Album Interview: HomeBody – Bill Jr. Jr.

Introducing East Vancouver’s musician Russell Gendron into the blog’s interview hot seat. He’s the frontman and songwriter for indie folk band BILL JR. JR. whose third album, ‘Homebody’ was released back in January. So I spoke to Gendron about the eight-track project and whether the pandemic impacted the production of the album.

NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2021 treating you so far?

BJ: My pleasure. 2021 has been great thus far. I’ve definitely had to adjust some plans and be at peace with the uncertainty around me but all in all, I’m good.

NLM: You released your album HOMEBODY back in January. What is the public perception on the singles so far?

BJ: It’s been going well thanks. The press’ thoughtful reviews we’ve received for Homebody has been fun to watch roll in and I’ve been packaging up vinyl to post every other week since the album’s release. It sure would have been nice to play some shows however.

NLM: What inspired you to produce the album?

BJ: The idea to make the album was borne from a collaboration at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity during an artist residency. I had a bunch of finished and unfinished songs about Vancouver and the idea of “home” and I joined forces with Dan Nettles and Daniel McNamara in order to bring them to life.

NLM: What is/are your favourite single(s) from the album and why?

BJ: I like “Run Home” because it’s fun to play live and it goes on for a long time.

NLM: So how would you describe the album’s sound to potential fans?

BJ: Hmmmm, pleasant, expansive, emotional and pulsing.

NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on the album, who would it be and
why?

BJ: Is Sufjan Stevens available??? His voice is magical and devastating and I’d love to hear
it blended into this record.

NLM: Did the Covid pandemic present any drawbacks in the production of your
album?

BJ: Covid disrupted the tour we had planned so that was tough to let go of. At this
point, I don’t think that this album will be what we all feel like playing by the time
shows are happening again. Is what it is, we pivoted and I’m happy with how it
went despite the challenges.

NLM: Do you have other project(s) for 2021?

I’ve been tucking myself away in a little cabin this spring to give myself space to write
songs. I’m not sure what that will end up looking like but I’m enjoying the process.

NLM: How can potential fans find you?

BJ: Bandcamp is a great place to listen to and support our music. Otherwise, we’re all over
the internet in all the usual places.

NLM: Finally, any special shoutouts to those involved in the production?

BJ: Daniel Mcnamara and Dan Nettles!

Bill jr. Jr’ s ‘Homebody’ is available now on download and streaming sites.

Song of the Day: Deeper Love – SC.undercover

Following directly on from his previous releases, ‘Darkness Before Light’ and Morals,’ SC. UNDERCOVER‘s single, ‘Deeper Love’ is built within a soothing acoustic guitar setting where the UK crooner tells the story of an intimate and close connection, through his impressive falsetto vocals.

Born in Walsal, SC.Undercover started creating music as a way of escapism from the darker periods of his early life. The mysterious and sometimes flamboyant crossover artist blends characters and influences of indie, dark pop and R&B, offering something distinctly unique in today’s industry.

Hoping to help others overcome their own struggles with mental health, SCU wants to share his experiences, shining light on a subject very close to his heart using his music as a platform to reach wider audiences. Having performed to sold out audiences across Atlanta and at home in the UK, as well as garnering acclaim from publications, SC.Undercover is labelled as an artist to watch. Check him out below…

Sneakbo Returns With ‘Lemon Pepper Freestyle’

King and pioneer of Afro-tinged rap, SNEAKBO is keeping fans happy with a constant stream of music. Fresh from his single ‘Dripping’ ft. Still Greedy released last month, he has now dropped a sizzling hot freestyle, remixing Drake & Rick Ross ‘Lemon Pepper Freestyle’.

He literally peppers the track with conscious, thought provoking bars that let people into the mind and life of the Brixton lyricist as he flows effortlessly over the mellow production opening with “I pray the Lord forgive me, lately I’ve been sinning”, leading the way for more real lyrics.

With Drake being a fan of Sneakbo, who stated “Huge fan, I’m inspired by his movement”, it was only right that he killed this freestyle in his own unique style…check it out below…

Song of the Day: Delilah – Joeymvne

JOEYMVNE opens up about his personal experiences with past love interests through his second single of the year, ‘Delilah’.

Over a chilled New Jack Swing sample, Joeymvne discusses themes of lust and temptation, through his hypnotic flow. The single’s name ‘Delilah’ is linked to a story in the bible including Delilah and Samson, as it shares some similarities of burning lust and temptation.

Why not check out Joeymvne’s smooth joint produced, mixed and mastered by the East Londoner himself.

Song of the Day: Used To Be Alone – Trmnds

Formerly known as Trmnds Mldy, new singer-songwriter, rapper and producer, TRMNDS (Tremendous) swings by the blog for the first time with emotional R&B track, ‘Used To Be Alone.’ Over a irresistibly smooth, drivetime -esque sample, ‘Used To Be Alone’ chronicles the contemplative aftermath of a failed relationship.

‘Used To Be Alone’ is taken from Trmnds’ album titled ‘Off Balance,’ which features a variety of sounds and sub R&B genres, so if this sounds like your thing, why not check it out sometime…but for now, have a listen to the single below..