A Quick Chat With…Zavier Quinn

It’s ZAVIER QUINN‘s turn in the NLM interview hot seat after his latest single ‘FTS (First Time Secret)’ was crowned the blog’s Song of the Month back in April.

So come and find out more about the talented producer from Los Angeles as he unveils his inspiration behind the mysterious track, plus his plans for 2026…

NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2026 treating you so far?

ZQ: 2026 has been a year of growth, clarity, and consistency. I’m spending less time chasing and more time building. I decided to trust the process. I have taken time to understand who I am as an artist, what I create, and what stories I want my music to tell. The music is stronger, the vision is clearer, and I have learned to trust my own voice as an artist. That’s been one of the biggest self-realizations this year.

NLM: You released your single, ‘FTS – First Time Secret’ back in April. What is the public perception of the single so far?

ZQ: The response has been interesting because people hear different things. Some hear a breakup record. Some hear confidence. Some hear boundaries. I like that people are finding their own story in the record. For me, that’s the best outcome I could have hoped for.

NLM: What inspired you to produce/write the single?

ZQ: FTS came from a place of recognizing your worth. Sometimes people only value you after you’ve moved on. The song isn’t about anger. It’s about growth. It’s about understanding that not everyone deserves continued access to your energy.

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

ZQ: I’d describe it as modern R&B with a cinematic edge. It’s smooth, it’s melodic, and emotional, but there’s still confidence and attitude in it. It’s music for people who’ve lived a little.

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

ZQ: Know your value. Not everyone who misses you deserves a secon d chance. Sometimes growth means appreciating where you’ve been while still moving forward.

NLM: Are there any plans to release an official video for the single?

ZQ: My team and I have discussed a few concepts, and we’re exploring what makes sense creatively. Right now I’m focused on building a complete visual world around not only FTS but the music coming next rather than rushing something out.

NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on ‘FTS’, who would it be and why?

ZQ: Probably Lucky Daye. I’ve always appreciated artists who can be vulnerable and confident at the same time, and I think he’d bring something special to the record.

NLM: What plans do you have in store for 2026?

ZQ: More music. More visuals. More consistency. My goal is to continue building the Zavier Quinn catalog and connecting with listeners who appreciate authentic storytelling. I’m focused on long-term growth rather than quick moments.

NLM: How can potential fans find you?

ZQ: Search Zavier Quinn on all major streaming platforms. You can also connect with me on Instagram, TicTok and YouTube at @mr.zavierquinn where I share music, creative projects, and pieces of the journey.

NLM: Finally, if music didn’t exist, what other professional would you do?

ZQ: If music didn’t exist, I’d probably be somewhere designing systems or building businesses. I’ve always been fascinated by how things work, how people connect, and how ideas become reality. In a lot of ways, producing music isn’t that different—you’re still building something from nothing.

A Quick Chat With… Indigo Syndicate

Jharyss (pictured left), Sam (centre) and Preston – aka Nashville trio INDIGO SYNDICATE – have been a regular on NEW LEASE MUSIC’s New Music Roundup. Their music resonated with you guys as their single ‘DND – Do Not Disturb’ claimed the blog’s Song of the Month top spot in May.

Member Sam jumps right into the interview seat to discuss the inspiration behind the single, which forms part of their latest project,‘Briley Parkway’.

NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2026 treating you so far?

S: 2026 has been full of work, love, and growth. We have all been more motivated now than ever to continue to spread our positivity to anyone who is needing it. Overall, we’ve been doing the best we can with what we have, and that’s enough to say it’s been a good year for us personally.

NLM: You released your single, ‘DND (Do Not Disturb)’ back in February. What is the public‘s response of the single so far?

S: We have had nothing but positive feedback from friends, family and fans. It seems to be gaining quite a bit of traction with over 30,000 streams on Spotify alone, and we’ve seen a good number of those streams convert to real followers that we are more than happy to welcome to our community.

NLM: What inspired you to produce/write the single?

S: Both us and our fans were craving something you could dance to, so that was our main goal with releasing DND as our first single of 2026. We came with something completely different from what we released in 2025 and are proud to be continuously raising the bar.

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

S: DND is an alternative, multi-genre bop with a beat-change you’d never expect and lyrics that you can’t help but admire. If you listen to artists like The Kid Laroi or BROCKHAMPTON, you’ll like this one.

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

S: While we love connecting to our fans through our lyricism, this track was more for the people who simply like a high-energy song they can bop their heads to. The concept is a little darker, touching on toxic relationships, but the song is meant to uplift the listener’s energy through the instrumentation and layout.

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

S: We all thought The Kid Laroi would make a killer feature on this. The type of drums and topic are perfect for his voice and style. If we could list a second artist, Tank and the Bangas would absolutely murder a verse and really play into the alternative side of this song rather than the pop/rap tones it has. Shouts out to both of the artists mentioned. They’re truly incredible musicians we all three admire and tune into.

NLM: ‘DND’ forms part of your latest EP Briley Parkway’, released last month. What’s the general theme of the project?

S: Briley Parkway is a small project that touches on toxicity in relationships. We wanted to keep dark pop as a recurring genre throughout every song while also touching on different struggles almost every person has gone through when maintaining relationships with family, friends, and/or romantic partners. However, coinciding with our true genre-bending spirit, we made sure each song has its own uniqueness by letting different genres seep through, including rap, rnb, bedroom pop and edm.

NLM: What plans do you have in store for 2026?

S: Maintaining our monthly release schedule has been our top priority. We work a minimum of two nights a week to ensure we can give our fans new music consistently. On top of releasing monthly, we have a few shows coming up in Nashville we are excited to be a part of and will hopefully be coming out with a few collaborations with other local musicians before the end of 2026.

