In The Spotlight

Stefan Mahendra – “Come Home”

Hailing from London and with half Sri-Lankan, half German roots, this British singer and songwriter’s musical exposure was shaped by his rich cultural background and the gospel music in church. He’s toured the world with bands that opened for Sting and Melanie C, before becoming a quarter finalist on The Voice UK in 2019. With his band BrownSugar he opened for Olly Murs. Inspired by Marvin Gaye, D’angelo and Donny Hathaway, he released his debut “Lovin’ You Is Easy” in 2020.

Pleading with a former lover to return home after they broke up with you, his new single is sheer delectable soul-dripping sweetness. Paying homage to the Al Green-style classic soul, combined with his signature smoothness, this song is an intricate amalgam of 60s/70s soul and a touch of modern neo-soul. With a mellow percussion, rousing organ and full-bodied horns laying down the suave melody, it’s the delicate silkiness of his vocals that take us back to the glory days of soulfulness.

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Music History

Jennifer Lopez – “Hold It Don’t Drop It”

From her album “Brave” (2007):

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New Music

Rex Orange County – “Take A Drive”

Produced by Pharrell Williams, this is the new single by Rex Orange County:

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In The Spotlight

Nadia Kadek – “Always Almost Losing You”

Born and raised in the countryside of Norfolk, this British-Indonesian singer and songwriter grew up as a self-professed ‘festival baby‘. Remembering the long car journeys to various campsites, her childhood was filled with music. Now based in London, she spends her festival visits on stage instead of in the audience and performed at The Great Escape and Pitchfork London. Inspired by Florence + The Machine, Lizzy McAlpine and Jeff Buckley, she debuted with “Feeling It All” in 2025.

Singing about the juxtaposition that loving someone intensely can also make you worry about them intensely, her new single has a lyrical honesty and a warm textured melody. Taken from her upcoming debut EP “Green Car”, expected on October 17th, and layered over a tranquil indie-folk instrumentation, the song captures an introspective tender-ness. And with a mellow rhythm and intricate acoustic guitar, it’s her dulcet vocals that give this lovely smooth groove an intimate sincerity.

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Music History

John Waite – “Every Step Of The Way”

From his album “Mask Of Smiles” (1985):

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New Music

Sophie Ellis-Bextor – “Stay On Me”

From her album “Perimenopop” (2025):

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