OUT TODAY: Paul Minnich Finds Meaning in Life’s Imperfections on ‘Pretty Damn Proud’ LP

There’s something refreshing about an artist who doesn’t feel the need to make life look bigger, better, or more glamorous than it is. For PAUL MINNICH, known as “The Lawn Chair Poet,” the stories worth telling are found in everyday relationships, old memories, personal struggles, and the moments that remind us what truly matters. ‘On Pretty Damn Proud’, the country singer-songwriter embraces these experiences with a blend of heartfelt honesty, humor, and rock-infused country storytelling.

The title track establishes the album’s central message of self-acceptance and independence. “You can’t keep holding me down / Cause if you can’t tell by now / I’m pretty damn proud,” Minnich sings, expressing confidence rooted not in perfection but in embracing the experiences that shaped him. It’s an attitude that carries into ‘Lawn Chair Livin”, where time spent with friends and family becomes a reminder that happiness doesn’t always require chasing something bigger. Sometimes, simply slowing down is enough.

Relationships provide another emotional anchor. ‘Home-Built Mess’ explores how the excitement of new romance develops into a lasting partnership, sustained by shared experiences, humor, and commitment. Meanwhile, ‘Your Clown,’ inspired by a close friend’s approach to love, celebrates the importance of laughter and the freedom to be imperfect around someone who knows you best. Together, the songs present love as something built through everyday moments rather than grand gestures.

Elsewhere, ‘Memory Lane’ reflects on the experiences that continue to shape us, while ‘Rolling Stone’ captures how meeting the right person can change everything. On ‘In The Sand,’ Minnich trades daily pressures for the freedom of the shoreline, delivering a rock-tinged escape anthem that celebrates the need to step back and breathe. ‘American Valor’ brings a more solemn perspective, honoring military service members and veterans through a song informed partly by Minnich’s experience watching his older brother serve.

Following a breakout 2025 marked by editorial recognition and support from Apple Music, the Academy of Country Music, and Holler Country, Minnich brings these different perspectives together on ‘Pretty Damn Proud’.

Ultimately, the album’s appeal lies in its appreciation of life as it really is: messy, funny, complicated, and meaningful. Rather than chasing perfection, Minnich finds value in lasting relationships, personal memories, and the people whose sacrifices deserve recognition. ‘Pretty Damn Proud’ is a grounded, relatable statement from an artist who understands that life’s most meaningful stories are often found in its simplest moments. ‘Pretty Damn Proud’ is out today (23rd October) on all leading streaming platforms.

Why not check it out below…

Connect with Paul Minnich via:
FB:https://www.facebook.com/PaulMinnichMusic
IG:https://www.instagram.com/paulminnichmusic/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PaulMinnichMusic
Website: https://www.paulminnich.com/

A Quick Chat With…Amity

I was absolutely blown away by singer-songwriter AMITY‘s first appearance on the blog with compelling ballad, ‘Bite Me!‘ which claimed the Song of the Month back in April.

Amity is more than just a musician – I like to call him the ‘singing advocate’ as he speaks up for the voiceless and tackles the most taboo topics such as mental health, abuse and suicide. So I’m absolutely thrilled to have caught up with the promising artist to talk about his latest single, ‘Hurricane Heart’.

NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2025 treating you so far?

A: It’s been a wild year, lots of ups and downs, but I’m so grateful for the journey that has brought me to where I am today.

NLM: You recently released your single, ‘Hurricane Heart’ (30th May). What is the public perception of the single so far?

A: I’ve had people telling me that they can relate to Hurricane Heart, and that the song is helping them process things they’ve been through, which is exactly what I aim to accomplish.

NLM: What inspired you to produce/write the single?

A: I wrote Hurricane Heart from my own experience of the aftermath of destructive relationships, and I wanted to spread awareness while telling not just my story, but the story of those who have experienced similar situations and haven’t yet found the words to express it. I actually wrote it live on stage after a soundcheck, as the first few lines had been going around in my head for a while, and it finally blossomed into a song in that moment.

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

A: It’s definitely my most uptempo release so far, though there’s still a variety of dynamic textures throughout the song. It has something of a rockier influence, and it explores deep lyrical topics.

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

A: That they are not alone, and that it’s okay to still be affected by something for a long time after it happens – it’s a normal response to an abnormal situation.

NLM: Are there any plans to release an official video for the single?

A: In the future, I’d absolutely love to do that, but for the time being, it’s unlikely to happen too soon.

NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on ‘Hurricane Heart’, who would it be and why?

A: For some reason, people keep comparing my voice to Adele’s, so it would be interesting to hear how she might interpret this song.

NLM: What plans do you have in store for 2025?

A: I have a show at the Royal Albert Hall coming up on the 15th of July, I’m also playing Durham Fringe Festival and starting work on recording my next EP, so stay tuned!

NLM: How can potential fans find you?

A: My Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok share the same handle of @amity_sings, my Twitch is AmitySings, my YouTube is Amity Miller, and my website is http://www.amity.music.

NLM: Finally, if music didn’t exist, what other profession would you do?

A: If music didn’t exist, I would have wanted to go into another career where I can help people and make a positive impact on the world, such as going into science, which I’ve actually always had a passion for.

Song of the Day: They Can’t Know – Supreme Kiing

Delving deep into the intricate emotions of love and secrecy, ‘They Can’t Know’ is the powerful single that promises to leave listeners captivated. Crafted by the collaborative genius of The UnKNoWN PRoDuCeR and SuPReMe KiiNg, this song takes the audience on a melodic journey into the hearts and minds of those in search of passionate and elusive love.

