In The Spotlight

Benjamin Fro – “Tired Of Waiting”

Born and raised in Amsterdam, this Dutch singer, rapper and wordsmith spent his teenage years on stage as part of the band PLeaSe. In 2017 he changed paths and presented his first Dutch-language solo album “Praten Over Leven”. Influenced by artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Chance The Rapper and Noname, he released his groovy sound with social-critical lyrics on his second album “Behave” in 2018.

Creating an engaging track in which a plethora of diverse genres effortlessly flow together, his new single sounds both nostalgic and fresh. Whereas the electric guitars, that instantly greet you, may give you a 70s rock vibe, the verse induces images of 80s pop. With an ear-pleasing, roadtrip-ready chorus, he chronicles the course of online dating and this tune surely makes us want to swipe right.

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In The Spotlight

Anna Bea – “The Art Of Not Falling Apart”

Born in London into a musical family with a singing mum who performed with Steve Winwood and Beverley Knight and a singer/songwriter sister, this British songstress has had singing lessons since she was 11. Currently studying history in Bristol, she immersed herself in the bustling local music scene. Influenced by the likes of Billy Joel and Sara Bareilles, she debuted with “Bleeding Heart” in 2020.

The exquisite production and slightly haunting melody of her new single highlights the sheer volume of her copious talent. Delicate where needed, with a mellow piano and smooth harmonies and sweeping where it can, with infectious Spanish guitar strums and rolling drums, this gem is captivating from the very first note. And with her remarkable vocal artistry, this tune is pure musical magic.

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In The Spotlight

Tomode – “Golden Retriever”

Finding a joint love for funk and disco, this Swedish duo found the definitive blend of 70s glitter and modern Scandinavian pop. Carl Leanderson and Viktor Westerberg draw inspiration from artists ranging from Daft Punk and Robyn to George Duke and Earth, Wind & Fire. Still working regular 9 to 5 jobs, they debuted their funk-pop stylings with their disco-dipped single “Destiny No. 20” in 2020.

Glistening with the sound of gleaming synths, their new single is soaked in summery, neon 80s vibes. Bursting with elated retro pop waves, invoking images of a sunlit roadtrip down the coastline, it’s the invigorating drums, scintillating keys and optimistic lyricism, that makes this groove truly sparkle. Filled with the playfulness and joy of its namesake, this jam radiates a happiness-inducing glow.

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In The Spotlight

The Rungs – “Not In Love”

When this duo met in Ithica NY, Diwas was a guitarist in a psychedelic rock band and Mandy was studying botany. Soon however, they were writing songs together and playing shows around town. Inspired by 90s indie rock and 80s synthpop, they’ve created an uniquely refreshing strain of pop by layering electric guitars with analogue synths. They released their debut single “BFF” in 2015.

Dealing with the difficult question of how to break it to someone that you’re just not in love with them, their new single takes your heart on an emotional journey. Forging a dreamy soundscape with hypnotic vocals to slowly put your ears under its spell, the track soon slides into an 80s synth-pop touched realm. With her enchanting voice and sparkling synths, this is a mesmerizing and luscious gem.

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In The Spotlight

Raina Sokolov-Gonzalez – “Better For You”

Based in Brooklyn, this intoxicating singer and songwriter was born into a family of professional musicians and grew up surrounded by jazz, R&B and soul from an early age. With her unique cross-genre sound and lyrical poetry, she opened for artists like Starchild & The New Romantic and worked with jazz composer William Parker, both on stage and on his albums. She debuted with “Unarmed” in 2018.

Brewing an auditory blend of various musical leaves, her new single is the warm sonic beverage you crave. While stirring smooth R&B with rhythmic jazz and infusing it with some Latin flavors, it’s the mellow keys, swinging bossa-nova rhythm and her fierce, alluring vocals singing about empowerment, that make this sexy jam sound like you’re in a smoky bar on a swampy New Orleans evening.

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In The Spotlight

NevilleSounds – “Don’t Stop Rolling”

Born as Aaron Kieran Neville, this London-born singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist created a one-of-a-kind blend of pop, rock and classic soul. Inspired by some his favourite, genre-spanning, artists, ranging from Prince and Stevie Wonder to Pearl Jam and Faith No More, he shaped a vibrant, compelling soundscape. He debuted with his ironically named single “Ending Scene” in 2019.

Giving the old-school Motown vibes their well-deserved pride of place, his new single still manages to trim the classic sound with contemporary hues. With an upbeat rhythm, bouncy bass and retro horns transporting your ears back to the swinging 60s, the ascending chorus and his deep, emotive vocals, chronicling trying to make it as an artist, add some modernity to this vintage soul banger.

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