Tag: unsigned music

Former JLS member Oritsé Williams Releases New Single ‘Language’

ORITSÉ WILLIAMS returns with a brand new single ‘Language’ showcasing his unique, authentic style of music which he describes as ‘Afro-Island’ whilst stepping into a new chapter in his career.

An undeniable modern love anthem that steers away from the generic love themed songs, ‘Language’ connects people as human beings incorporating the universal expression ‘now you’re talking my language’ as an infectious hook. Oritsé takes you on a feel-good wave right from the start, that he smoothly rides with his unique vocal style, playfully switching up his flow along the songs hypnotic groove, exuding pure vibes and flavour.

The single produced by Jhn Alxs (Central Cee ‘I Will’) reminds us that love is a universal language which Oritsé understands having grown up between the UK, the Caribbean and Africa.

After achieving longevity in the music industry as the founding member of the multi-award winning band JLS with whom he sold over 15 million records, achieved five no.1s, two BRIT Awards and five MOBO awards, along with many other notable achievements, Oritsé took a leap of faith, broke away from the corporate major record label system and ventured out on his own as an independent artist.

Oritsé is now on an exciting new path in his solo career, working with the likes of Davido who he went to school with in Nigeria and Oritsé also mentored, along with other collaborators that feature on his debut forthcoming project such as Stylo G, producer/rapper Ayo Beatz, and Central Cee producer Jhn Alxs.

Tune into ‘Language’ and let Oritsé take you on a beautiful journey….

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UK Alt-Rap sensation SBK drops highly-anticipated album, ‘Something Beyond Kindness’

UK Alt-Rap sensation SBK, renowned for his razor-sharp lyrics and raw emotion, has dropped his highly anticipated debut album, ‘Something Beyond Kindness’, earlier this month (8th March). This groundbreaking project marks a shift from sbk’s previous work, embracing a powerful blend of punk and alternative sounds.

The album is a deeply personal exploration of sbk’s journey, delving into his experiences of poverty, trauma, and mental health struggles. Raised in a difficult environment and grappling with his identity, ‘Something Beyond Kindness’ becomes more than an album title – it becomes the very essence of his identity.

‘Something Beyond Kindness’ is a call to action for the music industry and a message of hope for those struggling in the darkness. It challenges the status quo by being a truly independent project, deliberately avoiding initial release on streaming platforms.

Speaking on his debut album, the former collaborator of JME, Skepta, Wiley, and others shared, “This album is for the people who feel lost in the chaos. It’s for those who see the world’s problems and feel the weight of it all. I want people to find the beauty in the struggle and know they are not alone.”

‘Something Beyond Kindness’ promises an impactful listening experience, offering raw vulnerability and innovation in navigating through the music industry. Those supporting this debut effort will be remembered for fighting the fight on behalf of indie artists.

Born and raised in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, to a Jamaican and English family, lyrical MC sbk is a unique talent within the UK music scene. Not only facing a tumultuous childhood marked by poverty and navigating racial identity as one of the few Black students in his school, sbk found solace in music. His early struggles fueled a fire that ignited his creative spark, leading him to London at 17.

The city became his canvas, and his talent quickly garnered recognition. With countless radio plays and freestyles across major stations like BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra, and Rinse FM, sbk established himself as a force to be reckoned with. Collaborations with grime legends like JME, Skepta, and Wiley solidified his place within the scene.

Beyond pure lyrical ability, sbk’s artistic reach extends to live performances. From sold-out headline shows across the UK to international collaborations with rock bands and appearances at fashion weeks in Paris and Milan, his versatility and stage presence are undeniable. His music has garnered millions of streams, garnering praise from publications like Complex, Clash Magazine, and DJ Mag.

With a career that transcends genres and boundaries, sbk is a true creative powerhouse. His story is an inspiration, and his music, a testament to the power of channeling adversity into artistic expression as an independent artist.

Have a listen to ‘Something Beyond Kindness’ below…

Must Listens: Thick Skin, Control,Prophet, All These Times, Demon

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Reblah gives thanks to the Most High in album, ‘Holy Impact’

REBLAH‘s latest project was actually inspired by a divine encounter with the Holy Spirit in July 2020, unveils a transformative musical journey titled ‘Holy Impact.’ The revelation of this title lingered in Reblah’s mind until 2023 when a divine directive came to manifest it into a 12-track album, a number deeply symbolic in Hebrew, associated with power and the establishment of God’s Kingdom. Amidst the creative process, the artist faced personal loss, including that of his Christian mentor, Bishop, Reverend Bennett Olabayo who discipled Reblah.

‘Holy Impact’ not only pushes the boundaries of Reblah’s artistic expression but also signifies a commitment to elevate studio quality and production. Esteemed in Christ, the artist embarked on a global collaboration effort, reaching out to Gospel artists worldwide. Miraculously, each petitioned features, including Jenge, Coco Dupree, Marie Love, Becca Folkes, Rehmahz, Ryan Hylton, Marizu, Shirlvin Desir, Nashbi, and Zelijah Tishbite, became a reality by God’s sovereign grace.

