Every once in a while, you have that someone who keeps buzzing in your ear, telling you what you should do with your life. You try to ignore the unwelcome advice, but it comes a time when enough is enough.
STEFANIE MICHAELA knows that feeling all too well. After steadily curating her musical journey, honing her craft at Idyllwild Arts Academy and the Boston Conservatory, the Los Angeles singer/songwriter pressed pause on her passion to raise her five children and felt constantly judged for her decision – but she wasn’t having any of it! That message is the inspiration behind her single, appropriately titled, ‘Stay In your Lane’.
Produced by multi-Grammy Award-winning producer Keith Thomas (Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, Selena), ‘Stay In Your Lane’ may have an immediately addictive delicate soulful pop grooves, with a tinge of nineties R&B, but beyond the idyllic melodies Stefanie elegantly delivers a stern message for the naysayers: “Maybe if you’re happier in your own life, you could continue to stay in your lane.”
As Stefanie Michaela makes an impressive return to the music industry, there’s a strong sense that she’s not here just to churn out some catchy tunes. Her comeback strongly signifies that it’s never too late to reach out for your dreams and desires, perfectly positioning ‘Stay In Your Lane’ as the anthem of having unwavering perseverance and the courage to ignite that passion.
Now armed with her biggest fans – her children – It’s very safe to say that Stefanie Michaela is going full force with her renewed passion as she gears up to release her EP, ‘Turning Pages’ slated for release later this year.
‘Stay In Your Lane’ is now out for your pleasure across various music platforms. Why not press play on the empowering single below…
Rapper D$AVAGE steals today’s blog hotspot with the second single ‘2AM on Highland’, taken from his upcoming mixtape ‘007 The Mixtape’. D$AVAGE weaves his rhymes with ease in this upbeat, edgy lyrical freestyle. The song, influenced by Drake’s Timestamp series, sees him showing off his lyrical talents and ability to ride the beat over a dope Whitney Houston sample.
‘2AM on Highland’ is currently available on all major streaming services. Why not check it out below…
Connected by mutual acquaintance Zilla Rocca and further strengthened by a love of basketball, JASON GRIFF and STAN IPCUS have released a new, three-song EP entitled ‘Trifecta’.
The EP features cuts from Marcus Pinn on ‘Stand Back’ and ‘Kiyan’ plus a back-and-forth collaboration with Zilla Rocca on ‘Pick and Roll’. Though only three songs running just over six minutes, the EP cuts right to the chase; Griff’s hard-hitting drums and sample chops are laced impeccably by Ipcus’ clever wordplay and boastful lyrics. The sound harkens back to classic boom-bap tracks without feeling dated or overly nostalgic.
All three songs have been featured in frequent rotation on Real Late with Rosenberg on Hot97, Rap is Outta Control on Shade45 Sirius XM, and more. Now it’s time for you to check out the mini fire set below…
MIDNIGHT MYSTERY CLUB (MMC) broke the bank on their latest single, ‘Devotion’. With no budget, no ads, it’s a song that hits hard and begs for grace.
After emptying the ashes of the remaining budget, MMC have decided to release music anyways. Burning through the last nickel with nothing left to relying on than their dedicated fans and supporters.
Following the wake of artists like Duke Dumont, Kiesza, and Disclosure, ‘Devotion’ is a throwback to the early 90s dance floor. Lit in neon and pulsating light with a powerful hook that surprises with a gut-punch of emotion. After the almost anthemic intro the track breakdown into an emotional deep dive of falling short in love and the desperate need for forgiveness.
On the surface ‘Devotion’ feels like a snapback in time with hard hitting 909 snares evoking memories of strobe lights and underground warehouse parties. Then the drop pulls you back, unapologetically into something softer, melodic, and almost tender. It’s bright electricity on the surface until you hear the brokenness of the first line “My feelings of devotion are fleeting emotions from hot springs to deep oceans in a day”. It’s about setting out to conquer the world and ending up stranded in a ditch. Where the best of intentions are often met with the realities of weakness that gives birth to humility and surrender.
The plea “If I break your heart can you amend it, heal it with your scares”, overflowing with remorse that recognizes that expectations of greatness may only be forecasting shortfalls. The hope in the silver lining is that scars heal stronger than new skin and that broken bones are never break in the same place twice. Before the depth of what’s been presented settles in you’re back to the groove and the glue that holds this dance track together. With a solid hook that is slapping the walls while the hefty weight of emotions echo in the distance.
