A sombre yet compelling drive introduces ARASH NEJAD‘s debut single, ‘Vices’, putting him in very good stead as a serious contender in UK’s alternative R&B/Neo soul scene. The single then flourishes into a fresh, sultry take on slow jam as we know it, with Arash’s perfectly paired vocal performance, vividly narrating his strong addiction on one of his greatest vices – his love interest. As the single unholds, you can feel an intense desperation and raw desire that lingers long after the single ends.
From listening to ‘Vices’, it’s clear that Arash draws inspiration from urban music heavyweights such as Beyoncé, Michael Jackson and Frank Ocean. Fans of these artists are likely to find his sound equally compelling, as he blends familiar influences with a style that feels distinctly his own.
With ‘Vices’ covering themes of love and addiction with such emotional depth, it’s exciting to see what topics he explores next. I got a feeling he’s got so much to say and this debut offering is just a tip of a very large and complex iceburg. His strong sound creates an airy mystery around him with little known beyond the fact that he’s based somewhere in South East England. As his musicial journey unravels, I suspect he will reveal a piece of his world one chapter at a time and in my book that is enough to hang around for his next move…
‘Vices’ is now available now for your pleasure…why not check it out below…
Following surf-rock offering ‘Ocean Motion’, which is currently number 1 on CHBN’s Radio’s The Playlist Chart, Maryanne Dugan – aka MARYAIANNE & ME – continues the feel good vibes for the summer with single ‘Highway’, out now across all leading music platforms.
‘Highway’ is a break-up song with a positive twist:it’s soulful-rockabilly groove encourages listeners to walk away from relationships that have run their course and look towards the future with optimism. While most break-up songs invite the listener to dwell in love lost, ‘Highway’ offers a carefree attitude, celebrating the freedom and possibilities that come with moving on.
With its carefree spirit and uplifting message, the track reminds us that every ending can be the beginning of something better—if we’re willing to let go and take the next step forward.
Music has always been central to Maryanne’s life. From a young age, she found joy in singing in choirs and performing. However, following experiences of abuse as a child, she became increasingly reclusive. Over the past six months, she has turned to AI music tool SUNO as a creative partner, helping her bring her songs to life in a way that fully captures the depth of her emotions and intentions.
Since Maryanne met her manager, John Hewlett, she has found a pathway to share her voice with the world and is now able to publish her lyrics and express herself through the tracks she is creating, under the moniker, MaryAianne & Me.
Her singles including ‘Checkmate’, I’ll Find The Light’ and previous effort ‘Ocean Motion’, were well received from radio stations across the globe, with all singles scooping the #1 spot on CHBN Radio’s The Playlist chart in the UK. After years of living as a reclusive, Maryanne has recently made a bold decision to reveal her identity and step into the spotlight as an artist.
Maryanne continues to prioritise her mental health and is engaged in ongoing counselling. Alongside this, her songwriting and the development of MaryAianne & Me have become a vital therapeutic outlet—not only for herself, but also for listeners facing similar challenges.
As part of her journey managing depression and anxiety, Maryanne plans to perform her singles to a live audience in the future. She’s currently taking singing lessons to fine tune her vocals.
‘Highway’ is out now across various music platforms. Why not check it out below…
Singer/songwriter Maryanne Dugan – aka MARYAIANNE & ME – arrives just in time for those summer days ahead with brand new single, ‘Ocean Motion’ out now across all leading platforms.
Following herprevious offering, ‘I’ll Find The Light’, an inspiring ballad which chronicles a personal battle against depression, Maryanne takes a refreshing turn with ‘Ocean Motion’. Drawing influences of classic 50s surf rock – think The Beach Boys – the track captures the carefree spirit of sun-soaked days, rolling waves, and the simple joy of escaping life’s worries, if only for a moment.
Full of nostalgic charm, ‘Ocean Motion’ serves as the perfect soundtrack for the season ahead, inviting listeners to leave their troubles behind and embrace the freedom of the moment.
Music has always been central to Maryanne’s life. From a young age, she found joy in singing in choirs and performing. However, following experiences of abuse as a child, she became increasingly reclusive. Over the past six months, she has turned to AI music tool SUNO as a creative partner, helping her bring her songs to life in a way that fully captures the depth of her emotions and intentions.
Since Maryanne met her manager, John Hewlett, she has found a pathway to share her voice with the world and is now able to publish her lyrics and express herself through the tracks she is creating, under the moniker, MaryAianne & Me.
Maryanne continues to prioritise her mental health and is engaged in ongoing counselling. Alongside this, her songwriting and the development of MaryAianne & Me have become a vital therapeutic outlet—not only for herself, but also for listeners facing similar challenges.
As part of her journey managing depression and anxiety, Maryanne plans to perform her singles to a live audience in the future. She’s currently taking singing lessons to fine tune her vocals.
‘Ocean Motion’ is out now across various music platforms.Why not check it out below…
‘Delusional’ is the latest single from ALAN DREEZER and the emotional centrepiece of his forthcoming third studio album, ‘Nothing Changes If Nothing Changes’. Written during a period of intense self-reflection, the track explores the fragile line between ambition and self-belief, asking an uncomfortable but deeply human question: at what point does believing in yourself become delusion?
Blending atmospheric electronic production with intimate, confessional songwriting, ‘Delusional’ captures the contradictions that exist within modern creativity. It is a song about identity, isolation, self-worth, and the exhausting pressure to constantly validate your existence — not only as an artist, but as a person. Through vulnerable lyricism and cinematic production, Dreezer dissects the emotional cost of chasing purpose in a world increasingly driven by comparison, performance, and external validation.
