Tag: reviews

Song of the Day: Love Like This – Jessica Wilde x Josh Barry

Highly acclaimed singer, songwriter, rapper, producer and South London native JESSICA WILDE kicks of her 2024 by joining forces with the incredible Josh Barry for a soulful release, ‘Love Like This’.

Packed with soaring emotions and infused with smoky orchestral atmospheres, ‘Love Like This’ is a striking nu-soul gem which will be released on Wilde’s forthcoming album and follows her recent singles ‘Freak Out’ and ‘Feathers’ ft. Zoe Kypri. The two 2023 singles saw her pick up many spins on BBC Radio 1’s Future Artists with Jack Saunders, BBC Radio 1 Introducing with Jess Iszatt, John Kennedy’s X-Posure Daily on Radio X, playlist support across the board from Spotify, Apple, Youtube and Tidal amongst other acclaim. Josh Barry has also been picking up serious heat, recently featuring with Rudimental and Sigma, collaborating with Nile Rogers and opening for Rag ‘N’ Bone Man on tour. Josh Barry brings a dynamic force to the collab as he embodies the spirit of legendary icons like James Brown and Jimi Hendrix.

Following the release of ‘Love Like This’, Wilde and Barry have begun to unveil a 4-part Instagram & TikTok reel series, released every Monday, beginning 19th February. Tune in to see the pair explore the new track’s steamy and romantic themes in more depth through nostalgic aesthetics.

On the series, Wilde explains further- “With the ‘Love Like at his visuals…Myself and Josh wanted to lure people into our world of romance and desire, create a love story through visuals and sounds that feel very now but also have a nostalgic essence, emulating tones of Marvin Gaye ‘Sexual Healing’ with teasing visuals that call in feels of classic film scenes like ‘Grease’, the finale, when Sandy turns into a baddd b and John Travolter is completely hooked! We wanted to capture that slightly tongue in cheek playful edge but still keep it alluring, grown and sexy af!”.

2024 looks set to be an exciting new year for Wilde. With her album on the horizon, she has been gaining growing support from not only BBC Radio 1 but also 6 Music, BBC Radio London, KISS, editorial playlist support across DSPs, as well as features in CLASH, Complex, Wonderland, The Independent and many more. Listen to ‘Love Like This’ below…

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Song of the Day: Gucci – Sneakbo (ft. Lyco, Ivorian Doll & 2Face)

South London’s SNEAKBO teams up with Lyco, Ivorian Doll and Two Face for their latest collaborative single ‘Gucci’.

A completely organic track that happened naturally when the artists were together in Birmingham where Sneakbo linked up with Lyco and Ivorian Doll for the first time. The chemistry was so special, they decided to lay down a demo and this was the end result recorded on the first go. Two Face was in the same building and dropped into the session and ended up recording the last verse.

Lyco kicks the track off with a melodic hook, whilst Sneakbo takes the lead verse bringing his wavy vibes and lyrics to the track. Ivorian Doll steps in after Sneakbo showcasing her lyrical flow and singing skills and Two Face brings the greasy drill bars for a rap track with a hint of Afrobeats.

The video matches the artists lyrics showing the high life with a private jet, designer clothes and private limos.

Gucci is out now across various music platforms. Check out the track and visuals below…

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A Quick Chat With…MusicByMercy

MUSICBYMERCY has earned a spot in the NLM interview seat for his latest EP, ‘MichaelMyers’, which is currently the blog’s album of the month. I probed the South Florida upcoming rapper about his inspiration for producing a horror-themed project plus his plans for 2024. So are you ready to find out more about this hot lyricist? Good, let’s get to it…

NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2024 is treating you so far?

MBM: So far, so good. The family good. My peoples are good. New music is coming. Just staying the course. Taking one day at a time. Life never slows down and time waits for no man. It’s about embracing every moment that’s presented. It’s all about creating new memories…doper ones.

NLM: You released your EP, ‘Michael Myers EP’ back in October. What is the public perception on the project so far?

MBM: Yes sir! The public perception was well received for what it’s worth. It was an appetizer or sampler for a special occasion. Keep the fans connected.

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

MBM: The sound is a perfect Hip Hop playlist for Halloween. It’s very eerie, very moody, very hardcore for any horrorcore rap fan. If Christopher Nolan was to make a horror film, ‘Michael Myers EP’ would be the soundtrack.

NLM: What inspired you to produce the EP based around Halloween, in particular Michael Myers?

MBM: My boy also my A&R Jorge told me I should do a project based on Michael Myers, since I am currently working on projects that represent or have the moniker ‘Michael’ since it’s my first name. So, we wanted to carry on that tradition. Michael Myers, was a perfect outlet to present darker music during Halloween. I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to provide some dope horror rap for the listeners.