In an oddly serendipitous way, MMC had hoped to release this song with a shiny campaign focused on blowing it up right out of the gate, but like the best of intentions they’ve been sidelined to replying solely on the kindness of goodwill of those who believe in this project and who resonate with dreamers who just love music and sharing what is crafted in love. Those who long for something nostalgic but causes the soul to feel something new. That resonates truth in a way that causes us to question life’s meaning and our own place as humans within it.
Midnight Mystery Club are winners of the Independent Music Awards electronic/ dance Producers of the Year. Their music has been featured by the brands Zara, Gap, and Tommy Hilfiger amongst others. Their previous releases have been featured on many Ibiza classic compilations including Cafe Mambo Sunsets, Cafe del Mar, and Joe Morris’ Shade of Summer. They continue to dream big dreams and trust that in the end true love wins and with forgiveness, healing can make remorse into unashamed beauty.
Now it’s time to check out the latest masterpiece below…
Connect with Midnight Mystery Club via: IG: instagram.com/midnightmysteryclub TikTok: TikTok.com/midnightmysteryclub
MIKE BODY has been a regular feature on NEW LEASE MUSIC pretty much since the blog’s inception, almost 13 years ago! He has also been a regular on NLM charts over on Instagram, claiming the Music Video, Album and Song of the Week AND month title multiple times.
So it’s an absolutely pleasure to finally get the christian rapper from Baltimore in the interview seat to discuss his latest album ‘It Is Finished’, which is currently the blog’s Album of the Month. So sit back, relax and get to know this conscious rapper…
NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2025 treating you so far?
MB: 2025 has been good so far and thankfully God is always good even when I’m not.
NLM: You released your album, ‘It Is Finished’ back in January. What is the public perception on the project so far?
MB: ‘It Is Finished’ has received mostly positive reviews so far. The UK has given favorable feedback about the project via different blogs. I have grown to really appreciate the support from the UK over the last 6 – 7 yrs and look forward to that appreciation continuing to grow. Also, salute to the die hards and day ones back home in the states that continue to rock with me and support me along with my latest project (It is Finished). Most of them appreciate the album’s overall theme and sound.
NLM: How would you describe the album’s sound to potential fans?
MB: I would say the sound of the album has a conscious vibe to it, accompanied by my background as a christian. It’s about an end of an era, accepting an era is over and beginning a new chapter.
NLM: What inspired you to produce the album?
MB: Events in my personal life sparked the template for the album. Also I thought about making this my last project but I still have a little more to say as an artist. I’m not done just yet.
NLM: What is/are your favourite single(s) from the album and why?
MB: Hmmmm…. I would say ‘Land of the Lost’ is a favorite because it’s very lyrically sound and I believe the emotion behind the song was captured correctly. Also the production is dope. I love the song ‘Outgrowth’ as well because of the message about growing apart from someone or even some place. Sometimes as believers we can grow apart from God and not even realize it until it’s too late.
NLM: What message would you like the listeners to take away from ‘It Is Finished?
MB: I hope it points people to God in a sincere way but not in a man in the sky type of way, but in a realistic way. The teachings of Jesus are mentioned a lot on the project but they are depicted in a sincere way. The album is about growth, change and acceptance. Accepting things you cannot change but moving on while not being afraid to change for the right reasons.
NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on the album, who would it be and why?
MB: It would be Kendrick Lamar, but not solely because he’s hot right now but because of his earlier releases like ‘Hi Power’; that song made me a fan. He always brings a message with him more times than not. Also he has a lot of spiritual undertones in his music. I can hear him on a ‘Land of the Lost’ remix for sure.
Honorable mention J.Cole, Jasmine Sullivan
NLM: So what plans do you have for the rest of 2025?
MB: I have a podcast in development and a new EP coming out soon.
NLM: How can potential fans find you?
MB: Fans can find me on the major social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter). My music is located on all major DSP’s like Apple, Spotify and Tidal etc.
NLM: Finally, any special shoutouts to those in the production of ‘It Is Finished’?
MB: I want to give a big S/O to Let That Boy Cook. He produced the entire ‘It is Finished’ project. He’s been my main producer over the last few years and it’s been a great ride! I know I’m bias but I consider him a really good producer from the states. I’m looking forward to doing another project with his production. Also, S/O to Jaitay who mixed and mastered the project and a big S/O to my guy Andres from Highland Records who engineered the album.
I’ll be back in the studio soon! I’m not done yet…
New Lease Music 