Song of the Day: Infected Memories – Dan Sheriston

Following on from previous offering ‘Mission in Affection’, emerging singer-songwriter DAN SHERISTON‘s follow-up single, ‘Infected Memories’, bears an aptly “infectious” vibe, showcasing his tantalisingly smooth vocals. His unique artistic flair and energy shines through with ease on the track, solidifying him as a rising talent to keep your eye on within the UK R&B scene.

Salford born and raised before moving to Stockport at the age of ten, multi-faceted music artist Dan Sheriston was destined for a career in music from a young age. His father, a House DJ on the Manchester circuit, also played guitar and sang. Naturally, Dan was influenced by this exposure to the arts, and was an avid dancer with a love for Michael Jackson before eventually beginning to sing at age three or four.

Dan soon progressed past his Dad’s level of guitar playing, and continued to pursue his passion for dance by taking part in various competitions (and often winning). A pivotal moment along Dan’s musical journey was discovering fellow singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran at around age eight. Spellbound by a live performance that he watched on TV, it was in that moment that Dan’s passion for songwriting came – straight after watching his performance, he instantly wrote his first song.

Dan was aptly given the middle name ‘John’ after The Beatles’ late frontman John Lennon, and was heavily influenced by legendary Liverpool foursome’s back catalogue. Some of his more modern musical influences include Bryson Tiller, Brent Faiyaz, Lil Baby and Pop Smoke.

At age 14, Dan was crowned the under 16 British Hop-Hop champion at Blackpool Ballroom, and also notably made it to the semi-finals of TeenStar.

Amassing over 16,000 Spotify streams completely independently during the Covid-19 pandemic, this was the green light that Dan needed to propel his music career with full force. With plans to release R&B EP ‘Closure’ in March of 2023, Dan Sheriston is geared up and ready to go with plenty of music under his belt that’s set for release throughout the course of this year.

Produced by Dan himself alongside producer Elliot Taylor, ‘Infected Memories’ is now out across various music platforms…have a listen below…

Marie Dahlstrom Releases Video For BBC Radio 1Xtra-Playlisted ‘Clouds’ ft. Delleile Ankrah

Danish, London based singer and producer MARIE DAHLSTROM has released the video for new single ‘Clouds’, directed by Lennon Gregory (Poppy Ajudha, Sasha Keable). The new single features vocals from MiC LOWRY’s Delleile Ankrah, was produced by Dan Diggas (Mahalia, Central Cee, M Huncho).

Widely known for her irresistible R&B-flecked neo soul, new single ‘Clouds’ bursts with positive affirmations: “I keep telling myself / every day I wake up in the morning – I got it”, as Marie and Delleile share verses across the track before uniting on its soaring chorus. Showcasing their respective transfixing vocal prowess, the pair muse on losing yourself – but taking the necessary steps to change things and move forward.

‘Clouds’ is the first taste of Marie’s second full length album expected for release later this year – the follow up to her widely acclaimed debut Like Sand. Check out the video for the smooth single below…

Safari Gold Release New Single ‘Last Chance Addict’

Welsh alt-pop quartet SAFARI GOLD re-emerge with their latest single, ‘Last Chance Addict’, out now across various music platforms.

Lead vocalist’s Morgan and Danny – “The song plays on general morality and the less glamorous side of thrill seeking. An up tempo song for the deeper soul’d out there.”

The guys found relative success in their mid-teens under the name Cuba Cuba, following bands like Kids in Glasshouses and Funeral For a Friend during the Welsh power-pop zeitgeist of the early 2010′s.

15 years on, they can’t quit making music together. Album number two has been carefully crafted over four years and is set for release on the 27th of January. The band are set to announce a string of live shows this year.

‘Last Chance Addict’ is taken from their forthcoming Album ‘The Years Between Dog And Wolf’ which will be released on the 20th January 2023. Have a listen to their lush single below…

Pollena Offers Optimism In Dark Times With EP, ‘Rising.’

Following earlier tips from the likes of BBC 6 Music, Line of Best Fit, Notion, Radio 1/1Xtra, Under the Radar, Beats Per Minute, Earmilk – to name a few – London-based artist formerly of neo-soul outfit Girlhood – POLLENA returns with her debut EP ‘Rising’ on Team Talk Records.

Pollena isn’t afraid to tackle a darker world in her debut EP, finding power in the fight for a better life. ‘Rising’ stands out by giving us a reason for optimism even – especially – in challenging times. Featuring raw and honest themes delivered with Pollena’s signature rich, smooth vocals, the EP blends genres, from neo soul to house, electronica and RnB, in an accomplished celebration of individuality, resilience and vulnerability and a call for hope.

Co-written and co-produced with Barney Whittaker aka Footshooter, following the success of their previous collaboration ‘Stand Up’, ‘Rising’ reveals a fresh and rejuvenated sound for Pollena that melds together elements of neo-soul, house and RnB.

The leading ‘Black Holes’ is an exploration of spacey synths, glowing keys, and commanding bass lines accompanied by powerful yet ethereal vocals. “I’m searching for a way out of the darkness, trying to hold on to a glimpse of light through connection. ‘Black Holes’ speaks to our innate desire to feel whole and an understanding that good times shared together are the answer.” Pollena.

The following ‘Diamonds’ is a glowing house and UK garage-inspired bop with a powerful message. “I’m sick of society pressuring us into lives we don’t want. We blindly follow the paths set out for us and do what’s expected, we simply don’t have to. I want ‘Diamonds’ to encourage listeners to fight for a better life.” Pollena

‘Lemons’, the first release prior to the EP’s launch, reveals waves of sun-kissed harmonies accompanying glowing jazz keys and a rich, Latin-inspired rhythm to create a summer vibe full of hope and optimism. “I want to celebrate living a life that feels true to me and inspire others to do the same. ‘Lemons’ is all about slowing down and connecting with what makes you happy.” Pollena

Rounding up the EP is the hazy, lo-fi ‘Bask In Blue’. A mellow R&B beat blends warm, soulful harmonies with balmy keys. “Bask in Blue tells a story of letting uncomfortable feelings in and embracing sadness whilst holding onto the hope that things can change.” Pollena

So if you’re suffering from the January blues, I reckon this mini EP will offer up some comfort. Have a listen below…

Must Listens: Black Holes, Lemons

New Lease Music’s Top Ten Songs of 2022

Here’s the blog’s top ten songs, which completes the top releases of 2022.

Some of the songs on the list were staples on the NEW LEASE MUSIC weekly charts in 2022, whereas others quietly clocked up heavy amount of streams and views via the blog.

So are you ready to explore the list? Good!

Just in case you missed it, you can view the Top Ten Music video here and Top Ten Albums here.

Have a great weekend!

10. DO IT LIKE THAT – CAITLIN MIN FA

9. DANNY BOY STEWARD – DONE ME WRONG

8. SHARE MY LIFE – RAPHAEL TATE

7. REMEDY – FRENCH THE KID

6. UNCONDITIONAL – DARREN PARRY

5. STRUGGLE BUS – OLTEA FRANCES

4. LORD I NEED YOU NEAR – RAPHAEL TATE

3. DANCING WITH THE ENEMY – JVSTN

2. BOSS (CALL AWAY) – K HARRISON

1. IT ENDS WITH US – APRIL JAI