In The Spotlight

Rayowa – “Good Life”

Hailing from Basildon, these three British brothers share a passion for retro soul, funk and disco and give it a modern edge. Dan, Reece and Luke Baker are self-taught multi-instrumentalists and play guitar, bass and piano. They introduced their vibrant live show in the Moth Club and have recently played alongside Diana Ross and Nile Rodgers & Chic. They debuted with “Better Man” in 2019.

With an uplifting glitterball sound straight from the 70s, their new single is a celebration of a feel-good disco-funk vibe. Lyrically encouraging to live in the moment, this sunlit tune starts with a futuristic synth before bursting into dazzling disco colors with wah wah guitars, joyful keys and retro violins. And with gleaming horns and suave vocals, this toe-tapping groove is jammed with positivity.

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In The Spotlight

Ekelle ft. Maïa Davies – “Be Free”

Hailing from Toronto, this genre-bending Canadian singer and songwriter knew she wanted a career in music when she found herself glued to the musical TV show “Hit List”. Finding inspiration in many different styles, she created her own sound called ‘Hood Pop’, combining hip hop, pop and R&B. Influenced by 90s pop like Destiny’s Child and the rap of Emimem, she debuted with “Destroyer” in 2017.

Featuring the vocals of co-writer Maïa Davies, her new single is an ingenious example of her eclectic Hood Pop blend. Starting with an invigorating 70s funk guitar and ascending disco violins, she lays down a spirited vintage tune, before injecting a layer of modern hip hop. Rapping about self-acceptance and the quest to find yourself, this buzzing disco groove is a bouncy retro dance floor filler.

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In The Spotlight

Ben McKelvey – “One For You”

Born in Brentwood, this British singer, songwriter and musician started playing music at 14 as the drummer of a pop-punk band. Since then he learned to play guitar and evolved to a folk-rock sound. He’s performed worldwide opening for Wet Wet Wet and Scouting For Girls. Inspired by legends Johnny Cash, Bruce Springsteen and Paul Weller, he debuted with “A Hundred Thousand Welcomes” in 2013.

Time to sit back, close your eyes and just let the music roll over you, because his new single has a soothing, laid-back vibe that your eardrums are just going to love. With a repetitive rhythm as the backbone, it’s the added playful acoustic guitar, the touch of country from a steel guitar and the panache of the chorus that give his fresh vocals the chance to shine and make this jam clearly one for you.

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In The Spotlight

Cecilia Castleman – “Lonely Nights”

Based in Nashville, this rising singer and songwriter was born into a family of musicians and raised on a steady diet of diverse music, ranging from Fleetwood Mac to Bonnie Raitt and J.J. Cale. After her parents’ divorce when she was 11, she dealt with her emotions using a guitar and a pen. Though self-taught on guitar, bass and keys, she went to The Blackbird Academy for a studio engineering course.

Describing the feeling of isolation caused by loneliness, her debut single introduces her intricate and emotive songwriting skills. With a sound that is reminiscent of the folk-pop songwriters of the 70s, she’s created an honest melody with a mix of acoustic and electric guitars and a mellow rhythm. And with her honey-sweet vocals singing her poetic lyrics, this luscious tune has a timeless quality.

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In The Spotlight

Ina Forsman – “Love Me”

Grown up in Helsinki and now based in Berlin, this Finnish singer and songwriter wanted to be a performer since the age of 6. More recently she added being a musician and learned to play the guitar and piano. She’s performed all over the world, including sharing the stage with Toto and Christina Aguilera at Pori Jazz festival. She debuted her blues, soul and jazz blend on her self-titled album in 2016.

Lyrically narrating the moment when you first tell someone that you love them, her new single wraps her relatable words in a deliciously sweet 60s soul sound. Taken from her upcoming album “All There Is”, expected on June 24th, it’s the upbeat percussion, crisp keys and classic blazing horns that tickle your eardrums, before the heartfelt passion of her vocals make this tune irresistible.

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In The Spotlight

Hojean – “Pose For Me”

Born in New York as Justin Hojean Yi and raised in Georgia, this rising Korean-American singer, songwriter, producer and visual artist first took to the stage in high school to impress a crush. He’s since taught himself to play guitar and creates his music in the comfort of his bedroom. Influenced by Frank Ocean, The Internet and New Edition, he debuted with “It’s All Static From Here” in 2017.

Striking a sonic pose with a classic R&B beat and an 80s-doused funk-pop vibe, his new single is an retro journey of melodic delights. With a rich driving rhythm, infectious synths and fresh guitar laying down an invigorating tune, it’s the suave smoothness of his vocals and the modern production that make this sophisticated groove a vintage-infused, honey-dipped and pastel-colored sweet treat.

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