In The Spotlight

Castella – “So Glad I Met You”

Born Cathy Rebecca Crowell in Long Beach, this velveteen vocalist and songwriter has been singing her entire life, be it in church choirs, in groups or a soloist. Her moniker was chosen as a tribute to her grandmother. Inspired by powerful female voices, such as Phyllis Hyman, Aretha Franklin and Minnie Riperton, she debuted her ear-stroking R&B/jazz blend on her single “No Ordinary Love” in 2020.

Fusing touches of 80s pop and 60s soul, doused in a tasty layer of infectious funkiness, her new single is an opulent, vintage-dipped smooth groove. It’s the sparkling keys, mellow guitars and gentle percussion that provide the perfect foundation for the sultry trumpet tones of Willie Bradley. And with her warm vocals singing about falling in love at first sight, you’ll definitely be glad you met her!

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In The Spotlight

Arthur Lewis – “Hello Love”

The epitome of multi-talented, this singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has firmly been in the centre of the entertainment world for a long time. Be it as a member of the rap improv comedy group Freestyle Love Supreme, a session vocalist/musician or in his live show with rapper Joél Leon, he gained respect from the likes of Lin-Manuel Miranda. He debuted with his 2008 solo EP “If We Were”.

Flaming like red-hot funkalicious lava, his first new solo single in 13 years is an exuberant brew of exultant funk and joyous classic soul. With a well-seasoned, relentless rhythm, a spicy bassline and scorching horns, he managed to crossover 60s, 70s and 80s tones into an intoxicating potpourri of funkiness. And with his jubilant vocal chops radiating infectious fun, this jam is a very welcome return.

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In The Spotlight

Devan – “Without You”

Born in Toronto, this Canadian singer and songwriter spent her early childhood in London, immersed in the rich, British cultural scene. She began to play guitar and dreams of a musical future emerged. Back in Canada she started performing live, both solo and as a member of the band Wild Rivers. Inspired by varied artists like Billie Eilish and Fleetwood Mac, she debuted with “Almost” in 2020.

Wrapping her personal lyrics about an ex that tries to win her back now her dreams are coming true in a warm and elegant pop blanket, her new single is radiating a wealth of charm and style. Initially keeping it simple with a gentle guitar and her sumptuous vocals, the song soon comes to live with a beefy rhythm. Giving modern production a slight retro edge, this luscious jam is utterly spellbinding.

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In The Spotlight

Charleon – “Take A Chance”

Based in Amsterdam, this Dutch DJ, dance-producer and musician grew up in a musical family, which inspired him to learn classical piano, pop guitar and clarinet at a young age. At the age of 11 he fell in love with the saxophone. His career started busking with his older brother and lead to playing European clubs like Escape in Amsterdam and PRYZM in Leeds. He debuted with “Lion Hearts” in 2017.

Giving the bright sun a joyful smile, his new single blends intoxicating dance vibes with delicious tropical flavors. Infectious from the very first note, it’s the sunlit piano, the sizzling beat and cheeky fingersnaps that make this effervescent tune a sparkling sonic cocktail. And with his jovial vocals surfing the blistering soundwaves, he douses the catchy dance beats in sweltering summertime tones.

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In The Spotlight

Madison Olds – “If You Wanna”

Hailing from Kamloops, BC, this bubbly Canadian singer and songwriter was born into a very musical family. She started dancing at 4 and began taking singing seriously aged 12. Inspired by Julia Michaels, Ed Sheeran and Billie Eilish, she debuted her gritty and honest alt-pop sound on her 2017 single “Moments In The Mountains” and went on to open for the likes of Willie Nelson and Kacey Musgraves.

Instantly drawing you in with her slightly country vocals over an infectious funky bass, her new single is a junction where several sonic influences meet. Taken from her new EP “Drowning In My Thoughts”, the tune slowly builds up element by element. From handclaps and finger snaps to fiery drums and a buoyant production, this invigorating groove is brimming with a virulent contemporary bounce.

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In The Spotlight

Kara Frazier – “I Wanna Be Your Woman”

Raised in Jacksonville, this Nashville-based songstress began singing and songwriting aged 10, surrounded by the classic soul of Nina Simone and Etta James. Growing up in church and a divided home, she infuses her lyrics with tales of her complicated past. Influenced by the vocals of Adele and Amy Winehouse, she debuted her lavish classic soul, organic pop and jazz fusion on “Deliver Me” in 2018.

Accompanied by the funkalicious horns of The Aquaducks, her new single celebrates the sumptuous classic soul sound of the 50s and 60s. With a sultry melody of mellow drums, retro organ and rousing brass creating a steamy atmosphere, she narrates her heartfelt story with passion and pizzazz. And with a silky and sensuous sax solo, this soulful tune sounds like a long lost gem from yesteryear.

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