Song of the Day: Black Lingerie – Qunicy

QUINCY returns, stealing today’s hotspot with his first single of the year, ‘Black Lingerie’.

As always, the R&B singer dedicated this slick number to the ladies…and calling all the fellas to appreciate their significant others.

Stay tuned on NEW LEASE MUSIC as QUINCY has more projects to come. For now, check out the lyric video for the single.

Interview with: Makk Mikkael

If you had your eyes peeled on this blog or its chat show on Instagram recently, then you’ve definitely seen this pretty little face around – MAKK MIKKAEL – thanks to her debut ‘Jungle’. Featured last November, the single found its way to NEW LEASE MUSIC’s Top Ten Songs of 2017 list, ranking at #7 and is currently named Song of the Month by the blog. With a grand entrance to the music scene, I think she deserves a place on the interview hot seat…

NLM: Thank you for agreeing to do an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC.

MM: Thanks so much for reaching out to me, and the constant support you guys have shown me.

NLM:  First up, I have to ask you this question: is Makk Mikkael your real name? If not, how did the name came about?

MM: It is my real name with a swedish twist on it. The correct spelling of my name is Mackenzie Michael but I prefer going by Makk Mikkael.

NLM: You released your debut single‘Jungle’ back in November.What’s the public’s reception beyond this blog?

MM: I’ve been stoked on the feedback I’m getting from listeners. I recently won a contest with “The Deli Toronto” as artist of the month. The fact that I was even included in that is just bizarre. Excited for everything that’s happening and the journey I’m on.

NLM:  How would you describe your sound to potential fans?

MM: Artist wise I would say my music is in the same category as “The Weeknd, Esthero, Alina Baraz, Imogen Heap” to name a few. I really look up to those artists. Toronto has a really cool thing going on sound wise right now so I’m inspired by the scene there. I think my sound would be described as spacey, ambient R&B.

NLM:  What’s your inspiration behind your unique sound?

MM: I experimented with a few different sounds earlier on in my career when I was around 14-15 and released a country album. haha I don’t do country now and could never see myself doing that again… In the last few years I would say my style evolved to my sound now and keeps evolving constantly with artists I’m inspired by and from experiences I have. I love the R&B sound a bunch so I think that’s just what I gravitate towards naturally.

NLM: If you had to collaborate with ONE mainstream artist who would it be?

MM: Just one? That’s brutal. I would without a doubt collaborate with The 1975. I’m constantly inspired by what they do and who they are as human being’s. They produce their own records and co-produce with Amber Bain of “The Japanese House”. The sound they’ve created for themselves is a sound that really speaks to millennials. I think we’d make some great stuff and dive into something unique.

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

MM: I would put all three of my wishes towards making sure all artist’s can make a living doing what they love. Having the financial freedom to create whatever they want whenever. Artist’s are so valuable in our society, if we could focus 100% on our art it I think it would make a difference.

NLM: So what are your plans for 2018?

MM: My goal is to start touring with artists and obviously continue to release music. I’m currently working on my album and more music videos.

NLM:  How can potential fans make contact with you?

MM: I love having fans/artists reach out to me. On my website http://www.makkmikkael.com you can send me a direct email. Or on my instagram: makkmikkael you can leave me a direct message.

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

MM: I think I would be a photographer, screenwriter, author, or director. Anything in the creative field really. I Love the idea of being behind the screen and creating for people. I’m very into directing I think that’s super cool. Sophia Coppola is my favourite movie director, would love to work alongside her on a project in the future.

New Music Video: Swimming – Cherri V (ft. Roxxann)

Beginning the year with sultry single ‘Swimming’,  which has been garnering strong early support from BBC 1Xtra plus others, CHERRI V returns with the accompanying visuals for her latest offering.

Produced by Asylum 33, who have previously worked with Tinie Tempah, Mr. Eazi, Shakka, and Bonkaz, among others, the music video for ‘Swimming’ sees Cherri V and RoxXxan bringing a more relaxed and organic visual element to the experimental R&B production, as they party among friends, while the British R&B/Soul singer/songwriter gets to know her leading man, without the usual pressures that come with meeting someone new.

Speaking of the inspiration for her ‘Swimming’ visuals, British R&B/Soul singer/songwriter said, “I’m glad Asylum 33 were able to capture that house party relaxed feel. I also wanted to take a little more of a casual approach for this video, compared to ‘Leave Me Be’, and shove my real friends in front of the camera lol. The shots in the pool were a highlight for me! I’m really proud of this visual”.

Check out this bad boy production…

New Track: Honey Dew – Lion Babe

Following the release of the music video for ‘Rockets'( featuring Moe Moks) plus remixes of the track from beat heavyweights Zikomo, Moma + Guy, Simen Sez and Kenny Dope, alt R&B/Soul  duo LION BABE have dropped their most sultry single to date, ‘Honey Dew’ on Valentines day.

The Simen Sez-produced track adopts a rich slow jam vibe from the 90s, featuring Jillian Harvey’s alluring instrument which flirtatiously weaves throughout the three-minute smoothie.

Available on major digital download sites, ‘Honey Dew’ is taken from the New Yorker’s forthcoming album, set for release later this year.

Way too good to miss out…check out their latest work…

New Track: Hot Sauce – Kinnoha

Following the release of ‘Make Shapes’, London vocalist KINNOHA dropped her newest sizzling single, ‘Hot Sauce’.

KINNOHA‘s smooth but powerful vocal range teases the listener as she brings out her inner free spirit. The London artist’s confidence is clear as she searches for someone to match her energy. The track’s vibe is enough to cause a stir in the public realm of a London bar to the private arena of the bedroom.

With further support from Hoxton Radio and BBC Introducing, the young singer is generating serious momentum and shows a huge potential to take her career to the next stage. Check out ‘Hot Sauce’ below: