…

BRI FLETCHER – SALTED WATER (MUSIC VIDEO)

BRI FLETCHER returns with new video for latest single, Salt Water,’ an R&B leaning anthem that cleverly uses the healing properties of salt water as a remedy for heartbreak. While the production embraces a smoother, more soulful sound, Fletcher’s signature storytelling remains at the heart of the track, blending emotional honesty with undeniable vulnerability.

The video reflects the song’s message that sometimes the first step toward moving on isn’t pretending you’re okay, it’s allowing yourself to feel everything. Fletcher transforms tears into a symbol of hope: “Thought I’d never be the one to cry online / But WebMD just said I’ll be alright”

‘Salt Water’ marks another step in Fletcher’s evolving artistry, pairing contemporary R&B influences with the heartfelt lyricism that first established her as a country songwriter. It’s a reminder that growth doesn’t always come from hiding your emotions, sometimes it comes from embracing them.

With “Salt Water,” Bri Fletcher continues to carve out a lane entirely her own, proving that authentic storytelling can transcend genre while resonating with anyone who’s ever cried, healed, and found strength on the other side of a heartbreak. Watch the video below…

HOPE DOUDS – COASTAL COWGIRLS

HOPE DOUDS‘ latest single, ‘Coastal Cowgirls’ is a bright, carefree country anthem made for the girls chasing sunshine, salty air, and a little summertime escape.Blending Hope’s Southern roots with the carefree energy of the coast, the song captures that feeling of leaving your worries behind and trading the everyday for turquoise water, warm nights, and a little wild cowgirl spirit.

Hope brings that energy to life with playful lines like, “Rope them all in like a wild horse out on the beach / Want all the turquoise vibes ’gainst the sparkling Atlantic sea / All the coastal cowgirls / Come, follow me.” The song paints an instantly vivid picture of beach days, sparkling water, sun-kissed skin, drinks by the shore, and a whole lot of yee-haw energy.

At its heart, ‘Coastal Cowgirls’ is an invitation to embrace the carefree side of country living. It’s for the girls who can bring their country roots anywhere, trade their ball caps for a beachside state of mind, and turn a simple summer getaway into an adventure. With its playful attitude and feel-good spirit, the song arrives as a natural fit for summer playlists and the final stretch of the season.

‘Coastal Cowgirls’ is out now across various music platforms. Check it out below…

MADDIE LENHART – WHY IN THE WORLD

MADDIE LENHART returns with her most compelling release to date with single, ‘Why in the World’.

Produced by Brad Hill (Maren Morris, Brothers Osborne) and co-written by Maddie with Jay Knowles (Alan Jackson, Lainey Wilson) and Jen Stegall (Carter Faith), “Why in the World” is a cinematic country heartbreak song that turns grief into a search for meaning after losing the person you thought you’d spend forever with. Baritone guitar, steel guitar, fiddle, and layered harmonies meet polished, modern production, creating a sweeping record that bridges classic country storytelling with a fresh, contemporary edge.

The hook of the song lies in its escalating questions— starting with universal truths and spiraling into emotional collapse: “Summers are hot / Winter is cold / We spin on an axis / And gravity holds us down to the ground / So we can’t fly / Why? / Why do fish breathe water? / But we breathe the air? / Why do numbers add up, / But life isn’t fair? / Somebody put the word good / In goodbye / Why?”

From there, it turns inward, landing on the chorus: “There’s so many questions / That I’ve just accepted / I’ll never have answers to / But I still get stuck / On the ones about us / Why was the one thing I wanted the most the one thing I had to lose / Why is the hardest why in the world… you?”

‘Why in the World’ is the third release from her debut EP. Why not check it out below…

YINKA WILLIAMS – WE CAN’T START IT AGAIN

UK singer-songwriter YINKA WILLIAMS continues to establish herself as a compelling new voice in contemporary soul and R&B with her latest single, ‘We Can’t Start It Again’. Blending soulful storytelling with warm, contemporary production and subtle country-pop influences, the track marks a deeply personal new chapter for an artist whose music is rooted in honesty, emotional connection and self-discovery.

Built around the universal experience of closing a chapter and finding the strength to move forward, ‘We Can’t Start It Again’ is a quietly empowering reflection on resilience and knowing your worth. Yinka’s soulful delivery brings warmth and vulnerability to the track, with an expressive vocal style that recalls the timeless melodic sensibilities of 2000s R&B while maintaining a distinctly contemporary edge.

