After kicking off 2020 with the release of ‘Mass Extinction’ and playing a sold-out fest with Extinction Rebellion to raise funds to combat climate change, ALBA is back in a post-lockdown world with her new single, ‘Sister’.
Speaking of her latest effort, the Tenerife singer and guitarist says: “Sister is an introspective song about reconciliation between sisters. I believe that sibling love is not something many tunes touch upon nowadays, however in these unprecedented times where quarantines and distance are putting us to the test, having healthy family relationships is key for mental health and happiness. Recognising one’s mistakes can be hard at times but we should always strive to make things better.”
ALBA has made her way into the UK music scene armed with her smoky, soulful vocals, virtuoso guitar skills and captivating live performances. The songstress uses her music to make a difference and raise awareness about social and environmental issues, speaking up as a feminist and a climate activist.
Produced by James Sanger (Dido, Keane, U2), ‘Sister’ will be accompanied by a music video, filmed in Paris by up and coming Ivorian/French video creator Giles Ambo.
Have a listen to ALBA’s stunning single, out now on all downloads and streaming sites…
UK’s songstress JADE LEANNE‘s track, ‘Distraction’, has made it to today’s hotspot for its 90s- inspired, smooth afterhours arrangements – a much-needed distraction to soothe over those Monday blues.
‘Distraction’ is taken from Jade’s debut EP titled, ‘The Experience’, out now on all download and streaming sites – go check it out sometime…but for now, click play on the official video for the below…
Introducing singer/songwriter STACEY PIERRE into NEW LEASE MUSIC’s hot seat – and on your music radar. The emerging artist has hooked up with UK Garage producer Obsidian Cane for track, ‘Body Talk’, taken from his EP Reset. Obsidian Cane was one of the key players in the UKG movement back in the nineties who scored a hit with club filler, ‘I Need A Rhythm’ as UKG duo KP, alongside fellow producer Paul Benjamin.
So get acquainted with this UK talentas she dishes up her next move for the rest of the year and her coping mechanism during the pandemic…
NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How’s 2020 treating you so far?
SP: Thank you so much for having me! Considering the circumstances, it actually hasn’t been too bad. There were a few projects that have been put on hold, but this has given me time that I didn’t realise I needed to focus on myself and get a plan in place for my career moving forward.
NLM: Your single ‘Body Talk’ was released under Obsidian Cane’s UKG EP, ‘Reset’ in August. What sparked the collaboration?
SP: The idea of us collaborating came up after I applied to a job he posted online. We both saw the potential in each other and decided to stay in touch. The working relationship grew from there.
NLM: What’s the public’s reception on ‘Body Talk’?
SP: I’ve had really good feedback so far! Two things that keep coming up are my voice and the drop that introduces the second verse. It’s very different from my style as a solo artist so I’m really happy that my listeners are engaging with this collab.
NLM: What was it like working with Obsidian Cane, one of the figureheads of the UKG movement back in the nineties?
SP: Well, I when we first started making plans towards working together, I could tell he knew his craft and had experience, but it was a revelation to me once he started taking in more depth about the things he had accomplished. He’s truly excellent at what he does and it’s an honour to be working wit him.
NLM: Are there any plans to work with Obsidian in the future?
SP: 100 per cent, we are working on new music as we speak! This collaboration has really opened my eyes to the possibilities when branching out into new genres. I’m so grateful for his patience and willingness to allow my style to shine through in the music.
NLM: Do you have other musical projects on the go?
SP: Yes I do. I’m working on a solo project, a second EP. A follow up to my first; EDEN. I can be a bit of a perfectionist, so things sometimes take a little longer than they should, but I figure if I’m sharing a piece of myself with the world, why not take the extra time to make sure it’s something I’m proud of.
NLM: How has the current climate (CoVid19 pandemic) and lockdown affected you as an artist?
SP: A few jobs musical opportunities have been put on hold, which is frustrating but as I mentioned in my first answer, it has given me the time to re-evaluate myself as an artist. There have been many times before the pandemic where I would see others progression and feel that I should be doing more, which would actually halt my growth, but this space has given me the opportunity to realise that everyone’s journey is different and I should just focus on enjoying mine.
NLM: What advice would you give to new artists who are trying to get noticed in these challenging times?
SP: I would say, firstly think outside of the box. The market is saturated with new music, so be true to yourself and don’t follow the crowd. Be pro-active but smart, if you can build a support network of trusted people to help motivate you and even share tasks based on each others strengths, it will help ease any pressure and keep ideas fresh. And lastly, always have your reasons as to WHY you’re doing this. There will be times when its very hard or unfruitful, but when you are grounded in your reasons it will help you through.
NLM: How can potential fans contact you?
SP: People can get in touch via social media:- Instagram, Facebook or Twitter @spierremusic and I also have a website http://www.staceypierremusic.com
NLM: Finally, if music did not exist, what profession would you do?
SP: Firstly, that would suck! But, I would certainly do something artistic, the thought of spending the day in an office makes me want to cry! So either an artist or wood worker- anything that would allow me to create.
With two trending singles ‘Passenger’ and ‘Too Good’ under her belt already, rising UK artist ASHA GOLD uses her third track ‘Debut’ to reinstate her entrance into the music industry, tapping once again into those irresistible RnB melodies and dance-along rhythms.
Written during the quarantine on Zoom with producer Mitch Jones, ‘Debut’ became the antidote for lockdown woes thanks to that energetic percussion and dancing piano line.
‘Debut’ is also set to be the opening track for Asha Gold’s first EP. So here’s your chance to get a glimpse of Asha’s forthcoming EP; have a listen to ‘Debut’…
Empowering, eloquent and unifying, VALNTNA conveys the world around her with considered hard-hitting lines and soulful softness in new single ‘Black Kingz’.
Premiered on BBC Radio 1Xtra with DJ Ace, the record made its poignant debut during Black History month ahead of the striking visuals, which are set to release in the last week of October. Lyrically dissecting the obstacles, the pain and suppression of black men, VALNTNA creates an uplifting message of unity, strength and power that can be accessed universally via her soulful and complex singing ability.
“I deliver a powerful message to shine a light on these issues, empowering all Black Kingz to come together, uplift themselves and each other & embrace the change that is distinctly upon us. Projecting Love, Healing & Unity” says the singer and songwriter from South London.
Produced by music duo, PINK87, who also helped curate VALNTNA’s previous single ‘CCW (Confidently Constantly Wrong)’, ’Black Kingz‘ flows with melodic variances guided by her R&B and soul influences, yet her customs and South London upbringing infiltrate her style making the product nostalgic but current.
Citing Anita Baker, Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone and Lauryn Hill as some of her influences, VALNTNA is an artist of technique, growth, and emotion, and ‘Black Kingz‘ displays each quality exceptionally. Her ability to openly challenge important topics and call for unity within the black communities is bold, impactful and necessary. Check out this gem below…
After kicking off 2020 with the release of ‘Mass Extinction’ and playing a sold-out fest with Extinction Rebellion to raise funds to combat climate change, ALBA is back in a post-lockdown world with her new single, ‘Sister’.
New Lease Music 