New Track: Fine Line – Jimmy Smash

Following the release of their debut single, ‘Macadamian’, Norwegian soul-pop duo Jimmy Smash are set to drop their easygoing follow-up, ‘Fine Line’.

‘Fine Line’ was self-produced in vocalist Håvard Lyngstad’s childhood home and is a melting pot of organic instrumentation, analog synthesisers and rich 80s R&B melodies, carried by Lyngstad’s raspy tone and soft falsetto.

Depicting a tale of unrequited love, the song tackles “the dilemma of getting pulled deeper and deeper into someone, even though the person never returns the favour. Although lyrically melancholic, the juxtaposition of the tranquil production instils a sense of hopefulness throughout the carefree track, resulting in a nostalgic, halcyon aesthetic that is soon becoming their trademark.

Releasing their debut single in early October, the band saw exposure from Clash, The Burning Ear, Norwegian radio stations NRK P1 and P3, and rose to #3 in Norway’s Spotify Viral Top 50. Blending a soft R&B sound with pop rock elements, the duo conjure up a heavenly sound similar to the likes of Dornik, Matt Corby and James Bay.

Although fresh onto the scene, JIMMY SMASH are already starting to make their unique imprint on the music industry in challenging the pop music of today. With plenty of music to come, be sure to keep an eye on the soulful duo….

Song of the Day: Work Of Art – Iamu (ft. Rebecca James)

Production powerhouse IAMU offer up their new single ‘Work of Art’ featuring the vocals of Rebecca James – who’s currently on tour with music royalty, Janet Jackson.

The duo’s broad and in-depth understanding of music as an art form, and more notably as an emotion, plays a key role within their sound. IAMU’s music faces no border when it comes to genre, which is verified by their eclectic repertoire and the range of artists that they’ve previously worked with such as Wiley, Miss Dynamite, WSTRN and their recent infectious single with Bluey Robinson, ‘Falling Stars’.

Their ability to engage in territories that blend both spectrums of genre and philosophical concepts, in combination with their anonymous identities, has created a sense of mystery and intrigue into their musical moves. Whilst their next track may unpredictable, it is becoming apparent that IAMU consistently deliver an extension of their unique and versatile sound…this is too smooth to pass up…check out ‘Work of Art.’

New Track: Watch Me – Louis Rustum

BBC Radio 1 and Clash-approved artist, LOUIS RUSTUM, returns with new single, ‘Watch Me’, via indie label Art People.

‘Watch Me’ blends Rustum’s dynamic fusion of pop, R&B and ethereal beats into a tranquil and confident new offering. Taking inspiration from Frank Ocean, Bon Iver and James Vincent McMorrow, the twilight track shifts between Louis’ tender vocals, neat guitar licks and pensive drum patterns.

The R&B soloist’s music career began in Aarhus in 2014, where he, producer duo Orbit Crew (Carl Barsk and Mathias Lion), and music collective Hukaos (Karl William, Thøger Dixgaard, Tais) put Aarhus on the map as Denmark’s main epicentre of urban R&B. In 2014, Rustum released his critically acclaimed debut EP ‘Tomorrowtonite’ that gained wide recognition amongst native media outlets, becoming the first Danish release to feature on Noisey. It didn’t take long for Louis to find success on an international scale.

Despite this hype, Rustum decided to step back from the limelight, retreating to Malaga with Orbit Crew to develop his sound further, drawing on inspiration from his previous travels in Brazil and his curiosity for 70’s and 80’s R&B/soul.

With an acclaimed EP under his belt, LOUIS RUSTUM returns to the forefront of the future R&B scene…HIGHLY RECOMMENDED – check out ‘Watch Me.’

New Track: Hype Like Supreme – Sub Blue

Taking his name from his self-described style of music, “suburban blues”, SUB BLUE offers a fresh take on chilled out, alternative introspective R&B through brand new single, ‘Hype Like Supreme’, the first track taken from Sub Blue’s new EP, out in 2018. It was produced by British soul artist and producer  XAMVOLO.

His  EP, ‘Suburban View, is produced by the likes of Sir Dylan (Weeknd, Solange, Logic), A.V (Frank Ocean) and XamVolo,  is a glimpse at the life of teens trying to find their place in the world, while navigating peer and social pressure and trying to define their own voice. For now, SUB BLUE gives a taste of that style and direction, with ‘Hype Like Supreme’, an ode to both a teenage crush described using the abnormal craze evoked by drops of coveted items like Supreme.

The electronic soul/ R&B newcomer grew up in the suburbs of Merseyside in the North of England. He was named the first ever ‘One to watch’ by Liverpool International Music Festival’s Academy, he was just leaving school at the time.

Since then he’s been honing his sound with local talent including XamVolo, Teesoulful and SPXKEN and putting the final touches to his debut EP.

He’s the real deal…check him out…

New Music Video: Broken Record – Allana Verde

ALLANA VERDE released the visuals for her captivating single ‘Broken Record’. Delving into the dynamics of her previous relationship ‘Broken Record’ encompasses all the classic elements of an R&B record, while possessing Allana’s unique flavour.

The single comes off her stunning 4-track EP ‘Broken Record’ where this talented artist goes on a journey, documenting everything from heartbreak through to regaining personal confidence and empowerment.

To read NEW LEASE MUSIC’s review on the EP, here right here.

For now, watch the video for ‘Broken Record.’