Interview with: Fly Von

FLY VON (also known as EDM producer, Sir Basstoven) has been one of NEW LEASE MUSIC’s staples since 2013, supplying super slick tracks like ‘Dreams’, ‘Stay The Night’ and ‘Tell Me Wassup’. He also dished up a string of mixtapes including, ‘Rawest’ and ‘Lone Wolf’ before taking a lengthy hiatus from music.

2020 sees the Virginia rapper returning – rawer than ever – with his latest mixtape, ‘FlyMix Vol.1’, which claimed the blog’s Album of the Week title for three consecutive weeks.

So here’s your chance to find out more about this fly talent and what he’s cooking up for the rest of the year…

NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How’s life treating you?

FV: Life is pretty good, the while Covid situation is a lot to deal with but I’ve been making the best of it. Trying to stay positive and optimistic.

NLM: You released your album ‘FlyMix Vol.1’ earlier this year (which claimed New Lease Music’s Album of the Week title three times in a row). Have you received other accolades on the album?

FV: Not that I can think of (laughs). The lead single, my remix to Boom Boom Room did get over 1000 streams on Soundcloud. Big thank you to you for that (laughs).

NLM: What inspired you to produce the album?

FV: It was really random and spur of the moment honestly. I kept freestyling in the car to songs on the radio and I was like damn it’s time to get back in the music.

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

FV: The Roddy Ricch remix has to be my favorite cause I mean that’s what started the whole Fly Mix idea. GNF also only took me 2 takes to record, love that beat.

NLM: So how would you describe your sound to potential fans?

FV: I would say it varies and depends on the vibe of the track. I can be melodic and smooth for hooks and give you heavy hitter bars for verses in the same session. My sound is rebellious, I say what I want and nobody can stop that.

NLM: Do you have other project(s) on the horizon?

FV: The Rawest 2 album (my 1st studio album) is pretty much 75% done and my goal is to have it out by December. Fans are gonna love this. It’s truly my best work to date.

NLM: How has the current climate (CoVid19 pandemic) and lockdown affected you as an artist?

FV: Staying indoors and away from people has been perfect for me (laughs) I’ve had so much time to create, record and produce. Getting in hours of music every day is the best feeling ever.

NLM: What advice would you give to new artists who are trying to get noticed in these challenging times?

FV: My biggest advice would be remain yourself. Don’t sell out or copy to get noticed. Also be patient, nothing of value happens overnight. Weed helps too (laughs).

NLM: How can potential fans contact you? 

FV: My big 2 for socials is Twitter and Instagram. @SirBasstoven on twitter and @flyvon_ on Instagram. As far as the music I’m on all digital streaming platforms except for tidal. The album will be on there as well just not the singles.

NLM: Finally, if music did not exist, what profession would you do?

FV: I definitely would continue to pursue my original dream of playing in the NBA. If that didn’t work, I would love to run a weed farm or weed business.

Interview with: Stacey Pierre

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 talent as 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.

Song of the Day: Debut – Asha Gold

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’…

Valntna Releases Powerful And Compelling Single, ‘Black Kingz’

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…

Song of the Day: Antisocial Love Song – Alex Frew

When ALEX FREW first put pen to paper and notes to the melody for ‘Antisocial Love Song’, he couldn’t have expected the meaning that it would take on as the events of 2020 unfolded.

Pivoting between wanting to be alone yet wanting to be in love, ‘Antisocial Love Song’ depicts where Alex Frew is now and transparency with how he is feeling, partly inspired by the quarantine and the breakout of emotions after being cooped up for so long.

“This song is very important to me. It took on a new meaning after this global pandemic occurred. It wears its pop music qualities on its sleeve, but it touches on the difficulty of being alone and finding connections with others – a feeling which has only been amplified by the world’s current situation.” – Alex Frew

Alex Frew’s breakout release ‘Get Out Alive’ established his arrival, with pop influenced ballads fueled by honest emotions and teenage angst heard passionately on his debut track. His singer- songwriter abilities has steadily welcomed a host of new fans who can’t help but relate to his honest expression of feelings that are all too familiar.

Check out the official video for ‘Antisocial Love Song’ released today on YouTube…