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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In The Spotlight

Mia Mormino – “Stick Up”

Fully immersing herself in her first love, dance, from the age of 3, this Californian singer and songwriter devoted 15 years of her life competing in dancing competitions. After that life caused depression she turned to her other life-long passion – music. Inspired by the artistry of Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande and Beyoncé, she debuted her one-of-a-kind R&B/pop fusion on her single “Conflicted” in 2018.

Hands up and ears open, cause her new single is about to titillate your senses. Pushing the R&B/pop elements to the background in favour of some more vintage touches, it becomes a joyous amalgam. With a touch of classic jazz, a taste of soul and a dollop of burlesque vibes, it’s the playful piano, sprightly rhythm, whimsical horns and her flirtatious vocals, that’ll make this jam stick in your head.

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In The Spotlight

French Braids – “Shady”

Hailing from Toronto, Canadian electronic musician and producer Sean Fisher studied jazz piano at Havana’s Escuela Nacional Del Arte. Upon his return to Canada, he started a full-time career scoring film and TV shows. He went into artist production, notably for Jazz Cartier and remixed songs for the likes of Zara Larsson and Mansionair. Under his new alias, he debuted with “Wildfire” in 2017.

Infusing his unique blend of soulful, electronic music with elements of various styles and genres, his new single creates a dreamy soundscape filled with earstroking ingredients. From the mellow bossa nova guitar to the electronic rhythm, it forges a feel of sweet nostalgia. And with his easygoing, jazzy vocals, this enticingly luscious smooth groove is brimming with heavenly chill-out vibes.

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In The Spotlight

Sansha – “Dream Dancer”

Born as Francesca Lewis in London to a drama teacher dad and a music teacher mum, this British singer, songwriter and musician was classically trained on the violin and trumpet as a child. She now creates electronic music in her bedroom, inspired by 70s bands, disco and current DJ’s such as DJ Koze and Caribou. She debuted her skillful aural fusion and lyrical flair on her 2017 single “Gonna Be”.

Looking forward to meeting up with her friends after lockdown, as well as the arrival of her brother’s baby, her new single captures her anticipation in an electronic disco soundscape. Keeping the instrumentation simple with layered synths and a catchy rhythm, it’s her Lily Allen-touched vocals that add a dash of magic to this soothing, retro-infused tune and forges a bright, dreamy ambience.

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In The Spotlight

Aleem – “Bad Habits”

Born with a natural musicality, this Chicago-native singer and songwriter first showed his artistry playing drums on pots and pans aged 5. Before the age of 12, he was writing his own songs. Next to the drums, he also plays guitar. Since he’s supported artists like Fifth Harmony and Little Mix on tour. Inspired by The Script and Mat Kearney, he debuted his R&B tinged pop sound on “Find Out” in 2016.

Chronicling a story of being addicted to an unhealthy relationship, his new single uses a boisterous indie-rock melody to accompany the honest, relatable lyrics. With a relentlessly infectious beat and rich, euphonic guitar riffs latching on to your eardrums, it’s his charismatic vocals that worm their way into your heart. Filled with a sonic passion and verve, this jam is one habit you want to keep.

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