In The Spotlight

Con Brio – “Heart On The Dance Floor”

Named after an Italian musical direction meaning with spirit, this seven-piece from the San Francisco Bay area plays a fresh blend of soul, psych-rock and R&B. They started playing open mics in 2009 and have since traveled the world with their electric live show. Centered around Sarah Clarke’s Etta James and Janis Joplin-influenced vocal power, they debuted with “Never Be The Same” in 2014.

Highlighting the importance of self-care in a busy world filled with people who judge you on everything you do, their new single wraps their genuine lyrics in a full-bodied soulful funk experience. Taken from their upcoming EP “Seasons”, expected on September 16th, they fuse rich disco violins, funky horns and a classic soul vibe into a bubbly throwback groove that’s ready for the dance floor.

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In The Spotlight

Madara Eve – “These Are The Days”

Born as Madara Ieva Tumoviča, this Latvian singer and songwriter started singing at 4 years young. She joined vocal studio Rasa and spent 10 years performing on both large and small stages, honing her craft. At 15 she began singing solo and writing her first songs. Now studying at the renowned modern music institute BIMM in London, she debuted her jazzy sound on “This Moment” in 2019.

Singing about cherishing moments of happiness by finding joy in the little things in life, her new single breathes a sense of positivity. Starting with a smooth jazz segment of an acoustic guitar and her enchanting vocals, she soon adds a bouncy funk beat, retro synths and some sonic sunshine. And with an insatiable buoyancy, this feel-good groove sounds optimistic, joyous and filled with fun.

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In The Spotlight

Rocketman – “Holding On (To Me)”

Formed in Bangkok, this funky Thai quartet got their start in high school when the friends first got together to enter a compitition. Taking time out for their education, they reformed after University to submit an original song to a contest by Good Hope Music Academy, reaching the final. Now signed with Rats Records, they debuted their breezy, funk-infused sound on their slick single “Fool Me” in 2018.

Narrating the story of two lovers who are far away from each other and are trying to hold on to one another, their new single sounds like a blend of Westcoast/AOR and smooth vintage funk. Laid-back as roadtripping in a convertible with the top down, soon it’s met with an injection of 70s-styled funk guitars and groovy synths. And with silky vocals, this is a jam you want to hold on to.

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In The Spotlight

Seraphina Simone – “Lovesick”

Growing up with her dad Sananda Maitreya (Terence Trent D’arby) and having the likes of Prince, Chrissie Hynde and Pete Townshend as godparents, music truly runs through her veins. She studied in Oxford, UK and splits her time between London and L.A. Inspired by a wide range of influences from The Cure and Cyndi Lauper to Lana Del Rey, she debuted her unique sound on “Cherry <8” in 2020.

Written to process the emotions from a break-up not through lack of love, but because it wasn’t right, her new single reflects the heartbreak in word and melody. Taken from her debut EP “Milk Teeth”, it’s the lively drums and voltaic synths that lead to a sparkling, retro-dipped chorus. And with her transcendent and emotive vocals guiding your ears, this is a one tune you won’t get sick of.

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In The Spotlight

Cortney Dixon – “Bang Bang, Honey Honey”

Hailing from South Shields, this British singer, songwriter and guitarist always gravitated towards music ever since childhood. She attended Newcastle College to study music, including the business side of things. Growing up she started listening to punk music like The Clash, but found her inspiration in the music of David Bowie, Kate Bush and Stevie Nicks. She debuted with “Summer’s Eyes” in 2019.

Incorporating genre-spanning influences and heavily dipped in 70s rock, her new single is an invigorating sonic explosion. With a thumping beat and heavy guitars filling the soundscape with musical TNT, she balances it with soft moments in which her raw vocal grit sounds truly riveting. And with a powerful howling electric guitar solo, this brisk jam blends all the best elements of classic rock.

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In The Spotlight

Ally Palmer – “Need You Around”

Hailing from Byron Bay, this Australian singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist grew up immersed in music, from family campfire sing-a-longs to creating original songs. She went on to play Byron Bay Bluesfest in 2017. Channeling a sunlit 60s surf pop vibe and inspired by Labi Siffre, Donny Hathaway and Ray Charles, she debuted her classic, feel-good sound on “Under The Night Sky” in 2018.

Singing about the comfort it brings to share your life with someone and asking a lover to stay by your side, her new single transports you to a 60s smoky jazz club. Blending slick jazz, vintage pop and a touch of sunshine, it’s the jaunty rhythm, suave keys and rousing guitars that create a deliciously groovy tune. And with her rich, mesmerizing vocals, you just need to keep this charming track around.

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