A Quick Chat With…Peter Lord

Introducing – or should I say – reintroducing PETER LORD. He’s the founding member of the genre-defying collective The Family Stand who helped shape the sound of generations with genre-defiant classics like ‘Chain’, ‘Moon in Scorpio’, ‘Connected’, and the timeless anthem ‘Ghetto Heaven’.

Now the trailblazing artist makes a powerful return with ‘BOOM,’ the explosive first single from his long-awaited solo album, ‘Songs From The 8th Dimension’, set for release next month, 29th August.

NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. It’s such a pleasure having you here. How is 2025 treating you so far?

PL: 2025 has been excellent. I have reconnected with the musical/sonic side of my creative instincts. During the last decade plus I have been primarily focused on the film and TV/streaming projects that I have written and am developing.

NLM: You recently released your single, ‘BOOM’ (on 4th July)’. What is the public’s perception of the single so far?

PL: The reaction has been extremely positive and receptive. And I have truly appreciated the fact that despite my recent inactivity in the music world, my new project feels relevant, and has resonated with new audiences, in addition to those who knew my music before.

NLM: What inspired you to produce the single?

Well the single “Boom”, as was, as all the songs on the album, were part of a musical TV/Streaming series I’ve written called “Love Junkies.” While that long process is still underway to bring it to the screen, I felt these songs also stood up on their own and needed to be heard.

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

PL: I would say it’s an electric mix of modern music, with elements, of rock, hip hop, soul, “alternative pop’, grounded in story telling through song. It ties together one’s personal/emotional battles with those struggles going on in the world as a whole. Each of us often forget the lessons learned previously in our lives, as the world and various societies often do… and then everything goes “Boom.” – exploding, with consequences we subsequently have to deal with, and find hard to control.

NLM: Back in the 90s, you were with The Family Stand, which was one of the groups that helped re-shaped modern soul, R&B and hip-hop. How do you compare your sound now with The Family Stand?

PL: I would say the thematic elements are the same, in terms of the stories I want to tell, but sonically and creatively I refuse to stay stuck. I’m not trying to bring back the 90’s or early 2000’s. I am not trying to be nor am I “old school” anything.

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

PL: No message. I only hope the listener resonates with what’s being said, lol and unsaid, and find their own “message” that serves them in a way that awakens their “higher self” and a deeper, truer, perception of themselves in this dimension of existence.

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

PL: One of my musical heroes, one who just passed, Sly Stone, and my childhood creative north star, Stevie Wonder.

NLM: So what are your plans for the rest of the year?

PL: To support and put out my new album “Songs From The 8th Dimension.” Which will include putting out at least two more singles. I may even do a few “unplugged. performances” I’ll post on social media. And I will continue to work on my TV & Film projects.

NLM: How can potential fans contact you?

PL: The best place is INSTAGRAM.

NLM: Finally, if music did not exist, what profession would you do?

PL: I would be an ASTROPHYSICIST! Or pro pickleball player. F it BOTH! LOL

Raphael Tate Returns with singles ‘Is This Love’ & ‘All Of Me’ from brand new album – OUT TODAY

After a short hiatus away from the scene, RAPHAEL TATE returns with his honest work to date, which forms album ‘All Of Me’ out today, Friday 6th June across various music platforms via his label, Tate Love Music LTD.

The album reflects his raw and honest journey, searching for love in a world that often forgets how to give it. Through his journey, he’s been it through it all – the highs and lows; the good, the bad, the heartbreaks, the hope, the vulnerability, the doubt, the despair and having the courage to talk away from a failed relationship. Despite the rocky period of his life, Raphael still believes he will find that true connection.

From the ten-track project, Raphael shares ‘Is This Love’ and ‘All Of Me’. Produced by Multi-Grammy Award winning artist Jazzwad, ‘Is This Love’ delves into the realms of classic roots reggae with Raphael questioning whether real genuine love exists, through his infamous robustly soulful performance. Raphael ends the album with a cover of John Legend’s hit, ‘All Of Me’. The stripped-back production allows Raphael to wear his heart on his sleeve and bear all, inviting his fans and prospective listeners into his world, his journey and his truth. His breathtaking version of ‘All Of Me’ received a seal of approval from John Legend himself.

