EP Review: Manic Pixie Dreamgirl – Adanna Duru

I’m was very curious by the meaning behind the name of ADANNA DURU‘s latest EP ‘Manic Pixie Girl’. Apparently, she picked up the term whilst studying at University of Carolina and embraced it, as those three words sums her up perfectly – very quirky and weird, but stunning and unique; something that can often be overlooked by others (particularly from a male chauvinist).

Irrespective of the misinterpreted views, she extends a part of herself through this body of work which introduces an idyllic and tranquil alt R&B – piece through title track ‘Manic Pixie Girl’. Still obtaining an air of soulful tones,  ‘One Way Street’ brings on the meatiness to the seven-track set with the dense sub-bass drive, adding an electronic/downtempo vibe. The woofing bass becomes the main feature of following tracks ‘Too Late’, ‘Trip’ and ‘Dreams That Keep You Up At Night’ – a retake of Destiny’s Child hit ‘Bills, Bills, Bills’ – without comprising or drowning out the futuristic/R&B – ish overtones.

The serenity returns with her cover of Daniel Caesar’s single ‘ Death and Taxes’, showcasing a refreshingly atmospheric soundscapes floating throughout the production.

With complexities that runs riot throughout the EP shows that this exciting newcomer from LA boldly wears her ‘Manic Pixie Girl’ badge – and makes no apologies for it. Through this bitter-sweet EP, Adanna encourages others to be themselves.

Listen below:

Must Listens: The Way Street, Too Late, Doll

New Music Video: Eyes – Nuex

On the heels of their debut Affectus EP, DC-based electronic-pop duo NUEX share their gripping new video for single ‘Eyes’. Directed by Abraham Vilchez-Moran, the video tells the story of a young black teen struggling to understand the dysfunctionality of life at home. With his mind, he lets the darkness pass through him in the form of what he believes to be his older self. The choreography is representative of his inner turmoil.

Revered for their dark, experimental sound, NUEX has garnered acclaim from the likes of Afropunk, BlackBook, Saint Heron and Galore. Comprised of singer-songwriter Camille Michelle Gray and drummer-producer Teddy Aitkins, Affectus is a five-track collection that fuses haunting synths with kick-clap, hip-hop influenced rhythms.

After forming in 2014 and recording demos in the basement of Camille’s house just days after meeting, the duo honed in on a unique chemistry that would eventually define their sound and lead to the release of their debut singles ‘Lights Off’ and ‘I Make Bones’.

Check out the duo’s latest ‘unique chemistry’ below:

Premiere: I’m Good For You (Workelius Remix) – Zangba

ZANGBA‘s hip-hop and R&B gem, ‘I’m  Good For You’ – which features the mesmerising vocals of California’s R&B/soul singer Maskerade – received a refreshing makeover from Swedish producer Workelius. With its ultra-pounding baseline, flirtatious raps and soulful vocals, this dance-friendly banger is ripe for radio airplay and is guaranteed to get heads bopping and feet tapping.

‘I’m Good For You’ documents that  flirtatious relationship between a man and a woman. Speaking of the single, ZANGBA says: ” Once the carefree and flirtatious period is over, the guy quickly realises that his love interest is a much better fit than his past girlfriends, making her the perfect wife material. The kale greens, which is pictured on the cover art, symbolises they’re a great fit.”

The original version of ‘I’m Good For You’ is featured on ZANGBA’s debut mixtape, entitled, ‘Hip-Hop, Soul, and R&B’. The ten-track project is smothered with a nostalgic flair and layered with classic raps and a delicious dose of soul music.

“https://newleasemusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/zangba-photo-by-denzel-mooney.jpg”> Zangba Thomson[/captio
ZANGBA is a Long Island-based award-winning author, celebrity blogger, conscious
emcee, and Editor-in-Chief at Bong Mines Entertainment, LLC. His creative works
have been featured on major media outlets such as FOX 5, NBC, Today, Fox and
Friends, Kathy Lee and Hoda, ABC, Daily Mail (UK), and Essence Magazine.
He recently received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from
Congressman Charles B. Rangel for his literary achievements, commitment to
strengthening the nation and making a difference through volunteering service in urban communities.

‘I’m Good For You (Workelius Remix)’ is out from TODAY on all steaming/download sites. Check it out below:

Song of the Day: W&B – Nebr, The Tiger

Upcoming Detroit hip hop artist NEBR, THE TIGER rocks up into the limelight with latest track ‘w&b’. The left-field hip-hop banger that preaches an anthem to his lifestyle over a sub bass heavy beat with textured soundscapes produced by Newsensei. With the hype building around his upcoming album ‘Insight’ coming out in the late summer, there’s no telling on what he has in store for this year.

NEBR, THE TIGER’s music has been featured on Arson Capital Magazine, Daily Hip Hop Jamz and of course New Lease Music with previous upbeat number, ‘Bootleg’ – check it out sometime

For now, wrap your ears around ‘w&b’.