In The Spotlight

PREP – “Pictures Of You”

This unlikely quartet, consisting of a hip-hop producer, a classical composer, a house DJ and a singer/songwriter, got together in 2015 in order to explore a mix of modern and vintage sounds. Inspired by the likes of Steely Dan, Michael McDonald and Bobby Caldwell, they fuse funk, R&B and jazz into a melting-pot of pop. Playing with a 6-piece band, their debut show sold out within the week.

Dipping their funky synths in glorious West-Coast sun, their new single is sweltering, luscious and gleaming with sonic bliss. Lyrically rather apt in the current situation, Tom Havelock is singing about a person you keep thinking about but can’t be with. While the bass line tickles, the mellow rhythm pulls and the synths sizzle, this beaming groove is a picture of summery rays of smooth jazzy funk.

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In The Spotlight

Yard Arms – “Mantra”

Hailing from the heart of the creative diversity of Bristol, this British duo, consisting of Noah Villeneuve and Billy Golding, got together in 2018. Inspired by the music of the likes of Death Cab For Cutie, The Cure and Radiohead, they forged their own taste of melancholic pop. They debuted with their EP “Maiden” in 2018, catching the attention of national radio and press such as BBC Introducing and NME.

Described as a triumphant love letter to the anxious, their new single finds a balance between emotion, anthemic pop and summer time sun. Some sweltering synths and crisp electronic guitar licks guide the pulsating melody, giving it a slight 80s coating, while the strength of Noah’s emotive, hypnotic vocals lead you by the ear to a riveting guitar solo and make this pop groove music’s new mantra.

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Debbie Nunn – “World On My Shoulders”

Described by her fans as the British Dolly Parton, this Buckinghamshire-based country girl combines her fun personality with a stunning voice. Her 2005 debut album “Always In My Heart” earned her three nominations at the British Country Music Awards. She recorded her next album “Here For You” in Nashville with Grammy winner Larry Franklin. Now independent, her music is still soaring.

Although she wrote it when she was going through some rough times, her new single radiates some foot-tappin’ country vibes. An exhilarating beat, joyous electric guitars and a playful fiddle blend together into a spirited melody, while her happiness-inducing, joyful pipes line-dance over the cheery notes. She sonically turned a challenging time in her life into pure positivity and good ol’ fashioned fun.

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In The Spotlight

Cally Rhodes – “Downfalls”

Inspired by the music of Kate Bush and Fleetwood Mac and having grown up surrounded by music, this Welsh singer and songwriter creates honest, catchy pop songs about love. She debuted with “Anyone But You” in 2018, but it was her second single “System” that got the music scene buzzing. Labelled BBC Introducing Artist Of The Week in 2018, her music has been played on national radio and TV.

Forging a mystical electronic soundscape, her new single sprinkles some contemporary magic on the tune. Using a simple bass strum and bouncy beat to accompany her alluring airy vocals, asking a potential lover to accept both her good and bad sides, it leads into a lively, upbeat and very infectious chorus. With high-spirited vibes beaming from the modern melody, this is a refreshing pop groove.

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Dirty Loops – “Rock You”

Hailing from Stockholm, the three members of this funky Swedish band are long-time friends and music school classmates. Consisting of Jonah Nilsson, Henrik Linder and Aron Mellergardh, they started releasing their own take on famous songs in 2010. They can count artists like Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder and Adam Levine among their famous fans. In 2014 they released their debut album “Loopified”.

Getting back after focusing on solo endeavors for a few years, their new single is bursting with highly infectious funkalicious energy. Brimming with classic melodies, from the bouncy bassline to the insanely skillful percussion, this exhilarating funk fiesta has the power to lift anyone’s spirit. And with red-hot blazing brass and Stevie Wonder-touched vocals, this vibrant  jam is full of good clean funk.

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In The Spotlight

VYO – “Born To Die”

Born in sunny Nice, this glamorous French vocalist and songwriter has been singing since she was a child. She decided to write her songs in English as she loved the way it sounds. Inspired by Lianne La Havas, Stevie Wonder and Dua Lipa, she created a groovy pop sound. She initially wrote songs for others, but as a desire for self-expression grew she debuted with her single “Our Chemistry” in 2019.

Giving off a spellbinding chill vibe, her new single fuses influences from a multitude of genres. With a sprinkling of jazz, a smidgen of R&B and a pinch of pop, there is something for every ear in this deliciously airy sonic jam. The mellow guitar shines bright, the easygoing percussion adds a soft bounce and her velvety smooth vocals dance across the notes, making this a tune that is born to please.

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