Mariam Davina’s new single, ‘Couldn’t Imagine’, is a heartfelt Christian ballad, a love song of gratitude to Jesus. It honours His sacrifice, constant presence, and faithful friendship. More than a Saviour, he’s a Friend who carries our burdens and loves without limits. Life without him is unimaginable.
Mariam draws inspiration from artists such as Mary Mary, Tamela Mann, Kierra Sheard, Koryn Hawthorne and Ahjah Walls. Growing up leading worship and ministering regularly in church, this shaped her distinctive style, her confident stage presence and developed her vocals into the powerful sound she exhibits today. Attending Elam, for college helped her solidify knowledge as an artist and in navigating the music industry.
‘Couldn’t Imagine’ is now available across all leading music platforms. Why not listen below
UK artist BONNIE FREECHILD returns with ‘1993’, a heartfelt R&B track that pays tribute to the golden era of love songs while showcasing her own modern, soulful edge.
Opening with gentle piano chords, dreamy strings, and twinkling textures, the song eases into a laidback percussive groove, setting the stage for Bonnie’s rich, buttery vocals. With lyrics like “love me like we’re stuck in 1993” and “rollerskates holding hands in the summer, mixtapes made just for your lover,” the song captures the sweetness of old-school romance – when love felt real, vulnerable, and lasting.
‘1993’ blends Bonnie’s signature sultry vocal delivery with classic R&B influences, echoing the lush soundscapes of the ‘90s while staying grounded in today’s scene. It’s a nostalgic love letter to an era defined by red roses, butterflies, and the kind of music that made you believe in forever love.
Speaking on the track, Freechild says “I just want to be loved like they loved in 90s R&B! That raw, simple, passionate romance- the videos were intrinsically romantic, the lyrics emotionally intelligent, the melodies silky and smooth. I wanted to write something that feels like being wrapped in nostalgia but still makes you move- soft, intimate vocals, a sexy slow-wind breakdown, all over rose-petal energy.” It’s a sentiment she’s also taking to local press: at a time when dating often feels chaotic, disconnected, and more about swipes than slow dances, ‘1993’ offers an antidote- a reminder of when love was simple, honest, and real.
Co-written with producer and artist Kwest, ‘1993’ draws inspiration from a foundational year in R&B, when timeless songs like SWV’s ‘Weak,’ Mariah Carey’s ‘Dreamlover,’ Janet Jackson’s ‘That’s the Way Love Goes,’ and Toni Braxton’s ‘Breathe Again’ defined a generation. Bonnie Freechild is no stranger to acclaim, either. She has performed at the BBC Proms, been recognised as a finalist in BBC 1XTRA’s Performing Arts Fund, and had her music featured across TV and radio in Southeast Asia. With ‘1993,’ Bonnie Freechild cements her place as one of the UK’s most compelling emerging voices in Pop-R&B, delivering a timeless ode to the beauty and allure of old-school love.
This release is as homegrown as it gets – with a music video on the horizon filmed on an iPhone in a vintage car garage, put together with friends, community spaces, and Bonnie’s own hands-on touch. It’s “iPhone and a dream” energy, much like the 90s R&B that inspired it: simple, direct, and full of heart. No gloss, just real romance and connection.
That same spirit runs through everything Bonnie is doing around 1993. She celebrated the release with a live performance on October 23rd at Go East Vintage Market – bringing music into community spaces, with food, and culture. With 90s-inspired merch (from cassette-shaped keyrings to physical CDs with personal messages) and a string of creative collaborations, Bonnie is focused on creating experiences that feel personal and unforgettable. It’s all building towards the launch of her debut EP in December 2025, where she’ll expand on the same themes of intimacy, nostalgia, and fearless self-expression.
“I just want to be loved like they loved in 90s R&B! I have always loved 90s R&B, and in amongst me navigating the complexities of technology and chaos of dating in the 2020s I’ve often thought, man I wish I could have that type of love they seemed to have back then. That raw, simple, passionate romance – that 90s R&B kind of love.
I had the idea of writing a song about it – a nostalgic vibe, with a fresh take. The videos from that time were intrinsically romantic, the lyrics emotionally intelligent, the melodies silky and smooth. I wanted to write something that feels like you’re wrapped in a blanket of that nostalgia, but still makes you move. The kind of track you don’t just hear, you feel – soft, intimate vocals, a sexy slow-wind breakdown, all over rose-petal energy. Gentle and romantic but still a bop you’ll need to rewind.
I met producer and artist ‘Kwest’ when we both performed at a gig last year, and as instant fans of each other’s music we started doing some writing. When I shared this concept, we vibed on the piano, riffing around ‘love me like R&B’ and well…1993 rhymes with R&B! When we looked into it we realised that although we are referencing the entire decade, 1993 was quite a foundational year. Some of my favourite songs ever came out then: SWV’s Weak, Mariah Carey’s Dreamlover, Janet Jackson’s That’s the Way Love Goes, Toni Braxton’s Breathe Again, Tevin Campbell’s Can We Talk, Xscape’s Just Kickin’ It. Jodeci dropped Cry for You and Feenin’. Even De La Soul released Buhloone Mindstate, a more grown and experimental record – there’s really no 90s R&B without hip-hop running through it. Mariah even built her signature sound from that blend. And in the UK, Eternal made their debut with Stay. Even Poetic Justice came out that year with Janet and Tupac – the music, the film, the culture all intertwined.