NLM: What is/are your favorite single(s) from the EP and why?

MBM: My favorite song changes each time I play the EP. Haha, it can go from “The Shape”, “Scary Hours”, “Evil Vs Good”, “Death Note” or even the “The Boogeyman”. However, I keep playing “Evil Vs Good” or put it on repeat. It’s something about the beat and the transition of it from grimy to uplifting.

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

MBM: I just want them to have a great listening experience. Enjoy the beats, the skits, the bars, the storytelling. All of it. Be a hip hop fan, a rap junkie and just enjoy the music and not be a analyst about it.

NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on the EP, who would it be and why?

MBM: It would have to ultimately be, Prodigy of Mobb Deep. Unfortunately, rest in peace, but P would’ve murdered every single rap song on there. He really help inspired the flow and energy on that project. However, Conway the Machine, Pusha T, and Stove God Cooks deserve honorable mentions.

NLM: So what plans do you have for the rest of 2024?

MBM: Keep doing music. Keep pushing. I got a lot of incredible music in the works and looking forward to releasing throughout the year. I am just trying to leave my footprints in the game. Stay connected and make new connections.

NLM: How can potential fans find you?

MBM: You can find me on most of the social medias under “MusicByMercy” altogether. I’m not hard to find and what you’ll find is a goldmine.

NLM: Finally, any special shoutouts to those involved in the production of ‘Michael Myers’?

MBM: Huge HUGE shoutout to my main man, SlimRock, who produced “The Shape”, “Myer’s Theme” and “Smith’s Grove Sanitarium”. He also help mixed and executive produced the project with me. I recorded the whole EP at his studio. We were on our Snoop and Dre shyt on this EP. Also shoutout to Homage, LIVIN’, KuBo, Flowers In Narnia and JQ for giving me the soundscape to scare the shit out of your stereo, haha. Yeah, it was a solid team effort across the board. Much love to my guy, Jug The iLLest for his insane featured verse.

Listen to ‘MichaelMyers’ EP right here

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J Lyles bounces back into the game with track, ‘Here I Am’

J LYLES makes his return to the world of hip-hop, in a big way, with his new single titled ‘Here I am’, released on Monday (19th February) various music platforms.

It’s been a while since we’ve heard anything new from the talented artist but, those days are over with this new single as Lyles continues to prep a new album that is slated to release this year. Being lyrically relatable has never been a problem for the New Jersey native, and that continues to be true with ‘Here I am’. Life sometimes takes a toll on us, as we all go through ups and downs mentally and physically, but those who stay true to themselves while staying afloat through the rough times are the ones that seem to come out the smoke when those bad days disappear.

In his own words Lyles describes the song by saying “I discuss various points of my life and the effects of incarceration, family trauma and struggles to get through college and life after college. This song is a testament of wins and losses, pain, and perseverance that led to this version of myself. “Here I Am”.”

J Lyles is that exact person that comes out of the smoke battle scarred and tired but wiser and battle tested. He’s always ready to give it his all when those tough times roll back around with rhymes like “Made it to 27 I must be here for a reason/applying pressure smothering all you turkeys that’s under seasoned/they telling me to keep going/my music the voice of reason.” Staying ten toes down with the current version of himself is what the artist is striving for now a days, staying away from those who may not prove to be worthy of being within his circle. “I’m a legend to the game/but I never wanted fame/cause everybody knows your name and unfamiliar with your pain” spits Lyles at the beginning of the second verse, further cementing his true to self rhymes being provided by the man behind the mic.

With his debut album titled ‘The Execution’ still being perfected behind closed doors, J Lyles opens up one door to give new and older listeners a sample of what is to come until the timing is right for the project. Check out ‘Here I Am’…

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Song of the Day: Au Clair de la Lune – HEZEN

French music producer and singer HEZEN continues to push the boundaries of sound and art with her latest single, ‘Au Clair de La Lune’. Sung in French, the single explores the digitalization of sex, the impact of artificial intelligence on human sexuality, and the fluidity of gender identities in the metaverse.

Au Clair de La Lune’ is the second installment of HEZEN’s ambitious body of work slated for release in 2024. The single cleverly weaves elements from a classic French lullaby into a futuristic soundscape .HEZEN’s self-made visualizer takes viewers on a captivating journey, blurring the lines between the real world and the digital realm, whilst challenging perceptions of reality and artificiality.

Renowned for her genre-fluid sound, HEZEN’s ability to blend experimental pop, electronica, and captivating vocals has positioned her as a trailblazer in the contemporary music scene. Previous releases have received critical acclaim from publications such as WONDERLAND, CLASH, Glamcult, and Kaltblut, solidifying her reputation as a boundary-pushing artist.

Why not check out the lyric video for ‘Au Clair de La Lune’ below…

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