NLM: How can potential fans find you?

S: We are Indigo Syndicate on all of your favorite platforms! You can find us on social media either @indigosyndicate or @indigosyndicatemusic. We also have a website, https://www.indigosyndicate.com/ where you can find information on recent releases as well as upcoming ones. Shouts out to our amazing team at Publicity Nation for making the coolest website a band could ever ask for. We love everyone over there to the moon and back. Besides that, you can find us playing in and around Nashville if you want to. :)

NLM: If music didn’t exist, what other profession would you do?

S: This is such a tough one because we are constantly saying there is nothing we’d rather do. Music is and will always be our purpose. If we had to pick something, it’d probably be related to social work or helping animals. We all share a mission of making the world a better place, so those fields are probably the only other ways we could do so.

We wanted to thank you, Tracey, and the entire team at New Lease Music for continuing to support us on our musical journey. We seriously appreciate any time you’re willing to spend on tuning in to our sound and learning more about who we are as people. Please remember to drink water and as always, spread love, not hate.

Nashville band XO soundtrack release official music video for single ‘Close.’

The intimate video for XO SOUNDTRACK’s latest single, ;Close’ keeps the focus exactly where it should be — on the emotion of the song and the chemistry within the band. Rather than relying on heavy storytelling, the visuals lean into natural performance moments that feel genuine, relaxed, and connected, giving the track an even more personal edge

That chemistry helps bring the song’s emotional weight to life, balancing the alt-pop atmosphere with something that feels human and real. It’s simple, fun, and effective — the kind of performance video that makes the band feel closer to the listener while reinforcing the addictive energy of the track itself.

‘Close’ is an instantly addictive, emotionally charged alt-pop track that blends shimmering synth textures with a nostalgic groove and an edge reminiscent of LANY and COIN, while still feeling distinctly XO soundtrack. Lyrically, it leans into heartbreak with unflinching honesty: “I tried to call you, but you won’t pick up the phone / I wonder if his house is just a home?” and “Everything I lost reflects in his eyes / You got his body holding you close tonight.” The chorus swells into obsession and memory — “I see your face in the window every time it rains… pacing back and forth until I go insane” — before landing on the raw emotional peak, “I wake up in cold sweats screaming out your name… I’ve got your blood running through my veins.”

What makes ‘Close’ stand out is its contrast — glossy, cinematic production wrapped around lyrics that feel unravelling and human. It’s not just a breakup song, but the lingering aftermath of one. Why not check out the video below…

Connect with XO Soundtrack via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/xosoundtrack/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/xo.soundtrack/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@xo.soundtrack

Source: Publicity Nation

Ashley Savage Turns Pain Into Power On New Track ‘Pressure’

Emerging artist ASHLEY SAVAGE is quickly proving herself to be one to watch in 2026, carving out a lane entirely her own.

Raised in the culturally rich state of Indiana — on the very same street where the Jackson family’s legendary journey began — her artistry is rooted in the soul of ‘90s R&B while embracing sleek, modern textures that feel both cinematic and radio-ready. Although she shares a geographical connection to music royalty, Ashley Savage is firmly focused on shaping her own future with a bold and innovative creative vision.

Her latest single, ‘Pressure’, offers the perfect introduction to her unmistakable sound. Blending elements of contemporary indie K-pop and atmospheric R&B, the track unfolds as a smooth mid-tempo anthem exploring the complexities of relationships. Each verse carries themes of resilience and emotional growth, while Ashley’s expressive vocal delivery captures the struggle of overcoming pressure, embracing healing, and emerging stronger through adversity.

‘Pressure’ is part of a wider body of work that Ashley Savage describes as a blueprint for “Commercial Crossover” — a sound that masterfully balances raw street-edge authenticity with polished luxury and mainstream appeal.

Step into the surreal yet captivating world of Ashley Savage and experience her latest release, ‘Pressure’, below.

Follow Ashley Savage via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/ashleysavage219
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleysavage219

OUT TODAY: Zee Dyasi and Mothers Favorite Child join forces for single, ‘Vacation’.

ZEE DYASI and MOTHERS FAVORITE CHILD unveil their latest single, ‘Vacation,’ out today, April 24 across all major streaming platforms. Written and produced by Paris Mark Toon, the track delivers a rich blend of contemporary R&B and classic soul, rooted in a groove-driven foundation reminiscent of the Soulquarians era.

Built around fluid basslines, textured Rhodes keys, and lush layered harmonies, ‘Vacation’ captures a feeling of emotional reset and escape. Its live instrumentation reinforces the organic, band-centered sound that defines Mothers Favorite Child, while offering a fresh, modern edge.

The collaboration highlights a powerful cross-continental connection, bringing together South African rising star Zee Dyasi with the internationally recognized collective Mothers Favorite Child. The result is a seamless fusion of influences spanning the U.S., Europe, and Africa—further cementing neo-soul as a global movement.

This release continues to position Zee Dyasi as a leading emerging voice in neo-soul, following her recognition for her standout journey on Idols SA and her emotionally nuanced vocal style. At the same time, it reinforces Mothers Favorite Child’s reputation for combining live musicianship with contemporary production, building on his Billboard-charting success and collaborations with acclaimed artists such as Robin S. and CeCe Peniston.

With ‘Vacation,’ Zee Dyasi and Mothers Favorite Child offer a timeless yet forward-looking sound—an invitation to pause, reset, and reconnect through music.

‘Vacation’ is out today, 24th April via all major streaming platforms. Check out the music video for the single below…

Connect with Zee Dyasi via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/zeedyasi_
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zeedyasi21_

Connect with Mothers Favorite Child via:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mothersfavoritechild/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mothersfavoritechild