There’s just this essence in 90s R&B that’s missing in today’s digital world. It’s raw, grounding, and honest. And the truth is we all deserve that kind of love!! This song is for anyone who is lucky enough to have it, anyone who craves it, and everyone who wishes love still felt that way.” – Bonnie Freechild.
Welcome to NEW LEASE MUSIC’s first ever New Music Roundup!
You can now discover great music from indie and unsigned artists at a quick glimpse! If a release catches your ear, don’t be shy – share your thoughts below in the comment box!
NEW LEASE MUSIC’s New Music Roundup will be featured on Mondays or Fridays. 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 featured!
Lavendine – Deep Blue
Sister duo LAVENDINE, share their album, ‘Deep Blue’, out today (7th November) across all leading platforms. Produced by Mark Needham of The Killers and Fleetwood Mac, the album is a raw, powerful exploration of faith, perseverance, and hope in the face of life’s toughest challenges. Why not check it out here: https://ffm.to/lavendinedeepblue
samuel evanson – christmas bells
Welsh singer-songwriter SAMUEL EVANSON rounds off 2025 with a gift for listeners everywhere, his brand-new festive single, ‘Christmas Bells’, out today (7th November). Known for his spellbinding blend of introspection and pop brilliance, Evanson offers a modern twist on the classic Christmas anthem, channelling his love for 1980s synth-pop while embracing the warmth and wonder that define the season. Check it out here:
sebastian horton – stay (when the light does down)
At just 19 years old, UK-based artist SEBASTIAN HORTON emerges as a vibrant new voice with debut single, ‘Stay (When The Light Goes Down)’, a dance-pop and R&B-pop number, fusing infectious rhythms, soulful emotion, and a story of resilience. ‘Stay (When The Light Goes Down)’ was released 31st October. Check it out here:
rena angel – beauty when i bleed
Brooklyn-born singer-songwriter RENA ANGEL returns with her most evocative release yet, the hauntingly beautiful new single, ‘Beauty When I Bleed’. Blending the intimacy of indie pop with the cinematic textures of alt-leaning soundscapes, Rena’s music feels like a confession whispered at a party; soft, emotional, and impossible to forget. Check it out here:
You may remember STEFANIE MICHAELA, who made a bold impression on the blog back in May with her breakout single ‘Stay In Your Lane’—a track that earned the blog’s Song of the Week title over on Instagram. That single marked a significant turning point in Stefanie’s life, serving as a stern soulful anthem of self-empowerment. With it, the R&B/pop songbird pushed back against the critics who judged her decision to pause her music career in order to raise her children.
Now, Stefanie returns with another powerful statement in her latest single, ‘Better With Time.’ Teaming up with Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum producer Nash Overstreet (Britney Spears, Meghan Trainor, Pitbull), who wrote and produced the single, she delivers a smooth yet edgy soulful-pop track, rich with hazy textures and hypnotic grooves that’s compelling from the very first note.
Beneath the toe-curling melodies and polished production lies an urgent, heartfelt message—a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever felt, or been told, that it’s “too late” to chase their dreams. ‘Better With Time’ is Stefanie’s unapologetic reminder that passion doesn’t expire, and that it’s never too late to pursue what sets your soul on fire—with ambition, conviction, and courage, no matter how intimidating the journey may seem.
“I wrote ‘Better With Time’ because I was deeply passionate about following my heart and dreams at this stage in my life,” Stefanie shares. “A dream I once thought I’d never return to came back full force—and now, I’m so eager to share it with the world. I want people to know it’s never too late to follow their dreams.”
‘Better With Time’ is the third single from Stefanie’s upcoming EP, Turning Pages — a collection of songs that not only marks a new chapter in her life, but also serves as a powerful source of motivation for anyone chasing their dreams. The EP also gives a voice to the voiceless, offering them the recognition and attention they deserve.
MARIAM DAVINA‘s new single, ‘EVERYTHING’, is a heartfelt declaration about facing hardships in life but choosing to praise God through it all in every season. It serves as a reminder that while seasons change, God does not – he is the same yesterday, today and forever. His love, grace and strength is for us. It is a song of praise, spiritual growth and unwavering faith.
Mariam draws inspiration from artists such as Mary Mary, Kierra Sheard, Koryn Hawthorne and Ahjah Walls. Growing up leading worship and ministering regularly in church, this shaped her distinctive style, her confident stage presence and developed her vocals into the powerful sound she exhibits today. Attending Elam, for college helped her solidify knowledge as an artist and in navigating the music industry.
New Lease Music 