The album also includes previously released singles, the Reprezent approved ‘Can You Feel It’, ‘Same Energy’ and the critically acclaimed ‘A Fool In Love’, which received a firm seal of approval from BBC1xtra’s Seani B and BBC London’s Lionheart. Paying homage to Aswad’s single ‘Bammie Blow’ from their album, ‘New Chapter Of Dub’, ‘A Fool In Love’ was produced by Grammy-nominated producer, Jermaine Forde, the son of Aswad’s Brinsley Forde. 

Born in Washington DC, USA now residing Derbyshire UK, Raphael Tate has been steadily climbing up the ranks in the UK music since his 2020 single, ’A Fool In Love’. His subsequent releases, received attention from UK national stations and way beyond, including BBC1 BBC1xtra, BBC London, BBC Leicester, BBC Stoke, BBC West Midlands, Mi-Soul, Phoenix FM, SoulCityTheBeat in Italy, South Africa’s Ubuntu FM, plus many more. ‘Everyday Is Mother’s Day’ – an tribute to his late mother – was featured twice on Reprezent radio, while ‘Blessed’ was named Track of the Week by Premiere Gospel.

Raphael Tate broadened his horizon and took to the stage of ITV’s Starstruck back in 2023, where he impersonated the Godfather of Soul James Brown, impressing judges Adam Lambert, Beverley Knight, Rowland Keating and Jason Mansford.

More recently, Raphael has circulated venues across the UK with his compelling live performances. A resident artist at London’s The 606 Club since the beginning of 2023, Raphael Tate has been an opening act for the legendary Odyssey in 2024 at The Robin in Wolverhampton. He also opened for legendary reggae group, Black Uhuru at Camden’s iconic venue Jazz Café and Band on the Wall in Manchester during their 2024 UK & European tour. Raphael Tate will once again open for Black Uhuru on their 2025 UK & European tour at London’s venues, Jazz Cafe on 30th June and Fox and Kirkin on 1st July.

Now Raphael Tate is getting ready to share singles ‘Is This Love’ & ‘All Of Me’ from his new album. With today’s society marred with so much division, due to cultural/region differences, so-called gender wars and unhealed traumas, Raphael gives a reminder, through his latest offering, that we can still choose connection over conflict. Through bearing his soul to the world, he hopes to encourage others to do the same.

‘All Of Me’ album is out today, 6th June, across various music platforms.

Connect with Raphael Tate via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/RaphaelTateofficial
X: https://x.com/TateRaphael
IG: https://www.instagram.com/raphaeltateofficial/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@raphaeltate3

Stefanie Michaela has a message for naysayers on single, ‘Stay In Your Lane’.

Every once in a while, you have that someone who keeps buzzing in your ear, telling you what you should do with your life. You try to ignore the unwelcome advice, but it comes a time when enough is enough.

STEFANIE MICHAELA knows that feeling all too well. After steadily curating her musical journey, honing her craft at Idyllwild Arts Academy and the Boston Conservatory, the Los Angeles singer/songwriter pressed pause on her passion to raise her five children and felt constantly judged for her decision – but she wasn’t having any of it! That message is the inspiration behind her single, appropriately titled, ‘Stay In your Lane’.

Produced by multi-Grammy Award-winning producer Keith Thomas (Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, Selena), ‘Stay In Your Lane’ may have an immediately addictive delicate soulful pop grooves, with a tinge of nineties R&B, but beyond the idyllic melodies Stefanie elegantly delivers a stern message for the naysayers: “Maybe if you’re happier in your own life, you could continue to stay in your lane.”

As Stefanie Michaela makes an impressive return to the music industry, there’s a strong sense that she’s not here just to churn out some catchy tunes. Her comeback strongly signifies that it’s never too late to reach out for your dreams and desires, perfectly positioning ‘Stay In Your Lane’ as the anthem of having unwavering perseverance and the courage to ignite that passion.

Now armed with her biggest fans – her children – It’s very safe to say that Stefanie Michaela is going full force with her renewed passion as she gears up to release her EP, ‘Turning Pages’ slated for release later this year.

‘Stay In Your Lane’ is now out for your pleasure across various music platforms. Why not press play on the empowering single below…

Connect with Stefanie Michaela via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555524656282
IG: https://www.instagram.com/stefaniemichaelamusic/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StefanieMichaelaVEVO
Website: https://www.stefaniemichaela.com/

OUT TODAY: Katrin-Merili puts her blend of Nordic Nu-Soul on the map with ‘Hold My Body’.

