In The Spotlight

Johnny Stimson – “Flower”

This Dallas, TX native singer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter not only managed to get his music used in TV shows like The Vampire Diaries and Trophy Wife, but got himself a live show booked in London and got noticed by Elton John. Influenced by the likes of Sam Cooke, Michael Jackson and Frank Ocean, he forged an eclectic pop sound with a sense of soul and debuted with “So Good” in 2015.

His latest single is a buttery smooth slice of soulful R&B with an organic vulnerability and sheer beauty. Shaping a sensual soundscape with a mild rhythm, gentle electric guitar and velvety harmonies, it’s his silky, infatuating vocals, singing about life’s moments that are so perfect you just want them to last, that take this tune, waters it and make it bloom into a rainbow of magical, aural colors.

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In The Spotlight

Mataya – “Fine China”

Born into a musical family, growing up surrounded by the live music scene and having started singing and playing violin aged 4, this Australian songstress has music in her veins. As a teen she added piano and songwriting to her skillset and worked with various Australian artists, like Hermitude and Thundermentals. She’s played festivals like Groovin’ The Moo and Electrica Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas.

Her debut single serves up her delectable blend of jaunty jazz, classic soul and 90s R&B in a brew of hot vintage stock, seasoned with contemporary spices. The first taste has the smooth aroma of laidback piano and her silky voice, but the second spoonful adds a bit of a kick with a punchy beat, heavenly backing vocals and jovial synths, giving this musical dish an assortment of auditory flavors.

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In The Spotlight

INDIANA – “Sweet Things”

Born in Leicestershire, UK, Lauren Henson took her stage name in memory of her late father who was an avid Indiana Jones fan. She started writing songs in 2010 on her sisters piano she was storing for her. After uploading one of those songs to YouTube, she got noticed by John Beck who wrote songs for Tasmin Archer and Corinne Bailey Rae. She released her debut single “Blind As I Am” in 2012.

Driven by a punchy electro beat and sleek, shimmering synths, her latest single is overflowing with easygoing, 80s-inspired buttery-smooth grooves. Dipped in auditive neon pastels, the chill melodic soundwaves carry her sultry, honey-soaked vocals to a, slightly Sade-touched, harmonious synthesis. Blending the 80s electro sounds with a modern production, it is packed with sweet things.

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In The Spotlight

Marqueal Jordan – “It’s All Up To You”

This highly talented, Chicago-based vocalist and multi-instrumentalist has been delving into his vast melange of musical genres for over 20 years. As a member of Brian Culbertson’s band, he and his saxophone gifted the jazz world his melodic virtuosity. He shared the stage with legends such as Peabo Bryson, Aretha Franklin and Lalah Hathaway. In 2013 he released his debut album “Catalyst”.

Taken from his latest album “Intention & Purpose”, this track is a sultry, soul-infused smooth groove. The gentle rhythm and his bewitching, velvety saxophone tones set the scene for his sexy, satiny and soulful vocals to create the soft, flickering glow of the candlelit, rose thrown atmosphere of impassioned romance and an enamored serenity to hold your loved one close and slow dance to.

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In The Spotlight

LOU’ANA – “Eye To Eye”

Hailing from New Zealand, this Auckland-based singer and songwriter has been a part of the lively local music scene for 6 years. She’s performed all over the country as part of funk group Hipstamatics and Two Many Chiefs and supported jazz act Andrew Faleatua and electro outfit Sola Rosa. With a vivid fusion of sweet soul and gritty blues, she’s headlining the Waiheke Jazz Festival later this month.

Adding a haunting atmosphere to her debut solo single, this song combines jazz, pop and a touch of South-American flair into a spell-binding brew of auditory witchcraft. With enchanting keys, an enthralling rhythm and hypnotic handclaps conjuring the mythical melody, it’s her Amy Winehouse-touched vocals filled with esoteric grit and mesmeric magic, that will put you under her spell.

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In The Spotlight

Jake Najor & The Moment Of Truth – “High Costa Living”

You can hear the R&B, funk or hiphop beats of this San Diego native drummer on bounteous recordings over the past twenty years. He’s contributed to recordings of a plethora of artists, like Raphael Saadiq, Kelis and De La Soul to name but a few. Now, he himself has been searching for gifted West-Coast funk musicians to create an album filled with soulful stylishness and powerful raw funk jams.

The first single, taken from their resulting debut album “In The Cut”, is an exhilarating explosion of funkadelic proportions. Jake’s incredibly infectious rhythm drives the rugged, 70s-soaked funk sounds of sprightly wah-wah guitars, vibrant Hammond organ and the potent brass section into a hard-hitting, funkalicious powerhouse in which the vocal grit of MixMaster Wolf feels right at home.

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