In The Spotlight

Josiah Hawley – “Gonna Let You Go”

Hailing from Fort Smith, Arkansas, this American singer and songwriter only had one dream: a career in music. He absorbed the claymation Motown series The California Raisins, as well as The Blues Brothers. As a teenager he was writing pop/rock songs, but his music study steered him back to his R&B roots. In 2013 he became a finalist on The Voice and released a festive single “Now It’s Christmas”.

With an energetic, retro bounce and invigorating instrumentation, his new single produces kilowatts of soul-infused electricity. From the driving rhythm and lively guitar strums to the perky organ and bustling handclaps, every element adds to its voltaic juice. And with his vigorous vocal blend sparking even more power, this is one fully charged tune you just don’t want to let go.

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In The Spotlight

Blackbird – “Tell Your Mama”

Born as Merel Koman, this Dutch nightingale grew up with varied musical inspirations, ranging from Michael Jackson and John Denver, to Alanis Morissette. She studied jazz and pop in Utrecht, after which she immersed herself in the vibrant music scene of Amsterdam. Influenced by the likes of Joni Mitchell, Lianne La Havas and John Mayer, she released her debut EP “One Of The Wild Ones” in 2018.

Coated in a dramatic, cinematic soundscape, her new single is a passionate nostalgic voyage to the swinging sixties. Electrifying electric guitar strums, vivid plucks, infectious beat and western-like violins blend together into an almost graphic melodious vibe, while her fierce, Nancy Sinatra-reminiscent vocals tell the lyrical story you definitely want to run home for and tell mama all about.

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In The Spotlight

Brae Leni – “Make Sho'”

Hailing from Little Rock, Arkansas, this multi-talented musician is more than a singer and songwriter. He is also a DJ, owner of a professional recording studio and manager of his own handpicked band. Created in 2012 as SOULUTION, they’re now known as The Blackout. Influenced by the greats like The Temptations, Marvin Gaye and John Legend, his soulful creativity knows no bounds.

Pumping some serious discolicious vibes from the glitterball grooves, his new single is made for endless dancefloor fun. Dipped in glorious 70s rays, it kicks off with some funkalicious guitar strums and a punchy beat, which are driven by a bouncy bass line. With his suave, soul-soused vocals and the exhilarating electric guitar solo, this funky tune is filled with passionate, vintage glitz.

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In The Spotlight

Nina June – “Raven’s Feather”

This Amsterdam-based, award-winning Dutch songstress grew up immersed in the diverse musical tastes of her parents, ranging from Tracy Chapman and Annie Lennox to The Beatles and Fleetwood Mac. In 2018 she debuted with her album “Bon Voyage”, for which she walked the 1000km Camino de Santiago in search of inspiration. Early 2019 she signed with Canadian independent label Nettwerk.

Painting a melancholic picture of an intricate soundscape of outstanding beauty, her new single is a sultry, enchanting spell. Taken from her upcoming EP “Shadows & Riddles”, to be released on November 1st, she skillfully handles her musical paintbrush, slowly adding an understated rhythm and electronic elements to her alluring voice and creating an entrancing masterpiece.

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In The Spotlight

Kristopher James – “Love You Better”

Growing up with musical blood in his veins, this singer, songwriter and musician from Bradenton, Florida created a slew of mixtapes with music ranging from Boyz II Men to Garth Brooks at a young age. However, sitting behind a drumset as a teen fired a desire for more. He taught himself guitar and piano and found his niche Americana-Soul sound. He released his debut EP “Movement” in 2013.

Taken from his first, full-length album “Kindness Never Quits”, his new single is an incredible amalgamation of delicious sounds. With a touch of gospel and a melodious retro trip back to the golden age of Motown and Stax from the vitalizing rhythm, playful tambourine, lively bass line and bracing brass framing his mighty, soul-drenched vocals, this is a shining slice of delectable, salubrious soul.

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In The Spotlight

Randa & The Soul Kingdom – “Put your Hands Up”

Introducing funkalicious West-Australian vintage soul, this sextet, fronted by soul sister Randa Khamis, has put their high-octane sound on two albums and have been playing festivals across Australia and Europe with their high-energy live performances. Likened to legends such as Marva Whitney or Ann Sexton, her music was featured in UK’s “Skins” and on Bakermat’s 2018 track “Do Your Thing”.

Following the success of their previous single “2048”, which got nominated for the West Australian Music Song Of The Year award, their new single takes their buoyant grooves to a new funky dimension. With rip-roaring funk guitars, bouncy bass line, erupting horns and her soul-drenched powerhouse vocals tickling your musical fancy, this will have you sliding across the dancefloor in no time.

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