In The Spotlight

The Sea At Midnight – “Wait For Rain”

Even though Vince Grant thought his days of being in bands were over, a Craigslist ad of producer and guitarist Chris King from the band Cold Showers changed all that. With the addition of drummer Brandon Pierce, this Los Angeles-based project was born. Influenced by various genres, ranging from synth pop to post punk and dipped in nostalgia, they’ve created an unique sound. Inspired by The Cure, Echo & The Bunnymen and Depeche Mode, they debuted with “Medicine” in 2020.

Tackling the difficult theme of climate change, wildfires and drought, their new single is made even more poignant with the horrific fires threatening their home town of L.A. at present. Melodically the song feels like a trip back to the 80s. Fusing neon synth pop with a touch of the New Romantics, it combines an electronic sparkle with a darker undertone. Slightly reminiscent of Robert Smith or bands like Talk Talk, it’s the mysterious sounding vocals that make this a beguiling tune.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

Music History

Donna Summer – “I Don’t Wanna Get Hurt”

From her album “Another Place And Time” (1989):

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

New Music

The Lumineers – “Same Old Song”

From their upcoming album “Automatic”, to be released on 14 February 2025:

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

In The Spotlight

ILIRA – “Floating With The Sharks”

Born in Brienz with Kosovo-Albanian roots, this Swiss singer and songwriter got her start as a teen as part of the group The Colors, who were on the pre-selection list for the Eurovision Song Contest 2011. After she began uploading her solo music to Instagram which led to a record deal with Sony/ATV. Now based in Berlin, she’s collaborated with artists such as Alle Farben and Tiësto. Inspired by Britney Spears, Rihanna and Nirvana, she debuted with “Whisper My Name” in 2018.

Lyrically giving an honest reflection on her time signed with major labels and how this experience affected her, her new single is her first as a truly independent artist. Trying to move away from the bubble-gum pop and dance music she was known for, she’s now exploring her own sound. The melody starts with a folky intro, before moving into a darker pop scene. Effortlessly blending together with her mesmerizing vocals, this initial step to sonic independence sounds truly sumptuous.

Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

Music History

Gerry Rafferty – “Get It Right Next Time”

From his album “Night Owl” (1979):

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes

New Music

Bonnie Tyler – “Yes I Can”

Filled with inspirational empowerment, this is the new single by rock legend Bonnie Tyler:

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | iTunes