Paris-based, Estonian soul artist KATRIN-MERILI announces her debut EP ‘Beautiful Things’ with her new single ‘Hold My Body’, which is out today (20th June). She captures the soulful energy of Yebba, Sade and Cleo Sol, weaving her vocal around a future-facing instrumental to create a distinctive brand of Nordic neo-soul.

‘Hold My Body’ reflects on a long distance relationship, and the power of love to surpass geographical boundaries. Katrin explores the sacrifices that are made when in love, and the hunger for connection and patience needed to see things through. Alt-RnB lyrical flows are balanced with bopping grooves, euphoric synths and a gospel-inflected harmonic flavour, capturing the butterflies in the stomach and thrill of falling in love. Katrin shares: “I started composing this song on a friend’s guitar that was left in my apartment. The chords stuck with me, and gave it so much warmth when I produced the first draft. It took on a life of its own when I played it with my live band, and became the song you can hear today.”

Slated for release in 30th August, ‘Beautiful Things’ is a project consisting of five intimate stories centred around femininity, identity, and mental health, touching upon Katrin’s experience of being split between two countries, and supporting her mother through her battle with breast cancer. Due to the deeply personal subject material, Katrin wanted to be as involved as possible across the project, creating her own visual world to accompany the music, she shares: “I decided to self-produce the EP independently to be able to follow through with my original vision and to make something really personal. I am fully present in all the aspects of the creation, from writing the lyrics to styling, MUA, self-portraits, artworks and collages. Every song is a personal piece of my life and an invite to join me on my journey of self-discovery.”

A rising name in the Parisian soul-jazz crossover scene, Katrin has spent the last eight years in the French capital collaborating and building a name for herself, supporting the likes of Roy Ayres at the revered New Morning jazz club. Her path in Paris led to her meeting co-producer Sacha Arnaud, who was able to help Katrin bring her musical vision to life alongside the vibrant presence of talented French musicians including Noé Berne (Nine Sparks Riot) and Remi Klein (Voyou).

Taken from the ‘Beautiful Things’ EP, set for release on Friday 30th August, ‘Hold My Body’ was
released today (20th June) across various music platforms. Why not have a listen below…

Timeless trio Karmacoda shares self-empowerment ballad, ‘Try At Me.’

Comprising of Jessica Ford (vocals), Brett Crockett (aka B. on vocals and producer) and Japanese-American multi-instrumentalist Eric Matsuno (bass), captivating trio KARMACODA have unveiled their new single, ‘Try At Me’, which takes on a soulful, R&B quality that oozes with jazz lounge sensibility. A tender but passionate anthem to self-liberation and overcoming hardship, this track sees Jessica Ford baring her soul in her stirring, powerful vocal delivery. Her vocals soar over a gentle, syncopated downtempo beat, minimal R&B bassline and lowkey instrumental arrangements peppered with the delicate teal of jazz piano. ‘Try At Me’ is bathed in emotion and pain, yet decidedly triumphant and hopeful.

Jessica shared: “I wrote this song about a young girl I teach singing to. She had been through so much loss, anger, sadness and so many trials; more than any little girl should ever have to endure. I watched her fall into a depression, so much so, she didn’t want to sing anymore. Slowly but surely, through love, time and a lot of work, she started coming back, becoming more confident. I watched her fight for it.The song ‘Try At Me’… the words are “it’s time to try at me”, in other words, it’s time to give myself some girl power. It’s time to find myself, it’s time for me to rise, take a chance on myself, get out of this dark place, be heard, grow, and take a leap of faith, even when I feel beat up, I know I can stand up, try at me. She did, and she is. She is singing again. I couldn’t love this more. To my girl, this one’s for you.”

With impressive discography and many awards under their belts, San Francisco- based KARMACODA have offered up a vast array of sounds over the last twenty years, including electronica, chill, trip-hop, R&B, rock and dream pop. While still eluding being pigeonholed into a single genre, the trio’s sound has evolved into a soulful, sophisticated fusion of R&B, jazz lounge, drawing comparisons to the likes of powerful artists such as Adele, Alicia Keys, Leona Lewis and Lana Del Ray.

‘Try At Me’, was released on 26th January via Sola Musa Music. Why not check it out below…