‘We Can’t Start It Again’ is out now across various music platforms. Listen below…

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A Quick Chat With…Ashley Savage

ASHLEY SAVAGE has truly made her mark on NEW LEASE MUSIC. Her latest single, Pressure, not only earned the blog’s coveted Song of the Week title for two consecutive weeks back in June, but has now gone one step further by being crowned Song of the Month, thanks to its silky fusion of R&B and K-Pop.

With a track making such an impact, it only felt right to invite Ashley into the interview hot seat to talk about how Pressure came to life, the creative process behind its genre-blending sound, and what’s next on her musical journey.

Ready for an epic read? Then tuck in below…

Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2026 treating you so far?

AS: Thank you for having me. So far, 2026 has been a year of growth and clarity. I’ve spent a lot of time refining who I am as an artist instead of chasing trends. It’s been a year of major milestones, both personally and creatively. From hitting big academic goals and graduating college in May to seeing my music resonate with new listeners, the energy this year has been incredibly rewarding. I’m just focused on keeping this momentum going. Everything I’m creating now feels more intentional, and I think people are starting to recognize that.

NLM: You released your single, ‘Pressure’ back in April. What is the public perception of the single so far?

AS: The response has been really encouraging. People have connected with the honesty in the record and the emotion behind it. I’ve also been seeing it gain traction on playlists and Spotify Radio, which tells me the music is finding the right audience. It’s definitely helped introduce people to where I’m headed creatively.

Having Pressure named “Sound of the Month” and climbing to the top spot right here on New Lease Music was a massive high point. Seeing listeners connect with the track completely organically, without relying on forced gimmicks, validates all the late nights spent fine-tuning the production. The feedback on the vocal arrangements and the overall vibe has been beautiful.

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

AS: Pressure’ came from a real place. Life has a way of testing you, and I wanted to make something that captured what it feels like to carry expectations, keep pushing forward, and refuse to fold. It’s about staying composed when everything around you feels heavy.

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

AS: I’d describe it as cinematic trap with soul. It’s dark, emotional, and powerful, blending modern trap drums with rich melodies and a luxury feel. It’s music you can ride to, think to, and feel at the same time. A raw street polished luxury feel.

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

AS: I want people to know that pressure isn’t always something to run from. Sometimes it’s what shapes you into the person you’re meant to become. Whatever you’re facing, keep going. Don’t let the weight define you, let it build you. I want people to feel empowered.

When you’re dealing with life’s stressors or doubts, you have the power to transform that weight into diamonds. I hope listeners blast it in their cars or through their headphones and feel an immediate surge of confidence to stand their ground and own their path, no matter how intense things get.

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

AS: Absolutely. I want the visuals to match the world I’m building with the music. When I release videos, I don’t want them to just look good ,I want them to tell a story and make people feel like they’ve stepped into the universe of the song.

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

AS: I’d probably say Future. He knows how to bring emotion and confidence into a record without forcing it. I think our styles would complement each other while still letting the song breathe.

NLM: What plans do you have in store for 2026?

AS: The rest of the year is fully dedicated to a multi-stage rollout to firmly establish my anchor record. I’m focused on building sustained, organic growth and rolling out new singles including a track called Digital Touch that explores some really cool sub-genre boundaries. Expect more music, distinct visual campaigns. I’m also making sure every release raises the bar. My goal isn’t just to drop songs, its to build a lasting brand that people recognize the moment they hear it.

NLM: How can potential fans find you?

AS: Potential fans can reach me on my website which is officialashleysavage219.com. You can find me everywhere you stream music Pressure and the rest of my catalog on all major digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal. To stay updated on my upcoming releases, music videos, and behind-the-scenes creative process, you can follow my journey across all major social media platforms.

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

AS: If I weren’t creating music, I would be fully immersed in the healthcare field, I just graduated with a degree specifically in Health Information Technology and Data Management. Before school, I’m actively a state certified CNA. I’ve always had a sharp analytical side, and I’m dedicated to caring for those who can’t do for themselves. Now, working behind the scenes to manage data infrastructure, analyze oncology records, and solve complex operational puzzles in healthcare satisfies that love for structure and strategy, which is the exact opposite side of my brain from music production!

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Song of the Day: Vices – Arash Nejad

A sombre yet compelling drive introduces ARASH NEJAD‘s debut single, ‘Vices’, putting him in very good stead as a serious contender in UK’s alternative R&B/Neo soul scene. The single then flourishes into a fresh, sultry take on slow jam as we know it, with Arash’s perfectly paired vocal performance, vividly narrating his strong addiction on one of his greatest vices – his love interest. As the single unholds, you can feel an intense desperation and raw desire that lingers long after the single ends.

From listening to ‘Vices’, it’s clear that Arash draws inspiration from urban music heavyweights such as Beyoncé, Michael Jackson and Frank Ocean. Fans of these artists are likely to find his sound equally compelling, as he blends familiar influences with a style that feels distinctly his own.

