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…
MIKE BODY has been a regular feature on NEW LEASE MUSIC pretty much since the blog’s inception, almost 13 years ago! He has also been a regular on NLM charts over on Instagram, claiming the Music Video, Album and Song of the Week AND month title multiple times.
So it’s an absolutely pleasure to finally get the christian rapper from Baltimore in the interview seat to discuss his latest album ‘It Is Finished’, which is currently the blog’s Album of the Month. So sit back, relax and get to know this conscious rapper…
NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2025 treating you so far?
MB: 2025 has been good so far and thankfully God is always good even when I’m not.
NLM: You released your album, ‘It Is Finished’ back in January. What is the public perception on the project so far?
MB: ‘It Is Finished’ has received mostly positive reviews so far. The UK has given favorable feedback about the project via different blogs. I have grown to really appreciate the support from the UK over the last 6 – 7 yrs and look forward to that appreciation continuing to grow. Also, salute to the die hards and day ones back home in the states that continue to rock with me and support me along with my latest project (It is Finished). Most of them appreciate the album’s overall theme and sound.
NLM: How would you describe the album’s sound to potential fans?
MB: I would say the sound of the album has a conscious vibe to it, accompanied by my background as a christian. It’s about an end of an era, accepting an era is over and beginning a new chapter.
NLM: What inspired you to produce the album?
MB: Events in my personal life sparked the template for the album. Also I thought about making this my last project but I still have a little more to say as an artist. I’m not done just yet.
NLM: What is/are your favourite single(s) from the album and why?
MB: Hmmmm…. I would say ‘Land of the Lost’ is a favorite because it’s very lyrically sound and I believe the emotion behind the song was captured correctly. Also the production is dope. I love the song ‘Outgrowth’ as well because of the message about growing apart from someone or even some place. Sometimes as believers we can grow apart from God and not even realize it until it’s too late.
NLM: What message would you like the listeners to take away from ‘It Is Finished?
MB: I hope it points people to God in a sincere way but not in a man in the sky type of way, but in a realistic way. The teachings of Jesus are mentioned a lot on the project but they are depicted in a sincere way. The album is about growth, change and acceptance. Accepting things you cannot change but moving on while not being afraid to change for the right reasons.
NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on the album, who would it be and why?
MB: It would be Kendrick Lamar, but not solely because he’s hot right now but because of his earlier releases like ‘Hi Power’; that song made me a fan. He always brings a message with him more times than not. Also he has a lot of spiritual undertones in his music. I can hear him on a ‘Land of the Lost’ remix for sure.
Honorable mention J.Cole, Jasmine Sullivan
NLM: So what plans do you have for the rest of 2025?
MB: I have a podcast in development and a new EP coming out soon.
NLM: How can potential fans find you?
MB: Fans can find me on the major social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter). My music is located on all major DSP’s like Apple, Spotify and Tidal etc.
NLM: Finally, any special shoutouts to those in the production of ‘It Is Finished’?
MB: I want to give a big S/O to Let That Boy Cook. He produced the entire ‘It is Finished’ project. He’s been my main producer over the last few years and it’s been a great ride! I know I’m bias but I consider him a really good producer from the states. I’m looking forward to doing another project with his production. Also, S/O to Jaitay who mixed and mastered the project and a big S/O to my guy Andres from Highland Records who engineered the album.
I’ll be back in the studio soon! I’m not done yet…
Swedish EDM artist HANDSHAKE IN SPACE makes a quick return, teaming up with acclaimed singer Linnéa Lundgren for powerful single, ‘Make It Right by You’. Released on Earth Hour Day (22nd March), the song is a heartfelt call for change, from the unsustainable lifestyle we have created, to a more sustainable and long-term way of life.
‘Make It Right by You’ combines HANDSHAKE IN SPACE’s unique electronic production with Linnéa Lundgren’s emotional voice, creating a sonic journey that touches listeners deeply. The lyrics aim to convey seriousness and at the same time hopefulness, so that we are motivated to solve the urgent need to care for our planet.
