New Music Video: Survive – Hollie Cook

Hot off the heels of two sold out shows in London and L.A., West London native HOLLIE COOK  unveiled more from her forthcoming third LP by dropping the double-A single ‘Freefalling’ / ‘Survive’.

The tropical pop princess has already cemented her position as one to watch this year after signing to the American indie label Merge Records and releasing the lead single ‘Angel Fire’. The first taste from the album received rave reviews from international outlets ranging from Mass Appeal, Clash and Je Ne Sais Pop and was playlisted over the summer on BBC Radio. Her vibrant, spirited take on lovers rock radiates positivity, allowing her to transcend the confines of a genre.

‘Freefalling’ finds Hollie’s sultry vocals positioned against a skanking rocksteady beat, alluring synths and a crooning brass section. The result is a life-affirming feel good jam which exudes enough warmth to keep burning all autumn long. Despite singing of the intricacies of heartbreak an unwavering sense of bliss prevails throughout.

As well as touring the world for years with Ari Up in the pioneering female punk band The Slits, Cook previously collaborated with renowned dub producer Prince Fatty on her first two solo albums – the self-titled debut and the acclaimed follow-up ‘Twice’. Singles such as ‘Milk & Honey’ and ‘That Very Night’ saw Hollie gain critical exposure via BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music, 1Xtra and Radio X, culminating in a hypnotic appearance on the prestigious “Later…With Jools Holland”. Having now enlisted the esteemed producer Martin “Youth” Glover to oversee her latest LP – whose credits include U2, Paul McCartney and Pink Floyd – she’s able to unlock maturity in her ever evolving sound.

With supporters rallying from every corner, including Fred Perry’s Subculture, Jocks & Nerds and Vanity Fair, HOLLIE COOK is gearing up for a triumphant year ahead with the ‘Vessel of Love’ album release on 26th January – so expect to see her on top of the tropical throne of pop in 2018.

If this is your first introduction to this carefree upriser, well here’s your chance to watch the video to ‘Survive.’

New Track: Bangs – Miss Banks

MS BANKS has spent 2017 constantly demonstrating why she is worthy of all the attention she has attracted since first bursting onto the scene with her mixtape ‘Once Upon A Grind’ in 2014 and last year’s much talked about ‘Fire in the Booth’.

Releasing one stellar track after another, whilst always illustrating her raw and confident lyrical prowess, she has caught the attention of respected music tastemakers across the world and this week the south London hip-hop artist – who previously supported Cardi B on her UK tour earlier this year – received the ultimate co-sign when she woke up to discover the number one selling US rapper Nicki Minaj had tweeted the lyrics to her verse on the ‘Yu Zimme’ remix and subsequently invited Ms Banks to join her on her UK tour next year.

Continuing her winning streak, MS BANKS returns with her new track ‘Bangs’. The explosive fusion of UK hip-hop, grime and trap influences mixed with her inimitable flow look set to make the NYGE produced track a future hit. The track will feature on MS BANKS’ highly anticipated forthcoming project, which will be released in the new year.

‘Bangs’ is the follow-up to the hugely addictive Donae’o and ProducerWez produced ‘Day Ones’ and the underground anthems ‘’Get Loose’, ‘OMG’ and ‘Vibes’ which were released earlier this year and saw her causing a stir. She recently took to the stage with fiery performances at Glastonbury Festival, the Boy Better Know Takeover show at The O2 – performing alongside artists such as Skepta, A$ap Rocky, J Hus, Mabel and Kojey Radical – and for the likes of Maison Kitsune, Kenzo and most recently Timberland alongside Giggs.

With MS BANKS building on the hysteria she has caused over the past year and sharing more new music and electric live performances throughout the rest of the year and already garnering support from outlets such as Dazed, Noisey, Dummy, The FADER, The Source, BBC 1Xtra, SBTV, GRM Daily and Link UP TV there is no doubt that she is ready to take her crown as the queen of UK hip-hop in 2018 and far beyond…so check this sizzler out.

EP Review: Midnight Sounds – Melanie Crew

MELANIE CREW‘s third EP, ‘Midnight Sounds’ certainly live up its name as Londoner puts a smoother and laid back sensation to her folklore signature.

The EP alternates between the slight uptempo, oozing strong presence of alluring soul from Melanie’s vocals and the stripped-back, featuring the infamous acoustic guitar that somehow gives off those mysterious and spine tingling magical moments.

‘Midnight Sounds’ makes a great lead up to the festive season…might as well have a listen.

 Must Listens: Evening Light, The Place I Knew.

New Music Video: Broken Record – Allana Verde

ALLANA VERDE released the visuals for her captivating single ‘Broken Record’. Delving into the dynamics of her previous relationship ‘Broken Record’ encompasses all the classic elements of an R&B record, while possessing Allana’s unique flavour.

The single comes off her stunning 4-track EP ‘Broken Record’ where this talented artist goes on a journey, documenting everything from heartbreak through to regaining personal confidence and empowerment.

To read NEW LEASE MUSIC’s review on the EP, here right here.

For now, watch the video for ‘Broken Record.’

New Track: City of Dreams – Tobi Sunmola

Having brought the heat with previous singles ‘Simba’ and ‘Wild Wild East’ Mancunian wordsmith TOBI SUNMOLA released the title track off his forthcoming EP ‘City Of Dreams’

Inspired by the film ‘Inception’, ‘City Of Dreams’ is a display of Tobi’s admiration and pride for his adopted city following the tragic events earlier in the year. Although the emotional track was written before the 02 bombing, Sunmola maintains that the meaning behind the lyrics only made sense after, as he yearns, “don’t believe what you read in the news baby, the city’s alive”.

Growing up in Nigeria, Tobi recalls saving up lunch money daily to skip school and head to the studio with his rap crew Dope Kommunity. Moving to Manchester aged 16 the young poet instantly immersed himself in the UK hip hop scene recording in local youth club studios. Showing signs of a promising career early on, the aspiring talent has been advocated by the likes of  and BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra.

Captivating, and honest, Sunmola is able to connect with his audience through an inspired sincerity rarely seen amongst rappers so young…here’s your chance to check out his work; listen to ‘City of Dreams.’