Tag: songs about depression

OUT TODAY: Nino SLG Drops Track, ‘What’s Left’ + Video, Ahead Of EP, ‘Mirror Story.’

South-London’s rap wunderkind NINO SLG kicks off 2023 with the announcement of his forthcoming EP ‘Mirror Story’ – slated for release on 10th March. The announcement arrives today with ‘What’s Left’, Nino’s introspective, deeply-felt new single and video.

‘What’s Left’ sees Nino collaborate with famed producer Kyle Evans (Dave’s We’re All Alone In This Together) for this emotive track that sees Nino delve into his battles with mental health, and discuss how he sought solace in the local youth clubs that helped him channel his energies into honing his craft. Split into two sections, the second half of the single is woven with tension as Nino grapples with thoughts on materialism and lust before coming to a sombre conclusion that ‘I don’t know what’s left no more’. The single is accompanied with a stripped-back video directed by Spike Silverton that reflects the duality of the single, finding Nino in his bedroom performing the single to his mirror image.

Speaking on the Mirror Story announcement, Nino said –

“My new EP is a story about the person I can see in the mirror. It’s my most vulnerable project to date, and I want people to see this side of me. Lyrically I’ve touched on materialism and everyday possessions, concepts and distractions to try and show how these steer people away from conquering the real problem which is usually themselves. Musically, I’ve reflected the contrasting emotions in the lyrics by switching up the production as you move through the project. Mirror Story is about exploring myself and my emotions, in the hope that there might be other people out there who are feeling the same – I hope that my EP makes them feel understood“

The five-track EP sees Nino reflect on the person he is and the man he is becoming. The project sees Nino climb to new heights with lyrics touching on mental health, anxiety, insecurities, materialism and life growing up in inner-city London, set to Nino’s trademark keys and a paired-back production which intertwine elements of drill, rich instrumentation including cello and 90s hip hop beats.

Watch the heartfelt video for ‘What’s Left below…

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    Album Interview: Don’t Come In Here – Oloff

    Ever since OLOFF graced this blog with his album, ‘Life’s Got You Riveted’, which was placed at #6 on New Lease Music’s Top Ten Albums of 2016 list, I’ve been so mesmerised how this Bristolian artist experiments with different genres without fear. So I’m absolutely pleased to have a chat with him about his album ‘Don’t Come In Here’. So sit back and have a read as this convo this an absolute belter. Enjoy!

    NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2021 treating you so far?

    O: You’re welcome. 2021 has been kind of crazy, I’ve released 2 albums and gone through a breakup. I have a 3rd album and a book on the way. I’m keeping extremely busy, time is passing by quite slowly.

    NLM You released your album, ‘Don’t Come In Here’ back in March. What is the public perception on the project so far?

    O: I haven’t done enough to promote it so I don’t know. I’ve temporarily given up on promoting music because I don’t have the time or the money for it, so right now I’m focusing on building up a catalogue and not paying any attention to the numbers at all. Then when I have some leverage I will have loads of songs already released.

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

    O: Electronic experimental hip-hop. Drugs.

    NLM: What inspired you to produce the album?

    O: I had a bad acid trip a couple of years ago and this album was kind of the culmination of my efforts to get over the things I saw on that trip. It was also about being stuck in a room during lockdown, the ups and downs of my relationship, and at times also the fun/humour of living such a life and experimenting with weird substances. In the end the theme is about trust I suppose, not really being able to ever fully trust people but having to do so for your own sanity.

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

    O: Parsons and Be Yourself. I think Parsons is the best sounding song I’ve made and I think Be Yourself is the most meaningful.

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

    O: Do whatever you can to be happy, stay true to yourself, be wary, get outside as much as you can.



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

    O: Good question. I think Kevin Gates would be interesting, because it would be such a different sound for him, but some of the themes are kind of similar (love, trust issues, substance abuse etc.) Maybe a verse on I Don’t Wanna Know.

    NLM: Do you have other project(s) for 2021?

    O: Yeah, shortly after this I released Oak Tree which I think is a masterpiece. I also have a project called Sameways coming out in the next few months. And a self-help book, which I think is going to be really good and will help a lot of people with their depression. I’m also regularly releasing singles and videos on my YouTube channel.O

    NLM: How can potential fans find you?

    O: @oloffmusic on Instagram, Oloff on spotify or YouTube.com/OloffMusic

    NLM: Finally, any special shout outs to those involved in the production of ‘Don’t Come Back Here’?

    O: Just me. So, hang in there Oloff! You big bald c**t.

    Don’t Come Back Here is now out

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    Album Interview: Take My Power – Tunnel Traffic

    He was featured numerous times on the blog with singles including, ‘I’ll Be Sorry’, ‘Skip’ and ‘Another Story’ plus albums ‘Age of Conviction’ and ‘Meesh’, but I’ve never formally introduce Adam Hachey, otherwise known as TUNNEL TRAFFIC to you guys. Well I’ve caught up with him, to talk about his brand new album, ‘Take My Power’ – out from the 15th July on all music platforms – and what inspired him to produce the 11-track collection.

    NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2021 treating you so far?

    TT: Pretty great. Pandemic-wise, I feel fortunate things seem to be looking up within my circles. That and finally releasing this album have been a couple chapters I’ve been eager to close.