The decision to release the single in conjunction with Earth Hour underscores its message of sustainability and responsibility. Earth Hour, a global annual event organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), encourages individuals and communities to turn off their lights for one hour to raise awareness about climate change and environmental protection.
HANDSHAKE IN SPACE is known for pushing the boundaries of EDM with innovative soundscapes and meaningful storytelling. Linnéa Lundgren, contributes her dynamic artistry and emotional delivery, adding a layer of emotional depth.
In a joint statement, the artists shared: “This song is more than music; it is a call to action. We hope it inspires people to reflect on their relationship with the planet and take action for positive change.”
With a deep passion for spreading the gospel, JB DAMESENJAH is carving out his place in the Christian hip-hop scene. His music blends powerful lyrics with raw energy, creating a sound that’s both bold and authentic. Every beat and verse reflects his steadfast commitment to Christ, as he uses his platform to inspire, convict, and uplift. JB’s mission is clear: to transform lives through faith-driven music that speaks to the heart, challenges the spirit, and encourages listeners to walk confidently in their faith.
Whether he’s delivering fiery verses full of street consciousness or soulful melodies inspired by biblical truths, JB has created a sound that bridges the gap between authentic hip-hop culture and spiritual awakening. His music resonates with both the struggles of the streets and the powerful hope found in Christ, offering a message that is both relatable and inspiring.
JB Damesenjah’s latest project, ‘Last Dayz’, is more than just an album—it’s a call to action. Released on February 14, 2025, this hard-hitting collection of 10 tracks carries a powerful, timely message about the urgency of faith in the final days before Christ’s return. With a mix of raw lyricism, biblical prophecy, and street-conscious storytelling, JB doesn’t hold back. He calls on listeners to stand firm in their faith, to wake up, and to prepare for the times ahead.
The track ‘Hold On’, which features the soulful vocals of Serenity, has been buzzing on underground radio stations, showing just how much JB’s music resonates with listeners. It’s a track that blends JB’s delivery with Serenity’s uplifting voice, delivering a message of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Why check out ‘Last Dayz’ below…
Must Listens: Hope Dealer, Hold On, The Game, Sequel
Once in a while, you get a musician that instantly COMMANDS your full attention and 18 year old AMITY is that musician. The South-London artist turned to music as a coping mechanism during lockdown – and the very thing that saved him from the bloom of the pandemic made him an overnight sensation.
Making his debut at age of 15, Amity immediately caught the attention from the likes of The Guardian and the BBC. Accolades came in quick succession as the ASBO Magazine-tipped artist was named the Royal Albert Hall’s official Future Maker Artist in 2023 and became winner of an RBE Musical Excellence Award. A resident artist at Soho’s iconic Spice of Life, Amity had sold out shows across the UK in 2024, gracing stages at The Great Escape, Brighton Pride’s Fabuloso in the Park and, of course, The Royal Albert Hall.
The whirlwind acclaim didn’t happen by chance – Amity is a breath of fresh air in today’s materialistic music industry. He uses music to pose thought-provoking questions, shedding light on difficult subjects, including mental health, abuse and suicide. Being queer, autistic, and trans, Amity could be described as a singing advocate as he also speaks up for those communities.
Now Amity is preparing to launch his debut EP, set for release later in the year. He gives a taste of his highly-anticipated project with title track, ‘Bite Me!’, which challenges societal conventions. The stunning piano led ballad, which could be easily mistaken for one of Adele’s hit ballads, sees Amity giving the proverbial two fingers at dogmatic thinking from religious hypocrisy to the rise of demagogues and the aftermath of abuse. Personally ‘Bit Me!’ really struck a chord when Amity bellows out: ‘your hands around my neck feels like home’. This powerful statement cuts to the raw truth of the things we yearn for can be damaging. In revealing his truth in such statements, Amity hopes to heal and empower others through music – just how music empowered him during lockdown.
‘Bite Me!’ is out available across various music platforms. Why not have a listen….
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