At its core, ‘Delusional’ speaks directly to anyone who has ever felt misunderstood for wanting more from life. It examines the tension between persistence and self-doubt — particularly within independent artistry, where creators are often expected to maintain unwavering confidence while privately battling uncertainty. Rather than presenting ambition as glamorous, the song exposes its vulnerability: the quiet fear of failure, the loneliness of standing apart from the crowd, and the emotional exhaustion of trying to hold onto belief when the world offers little reassurance in return.
Musically, ‘Delusional’ draws influence from artists such as George Michael, James Blake, RY X, and Jungle. The track balances restraint with emotional intensity, allowing the lyrics and atmosphere to carry equal weight.
Beyond its sonic identity, ‘Delusional’ also reflects the wider emotional landscape of ‘Nothing Changes If Nothing Changes’ an album centred around transformation, accountability, healing, and emotional survival. Across the project, Dreezer explores what it means to confront the parts of ourselves we often avoid — our fears, coping mechanisms, emotional patterns, and the uncomfortable truths that accompany growth. The album title itself became a guiding philosophy during the writing process, representing the idea that meaningful change only happens when we are willing to honestly examine ourselves.
Mental health awareness also plays an important role within the campaign surrounding the release. Dreezer has used ‘Delusional’ to open conversations around musicians’ mental health, creative burnout, and self-worth — subjects that remain highly relevant within today’s music industry. The single is being released in aid of Mind, with Dreezer personally donating proceeds for every 1,000 streams alongside a dedicated fundraising page encouraging listeners to get involved and support the charity’s work.
The official lyric video for ‘Delusional’ further amplifies the song’s message, while the forthcoming official music video expands its themes visually through atmospheric and symbolic storytelling focused on identity, isolation, and perception.
Now over a decade into his independent career, Alan Dreezer has quietly built a loyal and organically grown audience through emotional honesty and artistic consistency. Following the releases of LONDON E12 and H E A L E D, this latest chapter represents his most exposed and self-aware work to date. Importantly, many supporters directly contributed toward funding the physical release of the album, highlighting the deep connection that has formed between artist and audience over the years.
With ‘Delusional’ Alan Dreezer delivers more than simply another independent pop release. He offers a deeply human portrait of modern ambition — one that acknowledges the loneliness, contradiction, vulnerability, and resilience involved in continuing to believe in yourself when certainty feels impossible. As anticipation builds for ‘Nothing Changes If Nothing Changes’, the single stands as one of his most honest and emotionally resonant releases to date.
‘Delusional’ is now available across all leading platforms. Why not check out the accompanied video below…
To make a donation to Mind, please visit link https://linktw.in/btBorV there is a QR code for donations linked
MS ALISHA B, hops into the hot seat to discuss her latest single ‘What’s Done Is Done’.The promising R&B singer also shares come exciting upcoming plans for emerging artists, so why not dive in to find out more!
NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2026 treating you so far?
MAB: 2026 has been a very intentional year for me so far. I’ve been focusing on growth, both personally and creatively, and being more structured with how I approach my music and purpose. It feels like a year of alignment, where everything I’ve been building internally is starting to come together externally.
NLM: You released your single, “What’s Done Is Done” (10th April). What is the public perception of the single so far?
MAB: People have been saying they really like the song online, which has been really encouraging. In terms of the deeper message, I haven’t received much detailed feedback yet on how it has impacted listeners personally, but I believe that will come in time as people continue to connect with the song.
NLM: What inspired you to produce/write the single?
MAB: The original inspiration for the song came from experiences of sexual violence, and it was first written around 2016. That was the starting point. As the song developed, particularly in the second verse, co-writer Luke Grant (GKID) helped shape it into something more universal. It moved beyond one specific experience and became something that also reflects toxic or unhealthy relationships more broadly, making it more relatable to others.
NLM: How would you describe the single’s sound to potential fans?
MAB: The sound is rooted in R&B, but it carries a fusion of Gospel, soul, and subtle reggae influences. It has a smooth and reflective feel, with an edge in the melodies and rhythms that give it depth. The message is Gospel-influenced, while the sound stays soulful and relatable.
NLM: What message would you like the listeners to take away from your single?
MAB: The main message is that your past does not define your future. Whatever someone has experienced, they don’t have to carry it as their identity. The song is about release, healing, and choosing to move forward. It also points people towards the understanding that through GOD, there is always an opportunity for restoration, clarity, and growth.
NLM: Are there any plans to release an official video for the single?
MAB: We originally filmed a video for the song in 2017, but due to some issues at the time, it wasn’t released. However, I’m currently releasing an AI version of the video this month, and after my EP release, I plan to rework and release a full official version.
NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on “What’s Done Is Done”, who would it be and why?
MAB: I would say H.E.R., because of her ability to express emotion and vulnerability in a very honest and soulful way. Her style would complement the depth of the message.
NLM: What plans do you have in store for 2026?
MAB: I’m currently working on my first book, “How to Write Songs From the Heart”. I’m also developing my songwriting community and preparing a compilation project for emerging artists. Musically, I’m in the early stages of working on a 5–6 track EP and focusing on releasing music intentionally this year.
NLM: How can potential fans find you?
MAB: All platforms use the same handle: Instagram / Facebook / YouTube: @msalishabmusic
NLM: Finally, if music didn’t exist, what other profession would you do?
MAB: If music didn’t exist, I would still be doing something that involves mentoring and developing people. Teaching or coaching would naturally align with who I am.
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