New Track: Because of Love: Bianca Rose (ft. Ayanna Witter-Johnson)

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British/Jamaican/Nigerian singer-songwriter BIANCA ROSE has been writing and composing for the best part of a decade. In 2007 she self- released her debut EP ‘Truth and Tiny Tragedies’, and has continued to collaborate and write songs for other artists ever since. Accompanying herself on guitar and ukulele, Bianca’s live shows have included sets for Sofar Sounds, Tigmus, London Jazz and the CrimeJazz Festival in the Netherlands with additional performances for Playstation, OH TV, & radio play on Radio 1 and 1Xtra. As lyricist in the Ready Riters songwriting collective, Bianca recently co-wrote X-Factor contestant Annastasia Baker’s debut album, resulting in Annastasia’s 2014 Mobo nomination.

Bianca has decided that 2017 is the right time to focus on her own music again, and release some of the songs she’s written over the last few years. The second single taken from her highly anticipated debut album is entitled ‘Because Of Love’ and features Mobo nominated singer/songwriter and cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson. Bianca explains “Ayanna and I collaborated on every part of the creation of this song, from writing to recording, so it only made sense that the video was an extension of this partnership, whilst debunking the stereotype of competition between women. We believe there is a place for us all in this business so we actively make room for one another.”

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Her debut album ‘No Fear’ Here was part-funded by the PRS for Music Foundation and produced by critically acclaimed jazz musician and producer Femi Temowo, (George Benson, Andrea Bocelli, Amy Winehouse, The Roots, ESKA & Soweto Kinch). ‘No Fear’ Here is an expansive interpretation of the singer/songwriter genre, fusing Bianca’s folk/gospel sensibilities with both Bianca and Femi’s African diasporic perspectives.

Bianca adds “These songs are snippets of the lessons I’ve learned and am still learning. Some people believe that fear is something we should live with, or that we should use it as motivation to achieve our goals. From my experience, I believe it’s something to be conquered and routed out of every area of our lives. I try to live on a daily mission to seek and destroy all traces of fear and oppression in my life. It’s the only way that’s worked for me.”

‘Because of Love’ is now available on all streaming platforms and ‘No Fear’ Here is released today.

Song of the Day: Platinum & Gold – Basheba

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After experimenting in the studio with the hotly tipped producer, XVR BLCK, BASHEBA returns with new material inspired by the sounds of 90s RnB and contemporary bass. The sublime Platinum & Gold, is the first release taken off her latest E.P Axiom Part 2, out now.

Known for combining breakbeat and jungle rhythm in her previous work, Platinum & Gold marks an evolution in sound for the young artist. Her lyrics come straight from the heart and the dark soulful vocal delivery always stands out in her music, and it’s this, which she has been able to translate effortlessly to other areas, such as alt pop and R&B with the project.

BASHEBA‘s last track Don’t Go, garnered support across the board from tastemakers at 1Xtra, BBC Introducing and 6music and online by SBTV, Complex, 405, Fred Perry and MOBO Unsung and her latest project is another example of why she is one to watch – check it out!

Song of the Day: Be There For Me – Mariam

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Singer/songwriter and self-taught guitarist MARIAM‘s infectious blend of soul, folk and pop effort, Be There For Me has caught the attention of NEW LEASE MUSIC, making the three-and-a-half-minute chirpy number the dish of the day. Be There For Me is the first release from the upcoming EP, Heart to Heart, set for release 4th November.

After fine tuning her passion for poetry and creative pieces from a young age (in which she credits her Nigerian heritage), the South Londoner struck out in 2011, and soon became well acquainted with the underground scene and started playing open mic nights. These experiences turned into opportunities and MARIAM joined the London Community Gospel Choir (who has supported artist such as Tom Jones, Sam Smith and more) and started working on original material with local artists (including British artist Samm Henshaw).

Now the pop/soulful songstress has shared her debut single…and beyond those uplifting and soul-warming soundscapes, boasts a powerfully heart-wrenching lyrics of unrequited love…and that moment of harsh realisation that you can’t make anyone love you or reciprocate affection.

Have a listen to Be There For Me.

Song of the Day: Tread On Me – Gold Complex (Nic Armour)

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NEW LEASE MUSIC’s dish of the day is the sexy slow jam number, Tread On Me from Toronto-based classic soul/R&B/pop act GOLD COMPLEX. The single is taken from the band’s deluxe version of their self-titled debut EP.

Described by CBC’s Errol Nazareth as ‘smooth, catchy and sexy’, the dynamic octet has built a strong fanbase in Canada, headlining renowned venues and released their debut self-titled EP  in April last year. Their first two singles Tread On Me and Backbone received regular rotation on radio nationwide and were featured on the Nickelodeon television series, Open Heart, available on Netflix.

Following the national success of their debut EP, GOLD COMPLEX has brought their powerful sound to bigger audiences around the globe by releasing a Deluxe Edition with a psychedelic deep house remix of the R&B hit Tread On Me.This Soundcloud exclusive re-issue (available for free download) is a showcase of the band’s musical diversity and technical prowess, taking the listener on a journey from groovy dance tracks to soulful slow jams.

The band is currently in the studio recording their debut full length album New Soul, set for release in April 2017…be sure to look out for that…but for now, check out their smooth effort, Tread On Me.