In The Spotlight

The Burroughs – “Love And Unity”

Hailing from Colorado, this dynamic nine-piece band has been going from strength to strength since 2013. Primarily a live band, their electrifying show excites audiences into a revival-like frenzy. Inspired by the likes of Stevie Wonder and Parliament Funkadelic, their sweaty soul sound is steeped in classic soul and a multitude of funky grooves. They debuted with a self-titled EP in 2014.

Taking a leaf out of the book of funk from the 70s, their new single preaches the need for love and unity in this world. The acoustic instrumentation gives it a vintage feel, from the lively beat, via the classic wah-wah guitars, to the exalting blazing brass. With an invigorating, driving vibe and a salubrious vivacity, this zesty dancefloor filler creates an infectious and flamboyant funkalicious party.

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In The Spotlight

Hedda Mae – “Pride Goes Before A Fall”

Born as Hedda Grønberg in Bergen, this 21 year young Norwegian singer and songwriter was a kid who never stopped singing. With a style already likened to artists such as Zara Larsson, Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars, she shaped an exuberant and infectious pop vibe with a touch of mild funk. Working with producer Benjamin Giørtz of Kids Astray fame, she’s now ready to take on the world.

Sprightly and colorful, her debut single splashes some high-spirited ambience all over the pop soundscape. A playful, almost cheeky melody of jaunty keys and an understated retro guitar teases the listener at the start, but its delicious pop and funk blend truly comes to life in the chorus. Mixing the vintage fusion with peppy, early 00s harmonies, this is one debut she can be very proud of.

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In The Spotlight

Callie Young – “Problematic”

This youthful pop singer and songwriter from Phoenix started writing and performing her own original songs aged 10. Over time she has fronted a rock band called Lighthouse, sang the national anthem at several hockey and baseball games and competed on talent shows like The Voice and American Idol. Likened to Billie Eilish, Lorde and Taylor Swift, she debuted with “Back-Up Plan” in 2019.

Inspired by bad relationship experiences, her new single fuses a virulent melody with impassioned lyricism. With a fervent rhythm, fiery guitars and an avid bassline creating an ear-tingling contemporary pop soundscape, it’s her fierce, Katy Perry-dipped vocals, chronicling her romantic disappointments, that draw you in. Torrid, rousing and yet emotive, this catchy pop tune will resonate in your ears.

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In The Spotlight

Ryan Hamilton & The Harlequin Ghosts – “Can I Get An Amen”

Based near Fort Worth, Texas, this rocking singer and songwriter first found success with the band Smile Smile, before releasing his solo album “Hell Of A Day” in 2015. In 2017, joined by two UK-based band members called The Traitors, they released “The Devil’s In The Detail”. Now signed to Steven Van Zandt’s label Wicked Cool and under a new moniker, they dropped “This Is The Sound” in 2019.

Co-written by Stevie Van Zandt, their new single takes some 80s-touched roots-rock and dips it into a splash of gospel. Slightly reminiscent of the sound of Tom Petty, the potent beat bounces on the guitar-heavy melody, while his raw, passionate vocals tackle the struggles of being raised in church, but not following that path. Giving retro rock a spiritual edge, this gets an amen and a hallelujah.

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In The Spotlight

Ron Velvet – “Do You Want To?”

Born as Ron Nery Jr., this multi-talented Filipino-American singer and songwriter is an actor and dancer, as well as a musician. In the limelight since childhood, he danced competitively for UC Riverside’s 909 Hip-Hop Dance Troupe and was able to open for the likes of Busta Rhymes and E-40. Influenced by neo-funk artists like Justin Timberlake and Bruno Mars, he released his debut EP “Velvet” in 2019.

Weaving a retro funk thread through a contemporary sonic tapestry, his new single is a vitalizing fusion of classic and modern. Instantly enticing with its catchy rhythm and playful keys, it bursts to life in the groovy chorus. While singing about choosing reconciliation over meaningless games, it’s his fresh vocals that make this an upbeat funkalicious dancefloor filler you definitely want.

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In The Spotlight

Calyco – “Flo”

Reintroducing the legacy of the famous 90s all-girl groups, this quintet of pop/R&B vocalists from the UK take it to new heights. They got together in 2019 and created their name from the letters in the names of the five members CAt, CaroLe, tYger, Chloe and rOni. They write their own material, as well as perform their favorite covers, mixing modern pop music with old school classics.

Debuting their first, self-penned single, they took the girl power from yore, gave it a modern twist and then dipped it in a sweet and suave funky vibe. With a smooth retro rhythm and playful keys creating oscillating soundwaves, it’s their perfectly matched velveteen harmonies that gentle bob along on the delectable melodic ocean, giving this ear-stroking debut an enchanting aural ebb and flow.

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