In The Spotlight

The Devonns – “Tell Me”

Hailing from the streets of Chicago, this quartet draws influences from the vintage soul sound of bands like The Dramatics and The Isley Brothers, while adding a modern, Jamie Lidell and Raphael Saadiq-like twist. Formed in 2016, singer Mat Ajjarapu initially wanted to focus on 50s-style doo-wop, but found their niche in 60s and 70s soul. They debuted their nostalgic sound on “Come Back” in 2018.

Sounding like a long lost treasure from a Motown or Stax vault, their new single celebrates the heyday of Chicago soul. With a bouncy rhythm and a refreshing tambourine driving the melody, it’s joined by playful piano and rousing horns. Taken from their upcoming self-titled debut album, expected on April 3rd, it’s the vintage feel, the slick vocals and sizzling sax solo that makes this a soul-soaked delight.

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In The Spotlight

Jenny JAM – “Better Than You”

This London-born multi-talented artist has earned her stripes as a singer, songwriter, actor and model. Inspired to write songs after a series of traumatic events, she’s channeling her experiences through her lyricism. Now based in Los Angeles, her wide-ranging influences include The Rolling Stones and Amy Winehouse, blending jazz, soul, blues and rock. She debuted with “Morning Bottle” in 2019.

Driven by an invigorating beat and a bracing bassline, her new single is a retro blast of rhythm and empowerment. Chronicling an abusive relationship and finding the strength to break free from it, her compelling, soul-dripping vocals add some fiery moxie to the 60s-dipped jazzy tune. And with the vibrant vitality of the brazen brass, this energetic jam exudes honesty and confidence.

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In The Spotlight

Dennis DeYoung – “East Of Midnight”

Famed as founder of the 70s rock band Styx, this award-winning eclectic singer, songwriter and musician has been a staple of the music scene since 1961. With Styx he wrote and performed a plethora of hits since 1970, like “Mr. Roboto” and their number one hit “Babe”. His first solo outing was in 1984 with his album “Desert Moon”. He left Styx in 1999 and has released several solo albums since.

Co-written by Jim Peterik of The Ides Of March, his new single is a vintage melodic rock masterpiece. Taken from his upcoming album “26 East, Vol. 1”, expected to drop on April 10, the bombastic and anthemic arrangement of the howling guitars, searing synths and even a church organ takes your ears on an auditory trip of a lifetime. And with fervid vocals, this retro rocker redefines the term genius.

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In The Spotlight

Chynna Lewis – “Mind And Soul”

Toronto-based, this Taiwanese-Canadian vocalist and songwriter was born in Taiwan and moved to Canada aged 10. Growing up in a musical family, she found her own singing voice through the soul and R&B of legends like Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin and at 15 started writing original material. She’s performed with the likes of Ed Sheeran and July Black and opened for Bobby McFerrin.

Delicate, luscious and vulnerable, her sumptuous debut single is a honeyed hive of sheer emotion. With a mellow rhythm, ethereal synths and contrasting tambourine laying down the smooth groove, it’s her silken, angelic vocals and velvety harmonies which give your soul a comforting warmth. And with an alluring sensuality and irresistible charm, this is teeming with vintage sentiment.

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In The Spotlight

The Sensational Barnes Brothers – “Trying To Go Home”

Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, the brothers Chris and Courtney Barnes were born into a musical family. Their dad Calvin “Duke” Barnes was a solo artist, whereas their mom Deborah sang backup for Ray Charles. Combining the sounds of their youth, they managed to add a fresh touch to their late 60s-styled gospel/soul sound. They released their debut album “Nobody’s Fault But My Own” in 2019.

Taken from that eponymous album, their new single sounds like a celestial slice of spiritual splendor. Dipped in divine, sixties jubilance, they take an invigorating beat and exalted horns to tickle your soul, get you up from the pews and rejoicing in blessed euphoria. Sounding like a long lost groove and with their seraphic vocal harmonies stroking your ears, this jam deserves a glorious hallelujah.

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In The Spotlight

TOPS – “Colder And Closer”

Formed in 2011 after the disbandment of the synthpop group Silly Kissers, this Canadian quartet from Montreal has seen some line-ups changes since their inception. Currently they consist of Jane Penny, David Carriere, Riley Fleck and Marta Cikojevic. Inspired by eclectic sounds from Prefab Sprout to Sade, they debuted their vintage-touched rock on their acclaimed album “Tender Opposites” in  2012.

Splashing the soundwaves with an alluring neon shimmer, their new single feels like stepping into a crisp 80s pop shower. Released as the third single from their upcoming album “I Feel Alive”, expected on April 3rd, the scintillating synths rain down on the sleek rhythm, while the satiny, ethereal vocals enchant every single sonic drop. With a retro warmth, this is a lavish sprinkling of refreshing pop.

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