    NLM: You recently shared your album ‘Take My Power’, where you unveiled singles ‘Gets Me Out’, ‘Through The Day’ and ‘Next To Me’ ahead of its release. What is the public perception on the singles so far?

    TT: I’ve been hearing good feedback on several different aspects of the songs – the production, guitar tones, string arrangements, lyrics that stood out. I’m happy that I was able to create music that could be enjoyed in a variety of ways. I spent a lot of times with these songs and it’s reassuring listeners find a way to appreciate something from each stage of the songwriting process.

    NLM: What inspired you to produce the album?

    TT: I’ve been working on a project that is really complex in scope and thematically heavy, but I also had a few ideas for simpler songs bouncing around in the back of my mind. I figured I’d have some fun with those first, even if they didn’t amount to anything. When I realized the new ideas were converging on a common theme, I knew they had to become this album.

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

    TT: I’d have to go with ‘Through the Day’. I like the way it captures the push and pull of keeping it together while facing some mental baggage, and it does it in a quirky, off-kilter way. I also want to give a shout-out to ‘Truth’, which stands out to me as having a simple song structure that progresses in an extremely satisfying way.


    NLM: So how would you describe the album’s sound to potential fans?

    TT: It boils down to a mix of acoustic and fuzzy indie rock, all with a DIY aesthetic. I actually went with my acoustic guitar throughout the whole album and clipped the signal through my interface to get the overdrive effect. I think fans of The Microphones or Neutral Milk Hotel would appreciate the sound.

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

    TT: The album explores my thoughts/emotions whenever my mental health reaches a low point. It enters some dark places, but I also made sure to include theme of love and support. I think the pandemic made these ideas universal. I hope listeners see it as an expression of solidarity in struggling with mental health and feel appreciation for their loved ones who lift them up.

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

    TT: Not sure if this is mainstream enough, but I’d have to go with Will Toledo of Car Seat Headrest. He’s a versatile indie rocker with underlying quirkiness, characteristics that I strived for on this album.

    NLM: Do you have other project(s) for 2021?

    TT: I have lyrics and rhythm guitar written for my next album already. I know the full arrangements will keep me busy for a while, and I’m hoping to work with other people again. I don’t want to say too much yet but it will be a bit of a pivot from my other releases.

    NLM: How can potential fans find you?

    TT: All tunnel traffic music is available on every music streaming platform. I have accounts on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Write to me and I’ll respond.

    Links: https://linktr.ee/tunneltraffic

    NLM: Finally, any special shout outs to those involved in the production of ‘Take My Power’?

    TT: I sing to Jacky Muñoz on several songs on the album. She definitely deserves the shoutout here. On top of her constant support in life, she is able to listen to my work as both a fan and a critic, and I am a better songwriter for it.

    ‘Take My Power’ is out now all music platforms

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    Listen To Blow’s Brand New Single, ‘Shake The Disease’ Ft. Anna Majidson

    French electronic pop band BLOW today release new single ‘Shake The Disease’, the title track from the Parisian trio’s forthcoming album, due for release late 2021.

    Written both prior to and amidst France’s pandemic lockdown of the past 18 months, ‘Shake The Disease’ thrums with the anxiety and unease – articulated by Quentin Guglielmi (vocals), Thomas Clairice (bass, formerly a touring member of Her) and Jean-Etienne Maillard (guitar) – of staring down your 30s in an increasingly unsettled world. Whilst Quentin’s confessional lyrics often hold a mirror up to a generation increasingly forced to question everything, across the new album BLOW’s songwriting is suffused with thick, elastic grooves borne out of an enriching new collaboration with Crayon. For the album’s woozy, languorous title track, BLOW are joined by Anna Majidson of French duo HAUTE.

    Speaking about the intention behind ‘Shake The Disease’, BLOW say: “This is not a love song. It’s a call for help written during a complicated time where we were losing our marks. We naturally thought of Anna to perform and embody one of the two characters in the track’s narrative. We love her voice which was perfect to bring warmth and sensuality to the track, which she effortlessly did. We’re very proud and happy to have her on the album.“

    As with their debut album & EPs, the lyrics across Shake The Disease are English in their entirety – a by-product of BLOW’s tendency towards English and American influences including Moderat, Jungle, and The xx. Whilst both Thomas & Jean-Etienne are traditionally conservatoire trained – originally meeting as roommates at Nancy’s Music Academy International – the new album is dominated by a collective love of hip-hop, particularly for rap obsessives Thomas & Crayon.

    Check out the video for ‘Shake The Disease’ below…

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    Song of the Day: Sad Girls Club – I M U R

    I M U R creates genre-bending make-out music, weaving alt-R&B and avant-pop into undeniably catchy songs that fit just outside the box. Composed of singer/songwriter Jenny Lea, producer/guitarist Mikey J Blige, and producer/multi-instrumentalist Amine Bouzaher, I M U R’s sound is a cinematic blend of smooth and sultry, tussled together with texture and bounce. Their lyrics tell a story of self-reflection, strength in vulnerability, and the courage to tackle taboo subjects like addiction/recovery and female sexuality.

    Taken from the trio’s forthcoming album, ‘My Molecules’, new single, ‘Sad Girls Club,’ is about the trickery our subconscious mind plays on us when we’re feeling low. It’s about self-deprecation, unworthiness, and being burdensome.

    Check out the official video for the single below…

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