With ‘Vices’ covering themes of love and addiction with such emotional depth, it’s exciting to see what topics he explores next. I got a feeling he’s got so much to say and this debut offering is just a tip of a very large and complex iceburg. His strong sound creates an airy mystery around him with little known beyond the fact that he’s based somewhere in South East England. As his musicial journey unravels, I suspect he will reveal a piece of his world one chapter at a time and in my book that is enough to hang around for his next move…

‘Vices’ is now available now for your pleasure…why not check it out below…

Keep up to date with Arash Nejad’s journey via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/arash_nejad/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arash_nejad

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A Quick Chat With…Zavier Quinn

It’s ZAVIER QUINN‘s turn in the NLM interview hot seat after his latest single ‘FTS (First Time Secret)’ was crowned the blog’s Song of the Month back in April.

So come and find out more about the talented producer from Los Angeles as he unveils his inspiration behind the mysterious track, plus his plans for 2026…

NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2026 treating you so far?

ZQ: 2026 has been a year of growth, clarity, and consistency. I’m spending less time chasing and more time building. I decided to trust the process. I have taken time to understand who I am as an artist, what I create, and what stories I want my music to tell. The music is stronger, the vision is clearer, and I have learned to trust my own voice as an artist. That’s been one of the biggest self-realizations this year.

NLM: You released your single, ‘FTS – First Time Secret’ back in April. What is the public perception of the single so far?

ZQ: The response has been interesting because people hear different things. Some hear a breakup record. Some hear confidence. Some hear boundaries. I like that people are finding their own story in the record. For me, that’s the best outcome I could have hoped for.

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

ZQ: FTS came from a place of recognizing your worth. Sometimes people only value you after you’ve moved on. The song isn’t about anger. It’s about growth. It’s about understanding that not everyone deserves continued access to your energy.

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

ZQ: I’d describe it as modern R&B with a cinematic edge. It’s smooth, it’s melodic, and emotional, but there’s still confidence and attitude in it. It’s music for people who’ve lived a little.

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

ZQ: Know your value. Not everyone who misses you deserves a secon d chance. Sometimes growth means appreciating where you’ve been while still moving forward.

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

ZQ: My team and I have discussed a few concepts, and we’re exploring what makes sense creatively. Right now I’m focused on building a complete visual world around not only FTS but the music coming next rather than rushing something out.

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

ZQ: Probably Lucky Daye. I’ve always appreciated artists who can be vulnerable and confident at the same time, and I think he’d bring something special to the record.

NLM: What plans do you have in store for 2026?

ZQ: More music. More visuals. More consistency. My goal is to continue building the Zavier Quinn catalog and connecting with listeners who appreciate authentic storytelling. I’m focused on long-term growth rather than quick moments.

NLM: How can potential fans find you?

ZQ: Search Zavier Quinn on all major streaming platforms. You can also connect with me on Instagram, TicTok and YouTube at @mr.zavierquinn where I share music, creative projects, and pieces of the journey.

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

ZQ: If music didn’t exist, I’d probably be somewhere designing systems or building businesses. I’ve always been fascinated by how things work, how people connect, and how ideas become reality. In a lot of ways, producing music isn’t that different—you’re still building something from nothing.

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Ashley Savage Turns Pain Into Power On New Track ‘Pressure’

Emerging artist ASHLEY SAVAGE is quickly proving herself to be one to watch in 2026, carving out a lane entirely her own.

Raised in the culturally rich state of Indiana — on the very same street where the Jackson family’s legendary journey began — her artistry is rooted in the soul of ‘90s R&B while embracing sleek, modern textures that feel both cinematic and radio-ready. Although she shares a geographical connection to music royalty, Ashley Savage is firmly focused on shaping her own future with a bold and innovative creative vision.

Her latest single, ‘Pressure’, offers the perfect introduction to her unmistakable sound. Blending elements of contemporary indie K-pop and atmospheric R&B, the track unfolds as a smooth mid-tempo anthem exploring the complexities of relationships. Each verse carries themes of resilience and emotional growth, while Ashley’s expressive vocal delivery captures the struggle of overcoming pressure, embracing healing, and emerging stronger through adversity.

‘Pressure’ is part of a wider body of work that Ashley Savage describes as a blueprint for “Commercial Crossover” — a sound that masterfully balances raw street-edge authenticity with polished luxury and mainstream appeal.

Step into the surreal yet captivating world of Ashley Savage and experience her latest release, ‘Pressure’, below.

Follow Ashley Savage via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/ashleysavage219
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleysavage219

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