‘Holy Impact’ is not just an album; it’s a spiritual offering aiming to glorify the name of King Jesus (Yahweh saves) and leave an indelible mark globally. Reblah, alongside the faithful collaborators, invites audiences to experience the divine resonance and impact of this musical journey. Why not have a listen below…

Must Listens: Killing the Flesh, Turn Around

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A Quick Chat With…Nia Chennai

I’m absolutely chuffed to have caught up with London’s emerging singer/songwriter NIA CHENNAI, who is – in my opinion – one of most exciting acts to come out of the capital’s alt-R&B scene. She released her debut album EP, ‘Diary Is A Waste of Paper’ last November which stormed straight to #8 on the NEW LEASE MUSIC’s Top Ten Albums of 2023 list. So sit back and relax and take time out to find more about this very promising songbird and her blazing project…

NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2024 is treating you so far?

NC: Hey, Thanks for having me! 2024 is treating me great. I’ve been loving all the support I’ve been receiving on my EP ‘Diary Is A Waste Of Paper’. I’m super excited to drop some new music this year.

NLM: You released your EP, ‘Diary Is A Waste Of Paper’ back in November 2023. What is the public perception on the project so far?

NC: The feedback has been super sweet on the EP. Everyone has been tagging, listening, and telling me their favourite lines and stories within the project. I think it allowed my fan base to get to know me a little bit more and was a good introduction to me as an artist

NLM: How would you describe the EP’s sound to potential fans?

NC: The EP sound is what I like to call Nia-soul. It’s a mix of soul, neo-soul, r&b! And I’ve got so many influences so you’re just gonna have to take a listen!

NLM: What inspired you to produce the EP?

NC: Making the EP I wasn’t going into the studio, thinking “oh we’re making a project”. I just went into the studio and was making songs that I loved and it came to a point where we were thinking this would be a great time to drop a project.

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

NC: My favourite songs on the project change all the time, but my current favourite is ‘Call It Quits! That song has attitude, and I love it.

NLM: What message would you like the listeners to take away from your EP?

NC: I would like to take them through a journey of self-discovery, as that’s what I was going through whilst making the project. Hopefully, they can relate to my lyrics and make some better decisions than I did.

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

NC: I would love to feature Raye, I’ve been obsessed with her 21st-century blues album and I just got it on vinyl. I think she would make a sick feature!


NLM: So what plans do you have for the rest of 2024?

NC: 2024, expect singles singles singles!

NLM: How can potential fans find you?

NC: Everyone can find me @niachennai on all socials!

NLM: Finally, any special shout outs to those involved in the production of ‘Diary Is A Waste of Paper’?

NC: Yes, a massive shout out to my manager who helped me and guided me through it all. I literally couldn’t have done it without him and all the producers that worked on the project. We made magic in the studio!

Listen to ‘Diary Is A Waste Of Paper right HERE

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D’Shaun drops the #4 iTunes charting album ‘CRWN’

Backed by only one single, ‘S’mores & Rumchata’, D’SHAUN comes crash landing at #4 onto the iTunes top 40 Hip-Hop album chart and right back into your music libraries with CRWN.

The highly anticipated project lived up to expectations on the first day of its release as it also entered yet another chart on iTunes. CRWN peaked at #88 on the top 100 albums in all genres chart, sitting comfortably and confidently above Elton John’s Diamonds. This incredible accomplishment doesn’t happen without D’Shaun and the RYLTY crew’s hard work and dedication to creating an album packed with 12 playable and enjoyable records that each bring a different sound and vibe when stimulating your brain.

D’Shaun continues to put Converse, Texas, on the map as he showcases not only his talent but the talents found within his circle. From Austria to Detroit to Houston, he credits the artists around him for helping provide the “spacey yet quintessential Hip-Hop but with a new school sort of feel” sound that he believes his latest body of work entails. This album not only incorporates Hip-Hop but it also throws some dashes of rap, pop and R&B, adding some more seasoning to the recipe we already knew D’Shaun brought to the table. He’s dabbled in those genres before but with CRWN he brings them altogether in a cohesive manner, letting each live and grow with one another as they flow beautifully the more and more you run the project back. For him, CRWN is set to “change the whole landscape, the city and the state, the lives of each of these young men in RYLTY”. Those changes begin with track number one titled ‘Nonstop’ which is fitting for the vibes that you continuously find yourself emerged in.

Between track one and twelve you’ll find up tempo hits meant for the radio in ‘Chalice’, ‘Notice’, ‘S’mores & Rumchata’ and ‘Alright’. You’ll also hear the artist slowing things down a bit with ‘4U’, ‘LoveSICK’, ‘Virgo Season Interlude’ and ‘My Way’. Pure raps are expressed within the previously mentioned ‘Nonstop’ along with ‘Gentlemen’s Club’, ‘Sprite Zero’ and ‘Waver’. If there was a sound that D’Shaun didn’t think was fun or didn’t fit the wave he was gearing towards then it simply didn’t make the cut, the artist says that CRWN “is more fun and shows what wearing the crown is like” when comparing the project to its predecessor KNG.

Four years separate both albums and in between those four years we’ve heard how highly D’Shaun has spoken about the trio of albums he had been planning on releasing with all being companions to one another. With two down and one to go the one man band artist has been growing and maturing within his sound and will only continue to do so. He showcases that behind each verse, chorus, ad-lib, snare, kick or high hat he decides to incorporate into this world where creativity never ends. We can call this world “RYL” and here we’ll find the king at his throne wearing a crown meant for only him, exuding royalty the only way he knows how.

Have a listen to D’Shaun’s chart-topping album below…

Must Listens: Nonstop, 4U, Notice, S’mores & Rumchata, Gentlemen’s Club, Sprite Zero

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