Hey, Hey, Hey! Happy New Year guys! I hope you had an eventful festive period.
It’s that time of the year NEW LEASE MUSIC ramage through and pick out the top releases of 2023! Today, we start off with the best music videos featured on the blog in the past year. So why not sit back and check them out – oh and if you’re really digging these videos, why not leave a comment below.
Be sure to look out for NEW LEASE MUSIC’s Top Ten Albums of 2023 later today!
10. Sometimes Relax – LLAMAN x Pitch 92
9. Freak Out – Jessica Wilde
8. Face Off Part 1 – Quincy
7. PTSD – Dax
6. Iron Right – DJ Drama, Boosie Badazz & OMB Peezy ft Trouble
CAM GNARLY blesses a classic groove with bars straight from the soul on his new single ‘Blessed With, Stressed With’. The video eatures Cam in his element, measuring his path and giving good words to his peers, colleagues, & loved ones, to a thumping, superbly soulful instrumental.
As a performer, Cam has shared stages with Kendrick Lamar, Curren$y, Dom Kennedy, Pac Div, Casey Veggies, Overdoz & more, and already has a healthy discography of superb releases. Northend Gnarly is the newest album from the Inland Empire representative, & it offers a compelling soundtrack to the streets that Cam calls home.
Check out the video for ‘Blessed With, Stressed With’ below…
ANAIIS shares the deluxe version of her critically acclaimed album ‘this is no longer a dream’ which includes remixes from Sam Henshawe, Jamilah Barry, DJ Lulo, Years and Years and Karen Nyame KG. The recent remixes are in addition to the collaborations on the original 2022 album (Chronixx, Topaz Jones, Jay Prince, Sjava +++)
The London based artist has spent a lifetime moving around the globe soaking up a multitude of cultures and influences that bring an innovative and genre-defying style to her artistic endeavours. Following the releases of her EP ‘Before Zero’ and her project ‘Darkness At Play’, anaiis further raised the bar with her self released debut album ‘this is no longer a dream,’ a cathartic and brave long player which was released in 2021. The album was well-received by notable critics and publications – she featured as the cover star on PUSS PUSS and FACT magazine – citing her as one of the most exciting and innovative voices in contemporary R&B. Alongside the critical acclaim, anaiis is an accomplished live performer who has been invited as a special guest at concerts by the likes of Erykah Badu, Ibeyi, Daniel Caesar, Nick Hakim and more, as well as recent headline performances in Dakar and Berlin which have all been met with rapturous praise.
Occupying the sweet spot between music, fashion and high art, anaiis has collaborated and contributed to notable works of art with the V&A, Camden Arts Centre, Palais De Tokyo, White Cube, Julien Creuzet, JulianKnxx and more. In fashion, she has featured in a Paul Smith campaign, collaborated with Valentino for her noteworthy ColorsxStudio performance, was dressed in Alexander McQueen for her Harpers Bazaar feature, as well as brand collaborations with Dr Martens, Levis, Paco Rabanne’s Millions x Vice x NTS, and more. She has also worked creatively with Ib Kamara, Nell Kalonji, Rafael Pavarotti, Campbell Addy amongst others on hers and other projects.
Now anaiis set the bar high, finishing 2023 on a high note with the deluxe version of her critically acclaimed album, ‘this is no longer a dream’. Why not check it out below…
Must Listens: undulation; ultraviolet, counts; vanishing . (chipmunk); cry in your sleep; reverie; make it easier;
Manchester’s soulful singer, rapper and producer ALEX LUKE‘s debut EP ‘Star Projector’, effortlessly blends soulful melodies, intricate rap flows, funk stylings, and Luke’s signature horns. The self-produced project has been three years in the making and is a triumphant showcase of authenticity and versatility.
The EP’s uniqueness extends to an additional four personalised voice note recordings, offering an intimate window into the artist’s life and the stories behind the music. Additionally, three official music videos, including the emotionally charged ‘DNA,’ shot by Sophia J Carey (Loyle Carner, Little Simz), bring Luke’s vision to life.
In a poignant tribute to his late brother, who passed away in 2015, Alex sought solace in the embrace of music, adopting his brother’s middle name, ‘Luke’ as a timeless tribute to his memory.
His musical journey has been marked by unwavering dedication, earning recognition from The Ivors Academy, BBC Radio Introducing Manchester, Spotify Fresh Finds UK + IE, Amazing radio and praise from Jamz Supernova. Independently, Luke has achieved remarkable milestones, selling out his last three headline shows in Manchester and securing support slots across the UK (including acts like Jahméne and Mamas Gun), and taking the stage at local festivals like Dot To Dot and Indie Week. As a testament to his growing success, Luke is set to headline a thrilling show on March 29th, 2024, at Manchester’s iconic Deaf Institute (tickets on sale now).
Alex Luke’s ‘Star Projector EP’ establishes his mark on the music scene, showcasing his undeniable talent and creative vision. Have a listen below…
Canadian singer and songwriter ANNABEL GUTHERZ reveals her new single, ‘Eclipse,’ out today, 15th December, for your pleasure! Blending classic rock influences with modern pop sounds, ‘Eclipse’ is a vivid and textured song that showcases an artist who has found her voice. The new single was co-written with and produced by Mikal Blue (OneRepublic, Jason Mraz, Colbie Caillat) and Bret “Epic” Mazur (Crazy Town, Prince, The Black Eyed Peas).
“‘Eclipse’ is about my tendency to compare myself to others and the impact this has on my self-esteem,” Annabel says. “I would rather be concentrated on purpose than consumed by comparison despite how challenging it may be at times, especially given the ubiquitous nature of social media. This single showcases my desire to focus on my own path and nurture my inner confidence.”
Since the release of her 2021 album, Loose Ends, Annabel has continued to develop her sound by working with an array of esteemed collaborators, including Bleu McAuley (Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Jonas Brothers) and Bonnie Hayes (Bonnie Raitt, Bette Midler, David Crosby). Fiercely committed to her craft, Annabel also holds a baccalaureate and a master’s degree in songwriting from Berklee College of Music. With her undeniable talent and more music in the works for 2024, Annabel Gutherz is certainly an artist to keep on your radar. Listen to ‘Eclipse’ below…
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