Scottish singer-songwriter COLIN MANSON embarks on a deeply personal and immersive musical journey with the release of his Debut EP ‘Wayfinding’, available now on all major streaming platforms . Rooted in the rhythms of the sea and his upbringing on the rugged West coast of Scotland, this four-track collection captures the spirit of adventure, deep reflection and soul searching drawn from Colin’s experiences crossing the world’s oceans in small sailing boats.
With his new single ‘The Water’ alongside three previous singles, Colin has put together a truly beautiful and heartfelt offering, making waves in the indie/folk scene and capturing the attention of many.
Each song in the EP tells a unique story, weaving a rich tapestry of melody and narrative that transports listeners into Colin’s world. From the soft, undulating textures of ‘Sea Son’ to the raw, percussive rhythms of ‘These Words’, Colin demonstrates the depth of his musical expression, painting vivid soundscapes inspired by his time at sea. Why not listen to ‘Wayfinding’ below…
NICK EDWARDS dazzled his presence on NEW LEASE MUSIC with his 2024 EP, ‘Live At Yellow Arch Studio’ and went on to make history on NLM charts over on Instagram, claiming the Album of the Week title TWELVE times as well as currently holding the blog’s Album of the Month title.
So it was an absolute pleasure catching up with one of Manchester’s emotive singer-songwriter to talk about his brand new album, ‘Troubadour Soul Sinner’, out now across various music platforms.
NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2025 treating you so far?
NE: We are doing good. It’s been a hectic year so far on the music front, which is nice. This year is turning out to be the busiest we have had so far, with over 20 live shows scheduled around the UK, with more to be announced.
NLM: You just release your album, ‘Troubadour Soul Sinner’ (30th May). How would you describe the album’s sound to potential fans?
NE: Our sound is often labeled as country/soul, but it’s a blend of my diverse musical influences. Growing up in the 1980s, I was exposed to a wide range of genres, from Motown and rock to 90s pop. I’m sure on anyone’s first listen, these influences are subtly woven into the music.
NLM: What inspired you to produce the album?
NE: Following the release of my EP ‘1960’, which I released in 2023, I started writing a new EP. We got very close to finishing the EP, but we found that the collection of tracks we had was similar in style and time signature, and so we felt that whilst it was a good body of work, it wasn’t fluid enough for a release, so we quickly ditched that idea and began fleshing out the record into an album. It was a pretty nice transition, actually. It helped that I am always writing.
NLM: What is/are your favourite single(s) from the album and why?
NE: The album features some easy-listening tracks, along with some quite deep and meaningful songs to me personally, making for an eclectic mix. The first single I released was ‘Burning Love’. A simple love song touching on the way love used to be in the 90’s. When phones weren’t around, life was about mixing tapes, putting on a record, and living life with eyes wide open. I love the vibe of this song as it’s where I feel we found our ‘sound’. There is more of this type of sound to come. Other songs like ‘Letting Someone Go’ took inspiration from losing my dad and finally looking deep enough in yourself to know that moving on is the best way to move forward, but that moving on doesn’t mean forgetting. The opening track, ‘Where I Need to Go’, is a profound one for me, and it sets an honest tone for the record. My favourite track for the music is ‘Hometown’. I think it shows the talent I have.
NLM: What message would you like the listeners to take away from ‘Troubadour Soul Sinner’?
NE: My hope for ‘Troubadour Soul Sinner’ is that it resonates with listeners, providing a home within its tracks. I’ve delved deep into my personal experiences, flaws, and growth, and I’m proud to have translated them into this meaningful album.
NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on the album, who would it, be and why?
NE: I would pick an artist who is honest, down-to-earth and modest. Zac Brown Band are really special to me, so it would have to be him.
NLM: So what plans do you have for the rest of 2025?
NE: We are fortunate to be playing weekend after weekend around the UK for various shows, so we are fully booked this year. I’m also currently going into the studio to put down my next record. My plans are always to keep moving…
NLM: How can potential fans find you?
NE: In the usual place. We are on most social media platforms, although we are probably most active on Instagram. All of my music is also uploaded on almost every mainstream platform.
NLM: Finally, any special shoutouts to those involved in the production of ‘Troubadour Soul Sinner’?
NE: I’m incredibly fortunate to have good people around me. Thankfully, I have not needed to rotate band members regularly, as I have a solid crew, and the album wouldn’t have been made without them, but my wife is a gem, and she doesn’t often get the praise. I have my bag regularly packed by the door, ready for my next outing. Not an easy life to be involved with, but she does it with ease.
After a short hiatus away from the scene, RAPHAEL TATE returns with his honest work to date, which forms album ‘All Of Me’ out today, Friday 6th June across various music platforms via his label, Tate Love Music LTD.
The album reflects his raw and honest journey, searching for love in a world that often forgets how to give it. Through his journey, he’s been it through it all – the highs and lows; the good, the bad, the heartbreaks, the hope, the vulnerability, the doubt, the despair and having the courage to talk away from a failed relationship. Despite the rocky period of his life, Raphael still believes he will find that true connection.
From the ten-track project, Raphael shares ‘Is This Love’ and ‘All Of Me’. Produced by Multi-Grammy Award winning artist Jazzwad, ‘Is This Love’ delves into the realms of classic roots reggae with Raphael questioning whether real genuine love exists, through his infamous robustly soulful performance. Raphael ends the album with a cover of John Legend’s hit, ‘All Of Me’. The stripped-back production allows Raphael to wear his heart on his sleeve and bear all, inviting his fans and prospective listeners into his world, his journey and his truth. His breathtaking version of ‘All Of Me’ received a seal of approval from John Legend himself.
