In The Spotlight

Tian Nienaber – “Hurting Love”

Initially working in the shadows of the music scene, this South-African singer and songwriter started his career aged 17 as a sound engineer and rigger, touring with many artists. However, he’s also been playing guitar and writing music since the age of 12 and decided to follow his own musical path. So far, he performed his acoustic tunes on famed festivals like Alternatief Is Groot and Strab.

Written during the first lockdown in 2020, his debut single is a genuine account of how he imagines his mother felt in the years he was battling with addiction. Dripping with honest emotion, it’s the crisp guitar, fresh keys and brash percussion that guide the melody to the ascending spirited finale. And with the raw grit of his powerful vocals, this jam is pure passionate rock you’ve got to love.

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In The Spotlight

Silk Cinema – “Too Many Times”

Based in London, this exciting British duo, comprised of Kirsty Wild on vocals and Ralph Aletti as instrumentalist and producer, started making their mark on the music scene in 2017.Drawing inspiration from the likes of Sade, Steely Dan and Jessie Ware, they forged their own unique blend of indie-R&B, electro-pop, jazz and neo-soul. They released their debut single “Say You’ll Love Me” in 2017.

Contriving a sweet, laid-back 80s feel with a modern production, their new single is an ear-pleasing work of art. With funky electric guitar plucks, mellow rhythm and classic fingersnaps forging a flirtatious and soulful sound, it’s her honey-dipped, enchanting vocals singing about overcoming the hurt of infidelity, that make this velvety tune an empowering and sophisticated smooth groove.

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In The Spotlight

Julienne – “Routine”

Born as Julienne Ivars and raised on the coast of Finland, this UK-based singer and songwriter grew up in a music-loving family. She found inspiration from anything, ranging from Joni Mitchell and Phil Collins, to Coldplay and Maggie Rogers. She attended BIMM in Brighton to develop her versatile skills. Championed by BBC Introducing, she debuted her full, organic sound on “Down We Go” in 2019.

Creating something extraordinary from a basic natural foundation, her new single binds electronic textures and a voltaic beat to her melodious voice. Driven by emotion, the song navigates the tingling feeling of new love and the uncertainty that comes with it. Balancing melancholic vibes with sultry summer nights, you will soon add this raw and alluring smooth groove to your musical routine.

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In The Spotlight

Favours – “Call Me”

Hailing from Toronto, this Canadian duo made up of Alex Zen and Jacq Andrade met while they were making music video’s for other artists. They decided to form the band as an outlet for their own creativity and ideas. Finding a fusion between modern indie synth-rock like Beach House and hazy new wave influences such as Joy Division, they debuted their dreampop sound on “In The Night” in 2018.

Traveling back to the neon days of the glorious 80s, their new single is a dreamy, pastel-coloured pastiche of new wave luster. Taken from their upcoming EP “Left Behind”, expected to drop this fall, they immerse themselves in retro electronica and shimmering synths, before being joined by a catchy drum beat. And with Depeche Mode-reminiscent vocals, this is one jam you will keep calling on.

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In The Spotlight

Gabriela Eva – “Feng Shui”

Having grown up in the Essex country side allowed this British singer and songwriter to express herself freely. Facing many challenges as a dyslexic child, she found empowerment in music and taught herself to play guitar. Influenced by artists like Bonobo, Nina Simone and Lianne La Havas, she forged a hybrid of electronica, hiphop, neo-soul and alt pop and debuted her single “Rise Up” in 2018.

Taking inspiration from Chinese philosophy and used as a metaphor for finding a mental balance, her new single also balances the profound lyrics with an intricate melody. With shimmering electronics, funky bass and jazzy guitars creating a warm, genre-spanning sound, it’s her unique R&B-laced vocals using her words to advocate neurodiversity that make this luscious jam unforgettable.

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In The Spotlight

Alex Slay – “Deep End”

Hailing from Ocala, this self-taught singer, songwriter, musician and producer won a local talent show and was offered the opportunity to tour the world on a cruise ship. Grown up with classic R&B and soul legends such as Stevie Wonder and Teddy Pendergrass, he’s also influenced by modern soul from Allen Stone and Justin Timberlake. He debuted his own soul/R&B blend on “Outlier” in 2019.

Incorporating a flavorful 80s R&B vibe into his sparkling contemporary production, his new single is as laid-back as it is exciting. Starting with a bubbly retro synth, the track soon embraces an infectious funky groove. With lively handclaps and a relentless bouncy bassline bulking out the rich instrumentation, it’s his smooth vocals that make this R&B jam delicious, funkalicious and full of sonic zest.

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