Tag: UK talent

James O’Hurley Shares Stripped-Back EP ‘A Moment Alone’

NEW LEASE MUSIC has unearthed some of the raw talent from true Troubadours of late – first with Nick Edwards, whose 2024 EP ‘Live At Yellow Arch’ currently holds the blog’s Album of the Week title over on Instagram. Then there’s Ben Reel whose single ‘I Will’, offers a rich fusion of indie rock, soul and disco, with an intimate, singer-songwriter feel.

Now the blog introduces the remarkably robustly raw talent of South London’s singer-songwriter JAMES O’HURLEY. His rich authentic fusion of folk, blues, rock and country roots, which echoes some of his idols, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones has earned him over 50K streams on Spotify alone with single ‘Red’.

To keep the fiery glow going, James O’Hurley shares his live EP, ‘A Moment Alone’. Recorded at The Factory Studios, the latest collection includes stripped-back and compelling versions of some of James’ favourite singles from his well-received debut album ‘A Certain Stranger’. From the very beginning, you’re greeted with the warm grit of guitar plucks, which serves as a perfect platform to really home in and take in James’ soul-drenched vocals – reminiscent of a more rugged Michael Hutchence of INXS. No embellishments are needed here; the simple pairing of voice and guitar hits that rare balance of vulnerability and strength.

It’s hard to believe that, after extensively touring and performing in various different bands and working in the live events industry, James was ready to hung up his guitar and turn his back on music for good. Burnt out and creatively stagnant, he hit a personal low. But at that breaking point, he found something deeper—his true voice.

‘A Moment Alone’ is now available on all leading platforms. Why not have a listen below…

Must Listens: Four Long Days, Lighthouse, Wolves, Red.

Connect with James O’Hurley via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559155961934
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jamesohurley/

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LUCKY IRIS Shares New Single, ‘play me like a speaker’ Ahead Of ‘fall in love with the dj’ Mixtape

Leeds-based hyper-pop duo LUCKY IRIS have announced their upcoming mixtape, ‘fall in love with the dj’, set for release on 23rd January through EMI North in partnership with Launchpad+. The six-track project includes explosive new single ‘play me like a speaker’, released yesterday (30th September), across all leading streaming platforms.

Building on the momentum of their acclaimed ‘day to night’ EP—praised by Rolling Stone UK, DIY, and BBC Introducing—this new release marks a bold sonic evolution for the duo. Described as a “full-throttle surge of club-ready energy,” lead single ‘play me like a speaker’ pairs sharp-edged synths with chopped vocals to reflect a year of fearless experimentation. The track is so intense, it reportedly blew the duo’s car speakers on first playback.

“We’re so tired of holding back, so really ‘play me like a speaker’ was used as an exploration into seeing what we can create and very literally leaning into that,” tells Maeve. “We wrote almost every track on the mixtape on the South West coast of Ireland, using only a laptop, a mic, and a twenty-five key mini keyboard with a wireless speaker. ‘play me like a speaker’ was one of the first tracks we created for this mixtape – maybe that’s ironic – but we were having fun, creating new sounds and making music we wanted to hear.”

With earlier mixtape teaser ‘i just want to dance’ already earning praise from Wonderland, NME, BBC 6 Music, and placements on key Spotify editorial playlists, fall in love with the dj is shaping up to be a major statement in the UK pop landscape.

To celebrate, Lucky Iris will embark on their first UK tour, supporting Master Peace with shows across Nottingham, Cardiff, Southampton, Margate, and Norwich.

Why not listen to ‘play me like a speaker’ below…

Connect with Lucky Iris via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/luckyirisband
IG: https://www.instagram.com/luckyirisband
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@luckyirisband?
X: https://x.com/luckyirisband

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Song of the Day: Place To Be – Sarah Louise

The idyllic runs of the piano keys in SARAH LOUISE‘s latest single, ‘Place To Be’, immediately transports you to a place of warmth and familiarity. Within an intimate, meditative setting, the Suffolk-based singer-songwriter’s soothing vocals offers a comforting reminder to pause life’s chaos and seek solace – whether it’s under a cuddly duvet or immersed in the quiet beauty of nature. It’s a gentle invitation to breathe, reflect, and just be.

