Tag: Singer-songwriter

Song of the Day: Apart – Alan Dreezer

In the ever-evolving world of independent music, few artists have carved a path as authentic and heartfelt as ALAN DREEZER. The multi-award-winning Pop-Soul singer-songwriter from Eastbourne, East Sussex, has spent decades honing his craft — and it shows in every note he sings.

Before stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist, Alan’s musical roots were grounded in collaboration. For over 20 years, he worked with various musicians and bands, including the pop duo Tara 2, who once supported 80s favourites Brother Beyond on tour. Later, with his Rock-Pop outfit ADProject, Alan played to sold-out crowds at High Barn in Great Bardfield, Essex — a venue often celebrated as one of the UK’s best small live stages.

By 2017, Alan felt the pull to create music that was truly and entirely his own. The result was his debut solo album ‘LONDON E12’, released in 2018 — a soulful, introspective project inspired by life, love, and self-discovery. To support the album, he hit the stage across venues in Essex and London throughout 2019, reconnecting with audiences who instantly connected to his warm vocals and honest storytelling.

Then came 2020 — a year that challenged artists everywhere. But Alan refused to slow down. Amid the lockdowns and uncertainty, he released five singles, staying true to his creative vision and connection with fans. That momentum led to his second full-length album, ‘H E A L E D’, released in September 2021 — a record that captured his emotional growth and artistic maturity.

Alan’s hard work and soulful sound didn’t go unnoticed. In 2022, his single ‘Butterfly’ was voted Best Pop Song of the Year by readers of Indie Boulevard Magazine. The following year, ‘Take Me Back’ soared to number one on the South Devon Sound radio request chart, where it stayed for three weeks, and earned him a nomination at the Orpheus Global Independent Music Awards.

But it was 2024 that truly cemented Alan’s reputation as one of the UK’s standout independent artists. His single ‘(Love Didn’t Hurt Me) It Was You’ not only resonated deeply with listeners but also went on to win Song of the Year at the prestigious Orpheus Global Independent Music Awards, created by TJPL News Magazine.

Alan’s latest single, ‘APART’, continues his long-time collaboration with producer Elliot Richardson of Highfield Studio. The partnership has proven to be a powerful creative force, blending soul, pop, and introspective lyricism into a signature sound that’s both timeless and contemporary.

With his heartfelt lyrics, smooth production, and commitment to genuine artistry, Alan Dreezer stands as a shining example of what it means to stay true to your sound — and your story.

Whether he’s performing live, writing new material, or connecting with fans around the world, one thing is certain: Alan Dreezer’s journey is far from over — and the best is yet to come.

Why not listen to ‘APART’, which will form part of this forthcoming album, ‘Nothing Changes If Nothing Changes,’ slated for release in Spring 2026.

Connect with Alan Dreezer via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/alandreezermusic
IG: https://www.instagram.com/alandreezermusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AlanDreezer
Website: https://www.alandreezer.com/

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Canadian singer-songwriter Gena Perala unveils her newest single, ‘Lucky One’.

Canadian singer-songwriter GENA PERALA unveils her latest single, ‘Lucky One’, the fourth release from her upcoming 12-track album ‘Somewhere New’.

Equal parts biting, vulnerable, and defiant, ‘Lucky One’ dives headfirst into the contradictions of being human—too much of everything, not enough of anything, and somehow still finding a way to laugh through it all. With brutally honest lyrics like, “Drink too much, smoke too much, fuck just enough, talk too much,” Perala captures that razor-thin line between self-destruction and self-awareness. It’s raw, it’s self-exposing, and it’s delivered with a dark wit that cuts deep.

The song’s cover art features a striking photograph of Perala’s mother and godmother, taken during their days on the carnival circuit in the 1970s. For Perala—who spent her own childhood traveling with her family from town to town under the lights of the carnival—this image isn’t just a nod to the past. It’s a metaphor. A reminder of what “luck” really means in a place where the games are rigged, the odds are stacked, and people still show up, coin in hand, hoping for a win.

That same tension—between hope, illusion, and survival—runs straight through ‘Lucky One.’

The chorus lands like both confession and anthem:
“I’ve never been a sad girl, turning into such a sad world / I’ve never been the lucky one, count my blessings zero to some.”

While Perala has always acknowledged her blessings, she’s not afraid to admit that optimism doesn’t come easy. In a world that so often feels tragic and unjust, holding on to any kind of hope means confronting grief, loss, and all the spaces in between. ‘Lucky One’ lives in that uneasy emotional terrain—where joy and sorrow coexist without cancelling each other out.

“I’ve never really been the lucky one,” Perala reflects. “But maybe that’s the point—there’s strength in still showing up, still playing, even when the odds are against you.”

