In The Spotlight

Bluey Robinson – “Southern Comfort”

Born to a Swedish mother and a British-Caribbean father in Stockholm, this soul singer and songwriter moved to London as a baby. After stumbling upon his mother’s vinyl collection, he grew up engrossed by the music of the 70s and 80s. He began uploading videos of himself busking to YouTube. Inspired by Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, he released his debut “Questions” in 2016.

Taking a moment to reminisce about a loving relationship and the heartbreak after it fell apart, his new single remembers the good times, while dealing with regret. Encapsulating the emotional story with a smooth, soulful melody, the song starts with a mellow acoustic guitar and his heartwarming voice. Adding a luscious piano, mild rhythm and velvety harmonies, this is a smooth soul gem.

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In The Spotlight

Jaylen Bradley – “Games”

Based in Toronto, Ontario, this rising Canadian singer and songwriter found her passion for music aged 14. She was a soloist on K-Tel’s “Mini Pop Kids 15” album in 2017 and performed on their Make It Pop tour in 2018, as well as winning Miss Teen Canada’s Top Choice. Inspired by wide-ranging storytellers such as Adele, Lewis Capaldi and Olivia Rodrigo, she released her debut “Last Summer” in 2021.

Inspired by a real situation in her life, her new single captures the emotions brought on by being burned twice in love. Narrating the story from loving the person they used to be, right to the person they became, it’s an emotional journey. With an mellow piano, gentle rhythm and her crystal-clear vocals stroking the dulcet tune, this enchanting melody emits an authentic sonic melancholy.

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In The Spotlight

ParHasard – “Antidote”

Founded in 2017, this Dutch funky quartet has been dazzling audiences at various festivals, from Sziget in Budapest to the Amsterdam Canalfestival. Comprised of Tos van Eekeren, Sebastiaan and Benjamin van den Eertwegh and Ike van Bergen, they shape R&B, soul, funk, hiphop and jazz into their own sound. Inspired by Earth, Wind & Fire and D’Angelo, they debuted with “Rise Up, Pt.1” in 2019.

Trying to use music to find a cure against toxic traits and thoughts in humans, their new single combines a lyrical cry for help with an energetic sonic bounce. Teasing the senses from the first bass plucks, the song opens up with a fierce funkalicious vibe. Adding a vigorous rhythm, fiery guitars, sweltry synths and the sing-rap styled vocals give this exhilarating groove its melodic medicinal properties.

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In The Spotlight

It’s Butter – “Still In Love”

Formed in 2016 when L.A. native singer, songwriter and guitarist Britta Raci met Columbian drummer Diego Patiño while studying at the Musician’s Institute, this band creates a unique blend of pop, rock and R&B, with drops of other styles thrown in. In 2019 the trio was completed with bassist Johnnie Gilmore. Inspired by Rush, Primus and The Police, they debuted on their EP “Forget About It” in 2016.

Navigating emotive, post-breakup feelings, their new single tells the story of having your heart broken and not yet feeling ready to move on. The fundamentally rock melody is laced with funkalicious grooves, a touch of soul and a drop of jazz. With multi-layered instrumentation from the wild keys, rousing beat and brisk guitars, it’s the radiant vocals that’ll make you fall in love with this jam.

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In The Spotlight

Boo Seeka – “Stories”

Although this project started out as a duo in 2015, it is now a solo endeavor of Australian singer/songwriter Ben Gumbleton. In that first year they were nominated for Unearthed Artist Of The Year at the J Awards. Combining smooth synths and rolling beats, he’s created a layered electro-pop sound. Inspired by Massive Attack and Mayer Hawthorne, he debuted with “Kingdom Leader” in 2015.

Encapsulating the Australian summer in a fresh electro bop, his new single is a welcome dose of sunshine for those of us enthralled in wintery conditions. Starting with vitalizing guitar strums, soon the track ascends with an infectious beat. Basked in a glistening radiance, it’s his emotive, laid-back vocals teasing the bouncy rhythm, that guides the listener through the sunlit notes of this groove.

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In The Spotlight

Gemelle – “Play It Cool”

Rising duo of Swedish twins Emma & Tove Ekström were born and raised in Stockholm. They started playing guitar and harmonizing at home, adding more instruments as time went on. Having studied the arts of music, they developed as singers, songwriters, instrumentalists and producers. Inspired by artists like Brandy and Bruno Mars, they debuted with a cover of TLC’s “Waterfalls” in 2020.

Blending smooth 90s R&B with a touch of classic soul, their new single is an ear-stroking gem. Starting slow with a breezy synth, gentle finger-snaps and flirtatious vocals, the track evolves into an easy-going, alluring retro R&B vibe. Going more upbeat in the opulent chorus, it’s the mellow rhythm, mellifluent keys and their winsome vocals that turn this luscious tune into something superbly cool.

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