This remarkable musical fusion between The UnKNoWN PRoDuCeR and SuPReMe KiiNg has resulted in a symphony of beats that transcends genres. Drawing from his rich background as Queen Latifah’s ex-dancer, The UnKNoWN PRoDuCeR, also known as Kreata, showcases his multi-genre prowess with artful precision. Meanwhile, SuPReMe KiiNg, celebrated as one of the East Coast’s most prolific souls, brings lyrical brilliance and raw authenticity to the table.

The inception of ‘They Can’t Know’ was a harmonious blend of patience and opportunity. The UnKNoWN PRoDuCeR waited for the perfect moment to collaborate with SuPReMe KiiNg, who was drawn to the producer’s dexterous beats and undeniable talent. The result is a seamless synergy between Urban Pop and Symphony Hall Orchestra, creating a tapestry of love, longing, and nostalgia.

Mastered remotely by the esteemed Fabio Maiorano in Spain, whose impressive portfolio includes collaborations with renowned artists, ‘They Can’t Know’ delivers a sonically rich and emotionally resonant experience. The song was produced and mixed at FYSPiStuDio in the US Virgin Islands, under the masterful guidance of Kreata, aka The UnKNoWN PRoDuCeR.

‘They Can’t Know’ is not just a song; it’s an invitation to embrace the complexities of love across different stages of life. As the lyrics intertwine dreams, imagination, and reality, the track becomes a canvas for personal narratives and shared experiences.

To experience the magic of “They Can’t Know” and SuPReMe KiiNg’s other mesmerizing creations, tap in here. 

For a taste of SuPReMe KiiNg’s electrifying live performances, visit the YouTube page.  

Connect with SuPReMe KiiNg via:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaykil1/followers/
IG:https://www.instagram.com/supreme__kiing

Listen to ‘They Can’t Know’ below:

Ricardo Williams returns with ‘Are We Good,’ an emotional bop exploring the complexities of love

It’s not a comeback, it’s not a return.

Acclaimed singer-songwriter RICARDO WILLIAMS never really went anywhere. He just decided to give other aspects of his life, like his family and the birth of his two new children, a little more attention.

“I’ve been embracing life and stepping away to gain more experiences,” Ricardo explains. “Now, I’m back and better equipped to showcase my art.” ‘Are We Good’ is the first of many new songs to come, an honest story of love and relationships, told in Ricardo’s signature style.

“It’s an emotional bop,” Ricardo says. “If you’re not really listening to the words, you might not realize the depth of emotion in the lyrics. But in typical Ricardo fashion, I come out the bridge at the end of the song, pouring my heart out on my sleeve with lush R&B vocals.”

‘Are We Good’ was released on all digital streaming platforms on 1st October, Ricardo’s birthday. It marks the beginning of a new phase in his life and career.

Quote from Ricardo:

“I’m not calling it a comeback. I never really went anywhere. I just decided to give other aspects of life more attention, like my family and my kids. Now, I’m back and better equipped to showcase my art. ‘Are We Good’ is the first of many to come. It’s an honest story of love and the complexities of relationships. The song was out on October 1st, which is my birthday, and I really wanted to put something out on my birthday to kind of signal the next phase of my life.”

Connect with Ricardo Williams via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/iamricardowilliams
X: https://x.com/iamricardow
IG: https://www.instagram.com/iamricardowilliams

OUT TODAY: Hibachi & Image join forces to release their first EP single ‘Hurt Me’.

Visionary artist/producer HIBACHI is proud to announce the release of his debut EP single, ‘Hurt Me’, featuring the multifaceted American rapper and actor Image, recognized for his role in the popular Netflix series Sex Education. This collaboration marks a significant moment in the careers of both artists as they prepare to introduce a fresh sound to the international music scene.

Born and raised in Baltimore, US, Image discovered his passion for music at a young age while attending the Baltimore School for the Arts, the same school that Tupac once attended. In a city with a higher crime rate than a graduation rate, Image embodies Tupac’s proverbial “rose that grew from concrete” as he finds himself on the other side of the world, making music and captivating listeners with poetic lyrics.

Hibachi, originally from Germany and Congo, has been making waves in the UK music scene with his distinctive fusion of House, R&B, and Hip-Hop. By blending those elements, Hibachi has carved out a unique sonic identity that has caught the attention of industry giants like AWAL Core. The collaboration between these two London-based artists has culminated in the release of ‘HURT ME,’ a track that sets the stage for their upcoming EP, slated for release in January 2025. With ‘HURT ME,’ Hibachi and Image channel their experiences, inviting listeners to connect with their story and join them on their musical journey.

‘HURT ME’ is a masterful blend of sad but suave, playful yet salacious tones, delivering the emotional complexity of being the “side-piece” in a toxic romantic relationship. Image’s deep, resonant voice, reminiscent of Channel Tres, effortlessly rides the beat, delivering smooth, playful lyricism. Hibachi complements this with delicate vocals on the hook, crafting a memorable melody that adds a lighthearted flirtation to the otherwise serious subject matter.

Sonically, the track draws inspiration from a Kaytranada-esque R&B/House blend, enveloping listeners in an upbeat yet moody atmosphere. It’s a track that is as lyrically captivating as it is musically compelling, making it perfect for both club settings and laid-back listening.

Thematically, ‘HURT ME’ delves into the complexities of a relationship where one person seeks deeper intimacy while the other is content living their best life. The song poignantly captures the heartbreak that arises from unrequited love, all delivered in a poetic and emotionally resonant fashion.

‘HURT ME’ is out today (11th September) on various music platforms. Why not have a listen below…

Connect with Hibachi via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/hibachibachi/