Sarah Louise understands that need deeply. During a moment of feeling completely overwhelmed, she took a spontaneous drive to a peaceful spot in nature, where she parked her car and watched the sun slowly dip below the horizon. In a moment of stillness, inspiration struck—and the first verse of ‘Place To Be’ was born. Although the song wasn’t finished, she knew she had captured something truly special.

That belief was reaffirmed when someone discovered a rough version of the track on YouTube and reached out to share how much it meant to them. Their heartfelt message reminded Sarah of the power of her music, and how deeply it resonated. Encouraged and inspired, she returned to the song and crafted the polished version we hear today.

Now, ‘Place To Be’ is available on all major streaming platforms—a compelling piece that captures the essence of who Sarah Louise is as an artist: honest, heartfelt, and healing.

Connect with Sarah Louise via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/watch/SarahLouiseMusicOfficial/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sarahlouisemusicofficial/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahlouisemusicofficial

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Merittocracy drops track ‘Desire’ ft Jocelyn Brown.

Zimbabwe-born/Scottish-based house/electronic producer Mani S – aka MERITTOCRACY – gets ready to unveil his third single ‘Desire’, featuring the instantly recognisable soulful vocals of legendary singer Jocelyn Brown. The deep soulful house cut is coming out 26th September via his record label, Black Sugar Music.

‘Desire’ is a reworked track that Mani S had previously written and produced with Jocelyn Brown for YOYOHONEY – an electro-soul group he formed with singer Anita Jarrett. Known for her cult classics like, ‘Someone Else’s Guy’ and ‘Always There’, with British acid jazz group Incognito, Jocelyn Brown’s infamous powerhouse vocals inspired Mani S to drop a remix. Drawing from the raw energy of the Chicago House movement, ‘Desire’ now pulses a seriously deep gutsy groove with an infectious electronica edge. “Her timeless vocals and energy got me really excited and I decided to redo and produced it on a different vibe for Merittocracy,” says Mani S.

A songwriter, producer and bass guitarist, Mani S, started is musical journey at the age of just 14, playing at countless shows and was fortunate to work with some of the industry greats such as Bootsy Collins, DJ Pierre, Tony Humphries, and Steely & Cleevie.

Main S’ love for dub, hip-hop and soul led him to form YOYOHONEY, a UK soul project which blends elements of electronica, techno and ambient sounds. Along with Anita Jarrett, Mani S released soulful/acid jazz-tinged singles, ‘Groove On’ in 1991 and ‘Voodoo Soul’ in 1992.

Mani S’ other biggest love is house music, particularly of the deep cut kind; a genre that was with him from the start of his journey. He formed Merittocracy in 2024 to push house and electronic sounds to the forefront – and give them the full attention it deserves. Along with pushing out genres he loves – and not churning out hits for streams and views – Mani S is extremely passionate about music development and has helped shape the creative direction of emerging acts.

Merittocracy’s new single ‘Desire’, featuring the great Jocelyn Brown, drops 26th September via Black Sugar Music.

Connect Merittocracy via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/merittocracy

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705 drops new single, ‘Enjoy’ featuring Big Femzy

Rising Afro-fusion artists 705 and Big Femzy have joined forces to release ‘Enjoy’, a vibrant new single that’s destined to become a staple of summer playlists and nightlife scenes.

Blending infectious Afrobeat rhythms with smooth melodies and contemporary fusion influences, ‘Enjoy’ is a sonic invitation to let go, live fully, and feel the music. The track pulses with tropical percussion, layered harmonies, and catchy hooks that bring instant energy and good vibes. 705, known for his rich vocals and dynamic delivery, effortlessly complements Big Femzy’s confident flow and rhythmic cadence. Together, they create a synergy that feels natural and elevating — a true collaboration rooted in rhythm, joy, and authenticity.

‘Enjoy’ was released last Friday, 1st August across various music platforms. Not to be missed; check out this smooth bad boy below…

Connect with 705 via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/705beats/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@705beats
X: https://x.com/705beats
Website: https://705beats.com/

Source: 705

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