Following the momentum of her earlier singles, ‘Lucky One’ further cements Perala’s reputation for fearless storytelling and for finding beauty in life’s hardest truths. It’s not just a song—it’s a statement. One that reminds us that sometimes, showing up is its own kind of win.

Have a listen below…

Connect with Gena Perala via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/GenaPeralaMusic/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/genaperala
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@genaperala
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@genaperala

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James O’Hurley Shares Stripped-Back EP ‘A Moment Alone’

NEW LEASE MUSIC has unearthed some of the raw talent from true Troubadours of late – first with Nick Edwards, whose 2024 EP ‘Live At Yellow Arch’ currently holds the blog’s Album of the Week title over on Instagram. Then there’s Ben Reel whose single ‘I Will’, offers a rich fusion of indie rock, soul and disco, with an intimate, singer-songwriter feel.

Now the blog introduces the remarkably robustly raw talent of South London’s singer-songwriter JAMES O’HURLEY. His rich authentic fusion of folk, blues, rock and country roots, which echoes some of his idols, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones has earned him over 50K streams on Spotify alone with single ‘Red’.

To keep the fiery glow going, James O’Hurley shares his live EP, ‘A Moment Alone’. Recorded at The Factory Studios, the latest collection includes stripped-back and compelling versions of some of James’ favourite singles from his well-received debut album ‘A Certain Stranger’. From the very beginning, you’re greeted with the warm grit of guitar plucks, which serves as a perfect platform to really home in and take in James’ soul-drenched vocals – reminiscent of a more rugged Michael Hutchence of INXS. No embellishments are needed here; the simple pairing of voice and guitar hits that rare balance of vulnerability and strength.

It’s hard to believe that, after extensively touring and performing in various different bands and working in the live events industry, James was ready to hung up his guitar and turn his back on music for good. Burnt out and creatively stagnant, he hit a personal low. But at that breaking point, he found something deeper—his true voice.

‘A Moment Alone’ is now available on all leading platforms. Why not have a listen below…

Must Listens: Four Long Days, Lighthouse, Wolves, Red.

Connect with James O’Hurley via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559155961934
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamesohurley/

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Song of the Day: Place To Be – Sarah Louise

The idyllic runs of the piano keys in SARAH LOUISE‘s latest single, ‘Place To Be’, immediately transports you to a place of warmth and familiarity. Within an intimate, meditative setting, the Suffolk-based singer-songwriter’s soothing vocals offers a comforting reminder to pause life’s chaos and seek solace – whether it’s under a cuddly duvet or immersed in the quiet beauty of nature. It’s a gentle invitation to breathe, reflect, and just be.

Sarah Louise understands that need deeply. During a moment of feeling completely overwhelmed, she took a spontaneous drive to a peaceful spot in nature, where she parked her car and watched the sun slowly dip below the horizon. In a moment of stillness, inspiration struck—and the first verse of ‘Place To Be’ was born. Although the song wasn’t finished, she knew she had captured something truly special.

That belief was reaffirmed when someone discovered a rough version of the track on YouTube and reached out to share how much it meant to them. Their heartfelt message reminded Sarah of the power of her music, and how deeply it resonated. Encouraged and inspired, she returned to the song and crafted the polished version we hear today.

Now, ‘Place To Be’ is available on all major streaming platforms—a compelling piece that captures the essence of who Sarah Louise is as an artist: honest, heartfelt, and healing.

Connect with Sarah Louise via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/watch/SarahLouiseMusicOfficial/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sarahlouisemusicofficial/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahlouisemusicofficial

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Colin Manson releases Debut EP ‘Wayfinding’

Scottish singer-songwriter COLIN MANSON embarks on a deeply personal and immersive musical journey with the release of his Debut EP ‘Wayfinding’, available now on all major streaming platforms . Rooted in the rhythms of the sea and his upbringing on the rugged West coast of Scotland, this four-track collection captures the spirit of adventure, deep reflection and soul searching drawn from Colin’s experiences crossing the world’s oceans in small sailing boats.

With his new single ‘The Water’ alongside three previous singles, Colin has put together a truly beautiful and heartfelt offering, making waves in the indie/folk scene and capturing the attention of many.

Each song in the EP tells a unique story, weaving a rich tapestry of melody and narrative that transports listeners into Colin’s world. From the soft, undulating textures of ‘Sea Son’ to the raw, percussive rhythms of ‘These Words’, Colin demonstrates the depth of his musical expression, painting vivid soundscapes inspired by his time at sea. Why not listen to ‘Wayfinding’ below…

Must Listens: Where We Started, Sea Son

Follow Colin Manson via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/colinmansn
IG: https://www.instagram.com/colinmansn

Source: Colin Manson

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