Tag: soul

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…

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OUT TODAY: Listen to Sy Smith’s Album, ‘Until We Meet Again.’

It’s been nearly six years since SY SMITH‘s acclaimed album, ‘Sometimes A Rose Will Grow In Concrete’. After guesting on Zo! and Tall Black Guy’s ‘The Ride’ for their excellent 2021 album Abstractions, the multi-talented, Emmy-nominated singer/songwriter and actress reunites with her frequent collaborators for her new album ‘Until We Meet Again’, released today (26th January) on all DSPs via +FE Music/EMPIRE. Produced entirely by Zo! and Tall Black Guy, and executive produced by The Foreign Exchange frontman and Little Brother co-founder Phonte, the album features the sensual lead single ‘Slide’ and serves as Smith’s long-awaited full-length +FE Music debut. Guest appearances include world renowned singer/drummer Sheila E, trumpeter Chris Botti, and more.

“You ever pick up an old photo album that you haven’t seen in many years and look through it? And all the memories of each photo come flooding back as if those pictures were just taken yesterday? That’s what “Until We Meet Again” feels like. It’s a sonic reverie down memory lane – making stops at every single emotion that comes with reminiscing.” – Sy Smith

Sy Smith is set to hit the road in March and April for her Until We Meet Again headlining tour. Dates and more info are available here. For now, have a listen to the breathtaking album…

Must Listens: Photograph, Slide, Summer of ’93, All The Ways,

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New Lease Music’s Top Ten Music Videos Of 2023

Hey, Hey, Hey! Happy New Year guys! I hope you had an eventful festive period.

It’s that time of the year NEW LEASE MUSIC ramage through and pick out the top releases of 2023! Today, we start off with the best music videos featured on the blog in the past year. So why not sit back and check them out – oh and if you’re really digging these videos, why not leave a comment below.

Be sure to look out for NEW LEASE MUSIC’s Top Ten Albums of 2023 later today!

10. Sometimes Relax – LLAMAN x Pitch 92

9. Freak Out – Jessica Wilde

8. Face Off Part 1 – Quincy

7. PTSD – Dax

6. Iron Right – DJ Drama, Boosie Badazz & OMB Peezy ft Trouble

5. Podium – Ez Mil

4. The Rain – Bullet Brak

3. Love Tap – Tito Ft. Keet Kolbang

2. Share My Life – Raphael Tate

1. Grey – Holy Coves

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Rapper/singer Alex Luke unveils debut EP, ‘Star Projector’.

Manchester’s soulful singer, rapper and producer ALEX LUKE‘s debut EP ‘Star Projector’, effortlessly blends soulful melodies, intricate rap flows, funk stylings, and Luke’s signature horns. The self-produced project has been three years in the making and is a triumphant showcase of authenticity and versatility.

The EP’s uniqueness extends to an additional four personalised voice note recordings, offering an intimate window into the artist’s life and the stories behind the music. Additionally, three official music videos, including the emotionally charged ‘DNA,’ shot by Sophia J Carey (Loyle Carner, Little Simz), bring Luke’s vision to life.

In a poignant tribute to his late brother, who passed away in 2015, Alex sought solace in the embrace of music, adopting his brother’s middle name, ‘Luke’ as a timeless tribute to his memory.

His musical journey has been marked by unwavering dedication, earning recognition from The Ivors Academy, BBC Radio Introducing Manchester, Spotify Fresh Finds UK + IE, Amazing radio and praise from Jamz Supernova. Independently, Luke has achieved remarkable milestones, selling out his last three headline shows in Manchester and securing support slots across the UK (including acts like Jahméne and Mamas Gun), and taking the stage at local festivals like Dot To Dot and Indie Week. As a testament to his growing success, Luke is set to headline a thrilling show on March 29th, 2024, at Manchester’s iconic Deaf Institute (tickets on sale now).

Alex Luke’s ‘Star Projector EP’ establishes his mark on the music scene, showcasing his undeniable talent and creative vision. Have a listen below…

Must Listens: Remember Me, DNA

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    Pop/neo soul songbird Megzz goes ‘Through The Motions’ with latest EP

    With sold-out gigs, music video directing credits, a performance at All Points East, and an Amazon Prime documentary under her belt, Northamptonshire singer-songwriter MEGZZ topped off a stellar year with her EP ‘Through the Motions’.

    Blending her own mix of R&B, neo-soul, and pop, Megzz has taken 2023 by the horns by releasing two singles off her upcoming EP after featuring as one of the subjects of the Amazon Prime documentary ‘Unsigned’ (following the journeys of AMEX’s unsigned artists) at the end of 2022. Believing music is a powerful therapy to herself & others, Megzz’s lyricism focuses on empowerment, self-love and transparency around mental health struggles.

    “The EP is an unapologetically honest and personal body of work that explores themes of consent, boundaries and self-love, grief, mental health struggles, and most importantly – recovery”, Meggz said. “Though it explores difficult topics, Through The Motions remains empowering and inspiring; encouraging others to find strength in expressing their feelings and owning their own story.”

    Through the Motions will feature two brand new tracks, including ‘Motions’, a song that Megzz has held close to her heart for years. Written in 2019 as a personal mantra before becoming lyrics, ‘Motions’ is described by Megzz as “the sunset on the bad days, and the sunrise on the good days”. Rather than being written reflectively, ‘Motions’ is about the present “going through” of mental health struggles and dealing with how “horrible, uncomfortable feelings come in waves, and it’s all about riding out those waves”. Waves and the sound of water are an integral part of Through the Motions, as the EP is all about going through the motions, allowing feelings, and taking power in the process.

    Through The Motions is accompanied by the release of short documentary style video, documenting Megzz’s journey of creating the EP whilst battling with her own mental health struggles. EP Through the Motions will is out now via various music platforms. Check it out below…

    Must Listens: Love Me From A Distance

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