The album also includes previously released singles, the Reprezent approved ‘Can You Feel It’, ‘Same Energy’ and the critically acclaimed ‘A Fool In Love’, which received a firm seal of approval from BBC1xtra’s Seani B and BBC London’s Lionheart. Paying homage to Aswad’s single ‘Bammie Blow’ from their album, ‘New Chapter Of Dub’, ‘A Fool In Love’ was produced by Grammy-nominated producer, Jermaine Forde, the son of Aswad’s Brinsley Forde.
Born in Washington DC, USA now residing Derbyshire UK, Raphael Tate has been steadily climbing up the ranks in the UK music since his 2020 single, ’A Fool In Love’. His subsequent releases, received attention from UK national stations and way beyond, including BBC1 BBC1xtra, BBC London, BBC Leicester, BBC Stoke, BBC West Midlands, Mi-Soul, Phoenix FM, SoulCityTheBeat in Italy, South Africa’s Ubuntu FM, plus many more. ‘Everyday Is Mother’s Day’ – an tribute to his late mother – was featured twice on Reprezent radio, while ‘Blessed’ was named Track of the Week by Premiere Gospel.
Raphael Tate broadened his horizon and took to the stage of ITV’s Starstruck back in 2023, where he impersonated the Godfather of Soul James Brown, impressing judges Adam Lambert, Beverley Knight, Rowland Keating and Jason Mansford.
More recently, Raphael has circulated venues across the UK with his compelling live performances. A resident artist at London’s The 606 Club since the beginning of 2023, Raphael Tate has been an opening act for the legendary Odyssey in 2024 at The Robin in Wolverhampton. He also opened for legendary reggae group, Black Uhuru at Camden’s iconic venue Jazz Café and Band on the Wall in Manchester during their 2024 UK & European tour. Raphael Tate will once again open for Black Uhuru on their 2025 UK & European tour at London’s venues, Jazz Cafe on 30th June and Fox and Kirkin on 1st July.
Now Raphael Tate is getting ready to share singles ‘Is This Love’ & ‘All Of Me’ from his new album. With today’s society marred with so much division, due to cultural/region differences, so-called gender wars and unhealed traumas, Raphael gives a reminder, through his latest offering, that we can still choose connection over conflict. Through bearing his soul to the world, he hopes to encourage others to do the same.
9BACH has deservedly earned their flowers as one of the most acclaimed acts to come out of Wales. Known for fusing traditional Welsh musical heritage seamlessly with a contemporary, cutting edge feel, the band quickly gained popularity beyond their native borders, performing across various countries, including Spain, Holland, Canada, Aotearoa, Vietnam, Australia and the Middle East.
After taking a five-year hiatus, the band enters new grounds and collaborated with artist/producer Andy Gangadeen – who has worked with leading bands, among them, Chase & Status and Lava La Rue – for their single, ‘LLaw – 101 Mix’, exclusively available on Bandcamp. Inspired by Lisa and Martin’s love for the acid house movement from the 80’s and 90’s, ‘LLaw – 101 Mix’ immediately draws you in with a mesmerically smooth electronic drive, with Lisa’s vocal performance in Welsh adding the ultimate euphoric and liberating touch to the production.
9Bach was formed in 2005 by lead vocalist Lisa Jen and guitarist Martin Hoyland, followed by bass guitarist Dan Swain, vocalist and pianist Mirain Haf Roberts and producer Andy Gangadeen. The band name is a play on numbers and words: 9 is as in Nain, (pronounced nine), which means grandmother in the North of Wales; Bach means little and is also a term of endearment in Welsh. In one language 9 is something so mundane as a number, but in Welsh Nain is a cozy, family-orientated, lovely thing – all the qualities that’s associated with a grandmother.
As well as being the lead vocalist and founding member from one of Wales’ most innovate band, Lisa is also a long-term vocal collaborator with Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals: she featured on the Candylion album, and sang live on the Candylion/Hotel Shampoo tour dates. Along with fellow 9Bach vocalist Mirain, Lisa also featured on Gruff Rhys’ albums, Seeking New Gods and Bablesberg. In addition to her extensive work with Rhys, Lisa also lent her voice to Public Service Broadcasting’s Every Valley album.
Now they’re back from a lengthy break, 9Bach enters a new chapter, exploring even more innovative sounds. Their collaboration with Andy is sure to solidify position in the Welsh and international scene.
‘LLaw – 101 Mix’ is out available on Bandcamp. Have a listen below…
After making an expressive entry on the blog with debut piano-led single, ‘Bite Me!’ – which claimed the blog’s Song of the Week title for two consecutive weeks over on Instagram – award-winning singer/songwriter AMITY returns to the spotlight with a compelling follow-up, ‘To Be Known’.
While the music industry is forever saturated with love songs that glamorises the idea of the perfect loving relationship, ‘To Be Known’ addresses the grey areas of the topic, which is often overlooked. Delivered with a delicate piano backdrop, the 18-year-old adds that perfect touch of vulnerability to his usual soulfully raw vocals and explores how love can be a frightening experience, especially if one is not use to receiving such intense feelings.
This is why this young music maestro in the making became an overnight sensation; Amity is not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve and explore topics that most would shy away from. Such bravery, coupled with uniquely compelling storytelling, has earnt Amity flowers from the likes of the Guardian and the BBC. Starting his music journey during lockdown, using music as a coping mechanism, Amity hopes to inspire and encourage his rapidly growing fanbase and prospective listeners to speak up in what they believe in. His latest single, To Be Known’ is a true testament to Amity’s artistry as the stunning ballad offers a safe space to ponder on the dubious areas that love can sometime presents.
‘To Be Known’ is the second single from Amity’s Albert Hall-backed debut EP, set to release with a launch show at The Royal Albert Hall itself in July…but for now, have a listen to the compelling single below…
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